PUTNAM COUNTY, TENN. – The Putnam County School Board has been tabbed the TSBA School Board of the Year. The announcement came recently at the Tennessee School Board Association convention in Nashville.

The Putnam County School Board includes members Lynn McHenry, Dr. Dawn Fry, Kim Cravens, Jill Ramsey, Kerry Ledbetter, and David McCormick, superintendent Corby King, attorney Dan Rader, and executive assistant Malaysia Talbert.

“I’m blessed and fortunate to work alongside caring and supportive board members who lead with a student-first mentality,” said King. “Our board members actively seek to provide a high-quality education for all PCSS students. They work with county commissioners and community leaders to maintain the best educators, high-quality instructional materials, and facilities for all faculty, staff, and students.

Each year, TSBA honors a school board for excellent service. To be considered for this award, school boards must be a TSBA Board of Distinction; effectively develop, apply, and monitor policy; be involved in long-range planning; promote quality education, including the use of social media; be involved with legislature city/county commission, State Board of Education, community and staff; participate in board development activities, including boardsmanship award levels for each member; and exhibit a positive relationship with the media.

“I am so honored and humbled for Putnam County to receive the School Board of the Year Award,” said Cravens, a former school board chair and current TSBA Upper Cumberland District Director. “This would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of each of my fellow board members. Nor would it be possible without our amazing leadership team, fabulous teachers, and all of our other outstanding staff. We are so blessed with amazing talent who bring out the best in our students. That’s why we all do what we do - for the kids!

Cravens was recently re-elected in PCSS District 3 and has served on the board since 2012. McHenry was recently re-elected in District 5 and voted in as chair by his fellow board members. He has served on the board since 2016.

“It is such an honor to receive the school board of the year award,” said McHenry. “It is only possible by having a fully dedicated and cohesive board, director, and central office. Thanks to the whole Putnam County system and our citizens for allowing us to serve the children of this great county.”

Dr. Fry, who serves as the vice chair and was recently re-elected in District 1, has served since 2012.

“It is an honor to be chosen as the 2024 TSBA school board of the year,” said Dr. Fry. “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve with my fellow board members and represent our amazing school district. This recognition is only possible because we have such support from our administration, schools, parents, and students.”

David McCormick has served the longest on the board, first elected in District 4 in 2004.

“I would like to say that the award for school board of the year is a great honor. It is a group effort from everyone, the board, central office, administrators, and teachers,” McCormick stated. “What makes it so great is that we can focus on the extra things that meet the criteria we are evaluated on but never lose focus on the most important thing: the children. We have a great board; everyone is there for the right reasons and not their own agenda. This is a Putnam County award, not just a school board award.”

Kerry Ledbetter and Jill Ramsey are in their first term on the school board. Ledbetter was elected in District 6 and Ramsey in District 2.

“I am incredibly honored to serve Putnam County and be a small part of this great team of Board members,” said Ledbetter. “Each board member has the best interest of our administrators, teachers, and students at heart, which makes it a joy to serve with them. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Thanks for the support from all the great individuals who make up our Putnam County school system. You made this possible!”

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the Putnam County School System in this capacity,” Ramsey added. “The TSBA award of School Board of the Year reflects the amazing schools, students, teachers, administrators, and community we serve. I am thankful to work with such a dedicated group of board members who always put the needs of our students above all else. I look forward to continuing this important work.”

For more about the TSBA and the TSBA School Board of the Year, click here.