The Putnam County School System is pleased to announce Dr. Melody (Mel) Presley as the new principal at Park View Elementary School.

Dr. Presley has been an assistant principal at Avery Trace for 13 years and has been at the school for a total of 18 years. Presley takes over at Park View for Bobby Winningham, who is retiring at the end of the school year. 

“Dr. Presley has demonstrated her love for students and passion for public education during her tenure at Avery Trace,” said PCSS Director Corby King. “Dr. Presley brings tremendous energy and joy in her interactions with students, faculty, staff members, and the families she serves. She maintains high expectations for students, faculty, and staff members. I am excited to support her as she embraces the families and traditions that make PVES a special place.”

A native of Cookeville, Dr. Presley’s academic background started with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Tennessee Tech and includes a Master of Arts from Ohio State, EdS degrees from the University of Missouri and Tennessee Tech, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of the Cumberlands.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to be an elementary school principal,” said Dr. Presley. “Part of that is because elementary school is a really fun time. It’s where you are planting the seed for the love of learning. I always thought my personality was very suited for that age group.”

Dr. Presley has grown deep roots in the Avery Trace community over the past 18 years. She has served as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator.

“This is something I have been praying about and I am at great peace,” Dr. Presley about her decision to go to Park View. “Change is different for sure. When you have invested so much time, energy, and love into a school, it’s hard but good.”

Dr. Presley is ready to invest her time and energy into her new role at her new school.

“I’m really excited about getting kids excited about learning…and hugs and high-fives and handshakes. It’s going to be a lot of fun, but it’s going to be challenging,” Dr. Presley explained. “Building trust may be the biggest challenge. I want to build trust with the teachers and families of the Park View community like I have here in my 18 years. I feel like Park View is a hidden gem. I want to make it the best school possible.”

Dr. Presley is married to Nathan Presley and has two children Isaac (9), a third grader at Capshaw, and Simon (11), a fifth grader at ATMS.

“I want to make sure that my Avery Trace community knows that I still love them. I am going to be a parent here and that will be a different role, but it will be good.”