(RUTHERFORD COUNTY) Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced that the current Thurman Francis Arts Academy's Principal Jeff McCann has been named the next School Choice coordinator for Rutherford County Schools effective in November, 2023.

Since 2016, McCann has served as principal of Thurman Francis, an academic magnet school serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Smyrna. It is one of several choice schools offered by Rutherford County Schools.

“We are extremely excited about the wealth of experience Mr. McCann brings to this position and the future of school choice in Rutherford County,” said Dr. Kelly Chastain, RCS chief academic officer. “Our district is fortunate to already have incredible school choice options for parents and students, and I'm excited about Mr. McCann building on the work that’s already been started.”

The School Choice coordinator is responsible for working with the principals of the various choice schools offered by Rutherford County Schools to promote the programs to parents and facilitate enrollment applications. The position oversees the review team for charter school applications and serves as the liaison for any charter schools authorized by the school district. 

“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve Rutherford County Schools as the coordinator of choice and charter schools,” McCann said. “In my time as principal of Thurman Francis Arts Academy I have become passionate about the many choice school options our district has to offer Rutherford County families, and I pledge to continue to support and sustain those outstanding programs. My goal will also be to establish positive relationships with our charter schools, working together to serve the children in our community.”

McCann added: “I have been blessed to serve with the incredible staff, students, and families at Thurman Francis — a role I will always cherish. Thank you to Dr. Sullivan and RCS leadership for this opportunity.”

McCann is a veteran educator of 36 years and has served in multiple leadership positions. 

Prior to Thurman Francis, he served as the principal of LaVergne Lake Elementary School and the principal of Roy Waldron Elementary School, where he also served as assistant principal. As a teacher, he was the director of bands and general music teacher for many years at Roy Waldron and was an assistant director of bands and music teacher in Robertson County. 

A search for the next principal of Thurman Francis Arts Academy will begin immediately. McCann will begin his new role in early November.