August 2026
Director's Message
Welcome back! It is great to see our buildings full of staff and students as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year. Administrators and teachers have been working hard to prepare for the start of school, and the excitement is noticeable in every single school. We have many great and exciting things going in our school system and that is because of the hard work of our educators and support staff and the support of our parents and community. We are also proud to be making steady academic gains, which we will get to highlight more in the coming weeks and months. It's a great time to be a part of the Marshall County School System!
Let's make this year the best one yet!
Justin Perry, Ed.D.
Marshall County Director of Schools
Felisha Eddings Named Principal at Marshall Elementary
Effective July 1, 2026, Mrs. Felisha Eddings was named Principal at Marshall Elementary School, replacing Mrs. Nicky Randolph who was named Assistant Director of Schools.
Mrs. Eddings has served as the assistant principal at Lewisburg Middle School for the last three years. Mrs. Eddings has 19 years of experience working in Marshall County Schools, having been a fifth-grade teacher, an academic coach, an instructional facilitator, and an interim assistant principal at Cornersville Elementary School. She earned her Associate’s degree from Motlow State Community College, her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Athens State University (Summa Cum Laude), and her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University.
Felisha and her husband, Scott, have five children, Qua, Kelsey, Myesha, Kosce, and Aniya. She is also the proud grandmother of Malizan, Kaixen, and Miyanna, who are among her greatest joys and inspirations.
Mrs. Eddings stated, “I didn’t get here by chance. I have served the students and families of Marshall County for 19 years. I got here through faith, perseverance, and a commitment to serving children. Now it’s my turn to lead with purpose.”
Welcoming Kendra Chapman to Cornersville Elementary
Ms. Kendra Chapman brings a wealth of experience, passion, and leadership to the CES school community as the new Assistant Principal. Her educational journey began at Appalachian State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. She completed her Master’s in Special Education at Old Dominion University and earned her Educational Administration certification from the University of Virginia.
Over her 26-year career in education, Ms. Chapman spent 20 years serving school systems in Virginia before returning to Tennessee six years ago. Her diverse background includes serving as a special education teacher, instructional coach, district office specialist, and district coordinator. She also brings a decade of administrative experience to CES, having served as both an Assistant Principal and Principal.
Kendra and her husband, Chris, have been proud CVES parents since their triplets, Luke, Tate, and Cooper, enrolled in the 2nd grade. They are also parents to two older children: Alexis (31), a graduate of George Mason University, and Mike (35), a graduate of the University of Alabama.
"I am so excited to step into this role and serve in the very same community where I live and where my boys attend school. I can’t wait to partner with our incredible staff, students, and families for a fantastic school year," she stated.
Adrienne Shelton Excited About New Role
Dr. Hardison Moves to LMS as New Dean of Students
Dr. Joshua Hardison will serve as the new Dean of Students at Lewisburg Middle School this year, bringing a strong foundation in educational leadership and a passion for student success. He holds a Doctor of Education degree, alongside a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. With a rich background in the classroom, Dr. Hardison spent six years teaching eighth-grade math at LMS and the last three years teaching advanced math at Marshall County High School. He has spent a total of 11 years in the classroom.
In his new role, Dr. Hardison will oversee student discipline, manage parent inquiries and concerns, conduct staff evaluations, and coordinate TNReady testing and Title I building programs. He is also deeply dedicated to fostering student engagement and academic consistency, with a strong focus on addressing and reducing chronic absenteeism to ensure every student is present and supported.
Outside of education, he enjoys life alongside his wife, Kasi, an English teacher at MCHS, traveling together, going on walks with their dog Gatsby, and volunteering for local nonprofits.
"My goal is to partner with our families and teachers to create a safe, positive, and structured environment where every student has the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom."
Presidential Physical Fitness Test Returns
Following legislation that was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee this past April, school districts will now be required to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to students in order to assess their strength, endurance, and flexibility.
The legislation follows a 2025 executive order issued by President Donald Trump that revived the long-standing fitness assessment and reinstated the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
First introduced under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, the test evaluates students’ physical abilities through activities such as running, strength exercises, and flexibility measurements.
Under the new law, Tennessee schools must align their testing standards and award criteria with those set by the federal government. Students who meet the benchmarks may earn the Presidential Fitness Award. The test will be administered during physical education classes to students in all grades. The law requires reasonable accommodations for students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans.
Discontinued in the 2012-2013 school year, State Rep. Scott Cepicky introduced House Bill 1466 earlier this year to encourage Tennessee students to be more active and make healthier choices amid alarming health trends. Nearly 40% of Tennessee students were overweight or obese in the 2023-24 academic year, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Education.
Spot Lowe Technology Center Unveils Improvements
Since late May, Spot Lowe Technology Center has undergone a $2.8 million-dollar renovation project that has upgraded the building and expanded instruction space. Originally built in 1974, the building has now increased by 1760 square feet, with new plumbing, electrical, lighting, ventilation, and fire protection, among other improvements.
