Administrative Appointments for CMCSS Schools

Sherry Baker selected principal at Liberty Elementary School

Sherry Baker began her career with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School system in 1993 serving as both a third and fourth grade teacher at East Montgomery Elementary School. Ms. Baker has been an assistant principal of East Montgomery Elementary School since 2010, serving in various leadership roles to advance student achievement. She is a graduate of the district’s Aspiring Administrators Academy and the Leadership Assessment Academy.

Priscilla Story, Director of Elementary Schools shared, “Sherry’s enthusiasm and passion for students and teachers has made her a great choice for Liberty Elementary. Her successful experiences in the classroom and as an assistant principal have prepared her for this next step in her career and in this district.”

Ms. Baker received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bethel College, Cum Laude and a Masters of Arts in Education-Administration and Supervision from Austin Peay State University in 1998.

Evelyn Martinez appointed principal at Kenwood Middle School

Director of Schools Mike Harris has appointed Evelyn Martinez as the principal of Kenwood Middle School. She will replace Bart Dixon who will be serving as an assistant principal at Northeast Middle School at the conclusion of this year.

Mr. Harris stated, “One of the keys to school success is having high energy, and Evelyn possesses just that. Also, having the support and trust of her staff at Kenwood Middle School will serve her well.”

Martinez has served as assistant principal of Kenwood Middle School and as CMCSS Summer School assistant principal. She joined CMCSS in 1996.

“I am very honored to have been chosen to lead Kenwood Middle School’s staff and faculty in the most important job: preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s future. I would like to thank the Central Office-Senior Leadership for entrusting the future of KMS in my hands. I am confident that together we will continue to transform our students’ future, as they become informed and productive members of society,” Mrs. Martinez shared.

Martinez holds a Master of Administration and Supervision from Austin Peay State University and Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of the Sacred Heart, San Juan, Puerto Rico. She played a key role as STEM Coordinator at Kenwood Middle in implementing the STEM pilot program for seventh and eighth grades and facilitated STEM trainings across the district.

Dr. Bryan Johnson new principal at Northwest High School

Director of Schools Mike Harris has appointed Dr. Bryan Johnson as the next principal for Northwest High School. He will replace Mr. Ed Stephens who has accepted another leadership role in the alternative school at the conclusion of this year.

Dr. Johnson has served as assistant principal and athletic director at West Creek High School, and as a special education teacher and head coach at Northeast High School. He joined CMCSS in 2007.

Mr. Harris stated, “Dr. Johnson has proven himself through hard work to be an excellent leader in our system. His knowledge of education will do much to advance student achievement. I am excited and believe he will be a great fit for Northwest.”

Dr. Johnson holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazerene University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belmont University as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from Austin Peay State University. Among his honors and distinctions, Dr. Johnson scored in top 15% of all test takers on Principles of Learning and Teaching (ETS). He also was a four- time Austin Peay State University letterman in football.

Assistant Principal Named for Kenwood High

Christopher Neidigh has been named assistant principal at Kenwood High School for the upcoming school year. His most recent experience was as principal at Somonauk High School in Illinois, where he has served for the past three years.

“I am truly honored and blessed to join an outstanding learning community,” Neidigh said. “I am impressed with the forward thought process and progressive vision of the district and look forward to meeting the students, staff, and parents of Kenwood High School.”

Neidigh has been a school administrator for seven years, including duties as an assistant principal at Prairie Central High School. He has worked in a variety of educational settings, serving student populations from 300 to 4,500 in both rural and suburban communities. He has taught high and middle school business and technology courses, coached football, basketball and baseball teams; and, he served on a number of education-related committees.

Outside the education arena, he has experience as a sales executive and operated a small business.

He earned his ED.S. in educational administration from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill., where he also received a B.S. in education. He earned his master’s in education degree in leadership and administration from Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill.

Elementary Assistant Principal Selection Announced for Rossview and West Creek

Karly Ward has been selected as an Assistant Principal to serve both West Creek and Rossview Elementary Schools. Ms. Ward holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Studies from Austin Peay State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Colorado Christian University. She contributes a strong set of skills and experience to the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Ward is currently serving as an elementary school teacher at Barkers Mill. Principal Rhonda Kennedy commented, “Mrs. Ward is earnest, resourceful, dynamic and honest. She is a true leader.”

Bonnie Digby named Assistant Principal of Minglewood Elementary School

Bonnie Digby has been a long-time educator with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System serving over 17 years in the district. She currently serves as the Special Education Consulting Teacher and has an immense portfolio of certifications and experiences leading intervention programs, gifted education and enrichment for Clarksville-Montgomery County students. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Austin Peay State University.

Nathan Lang appointed Assistant Principal of Northwest High School

Nathan Lang holds a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston-Victoria and a Bachelor of Arts in General Science-Chemistry from Harding University. He is currently completing his Doctor of Education and will graduate next summer. Mr. Lang has served as the Assistant Principal at Moore Magnet Elementary since 2010. Lang has played a key role in leading STEM integration at Moore and has facilitated STEM trainings across the district. Before coming to CMCSS, he began his career as a high school science teacher in Houston, TX and then became an Education Supervisor at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Michelle Rayle named Assistant Principal of West Creek High School

Michelle Rayle has been a long-time educator and instructional leader with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. She began her career in 1996 at Kenwood Elementary as a special education teacher and also served as an elementary principal at Byrns Darden for seven years. She currently divides her time as an assistant principal at both Northeast and Rossview High Schools. She holds an Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision, a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education with a Concentration in Mathematics, all earned from Austin Peay State University.

Michael Tharpe appointed Assistant Principal of West Creek High School

Michael Tharpe has a rich history as an educator with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System previously serving as an assistant principal of Rossview High, Clarksville High and Kenwood High Schools. In addition, he currently serves on the Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation Board of Directors. Tharpe holds a Master of Arts in Education, Administration and Supervision as well as a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, both from Austin Peay State University.