KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dr. Janice Irvin has been named principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, effective immediately.  Dr. Irvin replaces Mrs. Christy Free, who has assumed the role of principal at John Adams Elementary School.

Previously, Dr. Irvin has served as an associate principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.  Prior to coming to Jefferson in 2013, she taught at George Washington Elementary School, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, and at V.O. Dobbins.  During her ten years with Kingsport City Schools, Irvin has also served as a building test coordinator, Response to Intervention school coordinator, and teacher-leader.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to join the Kennedy family,” said Irvin.  “I am passionate about building relationships with students, teachers, parents, and community members, and believe they are the foundation of all success in education.  I am excited and thrilled to take part in the wonderful work taking place at John F. Kennedy Elementary. Go Coyotes!”

Dr. Irvin holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Milligan College, a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University, and a Doctorate in School Leadership from ETSU.

“Dr. Irvin has demonstrated a commitment to developing positive and caring relationships that result in exemplary student growth,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Lyle Ailshie.  “I am excited that her leadership will help continue the great work taking place by Kennedy students, staff, and families.”

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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