John Sevier Middle School's Loudermilk Named Tennessee Principal of the Year

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced that John Sevier Middle School's Dr. Kyle Loudermilk has been named the 2022-23 Tennessee Principal of the Year at the December 6, 2022 Excellence in Education celebration held in Nashville.

"The journey through the Principal of the Year process has been a very humbling and honoring experience," said Dr. Kyle Loudermilk, John Sevier Middle School Principal. "I have enjoyed being able to reflect upon and share about the wonderful people that I have been blessed to work alongside in Kingsport City Schools. Any accolade or recognition is a direct highlight of the amazing work that takes place within KCS everyday!"

"We are incredibly excited and proud that Dr. Loudermilk has been recognized as Tennessee's top principal," said Dr. Chris Hampton, Kingsport City Schools Interim Superintendent. "His commitment to excellence and ensuring the very best for the students and educators in his school is evident in all he does. He is extremely deserving of this honor and we celebrate this accomplishment!"

Dr. Loudermilk previously served as principal at Andrew Jackson Elementary School when he was named the KCS 2022 Principal of the Year. In addition, he has previously served as an associate principal at Kennedy and Lincoln Elementary Schools, interim assistant principal at Robinson Middle School, associate principal at Sevier Middle School and is now principal at John Sevier Middle School.

Dr. Loudermilk has prioritized developing educator capacity and collaboration to increase student achievement, set high expectations, and progress toward closing the achievement gaps for all students. Additionally, Dr. Loudermilk implemented the district’s “Leader in Me” program, which promotes leadership, culture, and academics. Also, Dr. Loudermilk is an alumni of the Governor’s Academy for School Leaders program.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from East Tennessee State University, a Master's degree in Education Leadership and Administration from Union College (KY), an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University.

“Each of these individuals plays an essential role in public education in our state by helping to ensure their students receive the best possible education,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “I am inspired by the dedication of our outstanding education leaders across Tennessee, who prioritize the success of our students, educators, and state. Thank you for putting students first.”

The annual Principal of the Year award recognizes administrators who have helped provide educational opportunities for Tennessee students through leadership, programs, and vision. Nominations were accepted from the state’s school districts. Out of more than 60 applications, up to three regional semifinalists were identified by selection committees in each region, and the region-level finalists for each award were then selected by a state-level selection committee. Overall winners were identified from the finalists following a panel interview.

For information about the 2022-23 Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists, click here. For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,600 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.

For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Instagram (@kcs_district), Twitter (@KCS_District), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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