Director of Schools Harry Gill has named Rick Powell the new principal of Smyrna High School and Chris Treadway the new principal of Rock Springs Middle School.
Former Smyrna principal Robert “Bud” Raikes and former Rock Springs principal Pat Essary both retired at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.
Powell has been an assistant principal at Smyrna High School since 1996 and started at the school in 1985 as a math and science teacher. Prior to coming to Smyrna High School, he taught at Roy Waldron Junior High School. He’s been with the district since 1975.
“Rick Powell has been at Smyrna High School since the 80s, he served as an assistant principal for many years under Mr. Raikes and he has a true love for the school,” Director Gill said. “It will be a smooth transition and one that will continue the great tradition of Smyrna High.”
Powell said he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the school.
“I want to thank Mr. Gill for giving me the privilege of serving as principal of Smyrna High School. We have a great school, students, parents, staff and administration. I'd also like to thank Mr. Raikes for allowing me the opportunity to work with him as an assistant principal to further the school's legacy of pride, tradition and excellence.”
Treadway has been with Rutherford County Schools for the past nine years. Most recently he served as an assistant principal at Rockvale Middle School, a position he held since the school opened three years ago. Prior to Rockvale, he taught math at Blackman Middle School and served as the head baseball coach at Blackman High School.
“Chris Treadway is a proven leader, and I feel strongly he can go in and help facilitate some changes at Rock Springs Middle that will assist us in getting it off the state's School Improvement list," Gill said. "We're going to do everything in our power to get the school back into good standing.”
Treadway is eager to take over the reins.
“I'm excited about the opportunity to join the faculty, the students, the parents and the community members to build upon the past successes of Rock Springs Middle School,” Treadway said.
Both appointments take effect immediately.
