Petett Resigns at Cookeville High; Trentham Named Interim Principal

 PUTNAM COUNTY, TENN.- Citing health and personal reasons, Max Petett has resigned as the principal at Cookeville High School.

Petett, who has been at CHS for four years, turned in his letter of resignation to Putnam County Director of Schools Corby King on Tuesday afternoon.

“I appreciate what Max has done for Cookeville High School during his four years there,” said King. “It’s not easy being the principal at one of the largest schools in the state. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he moves forward.”

Karen Trentham, who has been at Cookeville High for the past 15 years, has been named the principal on an interim basis for the rest of the school year.

“We are excited to have someone as experienced as Karen to be able to step into this role,” said King. “She has the full support of the Central Office, and I know she will do a great job.”

Trentham, a native of Johnson City, earned a B.S. in Sociology, a Masters in School Counseling, and an Ed.S in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech. Before coming to CHS, she spent five years as a K-8 counselor at Parrottsville Elementary School in Cocke County. During her tenure at CHS, Trentham spent five years as a counselor and the last nine as an assistant principal.

“I am so honored and excited to continue serving the students, faculty, and staff in my new role at  Cookeville High School,” said Trentham. “Cookeville High School has been my second home since 2007, and I am thrilled to continue this journey at CHS!

“My goal is to make sure that all students can find their passions and be future-ready,” Trentham continued. “I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together as a Cookeville High School community, succeeding at the highest level in all that we do.”

Karen’s husband, Patrick, is an instructor in the VITAL program. Their daughter, Julie Beth, is in the sixth grade at Algood Middle School.