KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dr. Holly Flora, John Sevier Middle School Principal, has been named a 2016 Tennessee National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).  

Each year, the NAESP honors outstanding elementary and middle school administrators for setting high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for students, families, and staff in their learning communities. “This is an outstanding accomplishment for Dr. Flora and for Kingsport City Schools,” said Dr. Lyle Ailshie, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. “We applaud Dr. Flora’s leadership and dedication to KCS. We are fortunate to have her as an integral part of our leadership team.”

Flora is serving in her second year as principal at Sevier Middle School.  Prior to that, she served as principal at Jackson Elementary School and as KCS System-Wide Literacy Coordinator.  During her time at Jackson, the school was designated as being in the top five percent in the state for performance, as measured by overall student achievement levels, and for year-over-year progress, as measured by school-wide value-added data.  Before her administrative roles, Dr. Flora taught at both Lincoln Elementary School and Washington Elementary School. 

“This is a humbling experience,” said Dr. Flora.  “What I have accomplished as a school administrator is the direct result of the phenomenal teachers, staff members, students, families, and colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work.” 

Dr. Flora received two undergraduate degrees from Milligan College, achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She received a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), and a Doctor of Education from ETSU in Educational Leadership and Policy.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), founded in 1921, is a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas. For more information on the National Distinguished Principals Award Program visit naesp.org.

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 and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE).

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

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