The summer saw dozens of contractors working simultaneously to construct a new front entrance which will house the administrative offices; a large addition to both the machine shop and engineering classroom; new exterior doors and windows; a pass-through created between the cosmetology classroom and salon; and new student restrooms. Other improvements include new flooring throughout the building, LED lights, and reconfigured classroom space.
The increased classroom space will allow for the Career Exploration program to move from Lewisburg Middle School to Spot Lowe later in the school year, giving these students an opportunity to see the CTE programs available to them in high school.
“Construction projects are always major undertakings, but the payoff for our community will be immense,” noted CTE Director Frank Musgrave. “Marshall County is giving our students a modern, showcase facility designed to launch the next generation of skilled workforce leaders.”
TCAP Family Portal Now Open
The TCAP Family and Educator Portals are updated with alternate (ALT), Achievement (ACH), and end-of-course (EOC) results for students who tested during the Spring 2026 TCAP administration. Grade 3 retake results are also available in the TCAP Family Portal.
Due to standard setting, Science and Biology results will be available in the Educator and Family Portals on August 31, 2026.
Access the TCAP Family Portal here.
2026-27 TCAP Testing Dates can be found here.
Food Service Employees Attend Joint Event
Marshall County’s food service employees partnered with four other districts - Tullahoma City, Bedford County, Coffee County, and Lincoln County – on July 27 for a joint in-service day in Tullahoma. The full day of learning, networking, and inspiration was highlighted by author and motivational speaker Joe Pettit’s energetic presentation. He wrote the acclaimed book, “Seeds to Success,” which has touched the lives of thousands with its powerful insights on how to nurture professional and personal results. Food Service Supervisor Larissa Delk noted, “His presentation was phenomenal and my hope is that all the participants came away with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation for a fabulous school year!”
Bus Safety Reviewed by Transportation Staff
Marshall County’s Transportation Department held their annual in-service day at Lewisburg Middle School on July 27 to discuss policies, procedures, and most importantly bus safety. Transportation Supervisor Jeremy Austin has shared the following information.
Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. Did you know that the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school
transportation vehicles. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus.
The start of a new school year is a great time to reiterate these school bus safety tips provided by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
Before the Bus Arrives
Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Ahead of the
new school year, visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus, at least ten
feet — five giant steps — away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place
to run or play.
Getting On and Off Safely
When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the
door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off. Your child should use the handrails to
avoid falling.
Always Use Caution Around the Bus
Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of
the bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least ten feet
— five giant steps — in front of the bus before crossing. Your child should also make eye contact
with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see that they’re crossing to avoid
the danger zone. If your child drops something near the school bus, like a phone or book, the
safest thing is for your child to tell the bus driver right away. Your child should not try to pick up
the item, because the driver might not be able to see them.
2026-27 School Bus Routes can be found here.
Art Teachers Present at Opening Day
Art teachers Kim Higgs of Westhills Elementary and Koley Borah of Lewisburg Middle School recently attended the prestigious Tennessee Arts Academy (TAA) Summer Institute, held this past July on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.
Founded in 1986, the TAA is recognized as the nation’s premier professional development program for arts education. It provides year-round services to K-12 educators, including master classes, workshops, mentorships, and scholarships.
On the district's Opening Day for teachers on July 29, Ms. Higgs and Ms. Borah hosted an interactive breakout session to share their insights and generate enthusiasm for the Tennessee Arts Academy. Highlighting the hands-on session, attending educators created their own vibrant, marble-designed alcohol ink coasters to take home with them.
MCHS Open House Welcomes Back Students
Students and parents flocked to Marshall County High School on July 30 for an Open House, which gave students the opportunity to pick up their schedules and meet faculty. Dozens of student organizations and school clubs were set up in the gym in order to share information and garner interest. The hallways were buzzing with excited students and families!
CES Back to School Bash
On Monday, August 3, the CES community gathered for their annual Back to School Bash to celebrate the start of the new school year. Attendees enjoyed live musical performances by Jerry Stoltz, Dee Walker, Allen Johnsey, Tim Wilson, Cali Feagin, and Leighton Feagin. The event featured a vibrant selection of local vendors, food trucks, face painting, and inflatables, culminating in a brilliant fireworks display sponsored by Robert and Courtney McCormick.
Special thanks to the CAT Parent Club, sponsor of the inflatables provided by Marshall Co. Party Rental and supervised by CMS Cheer; Neil Davis and Dave Hunter for supplying trash barrels for the evening; and Lollie Lu's and Munchie Mobile for their donation of gift certificates. A big shout out to Mrs. Ewing for hosting the bash, and to the entire CES staff whose hard work and collaboration ensured a successful kickoff to the school year.
Vendors who supported the event included: Little Rozie's Flower Co.; Cypress Café; Koley Borah Face Painting; Crave Energy and Nutrition; Kash & Co.; Ashley Thomason; The Hat Happens; Lollie Lu's Ice Cream; Brianna Davis; Girl Scout Troop 3704; CYFA; Cornersville Quarterback Club; Cub Scouts Pack 273; Fathead Threads; Marshall Co Party Rentals; Belly Flop BBQ; Bullbourne Ranch; Ostella Sweets and Treats; The Munchie Mobile; Beauty Mark Permanent Jewelry.
