Oak Ridge Schools would like to congratulate Mr. Roger Ward as our Principal of the Year. Mr. Ward’s nomination will be sent to the state level for consideration. The state winner will be honored during the annual LEAD Conference in Nashville. Mr. Ward has been principal of Linden Elementary since July 2005. He began his career in 1990 and has served in many roles as an elementary educator over the past 28 years. Mr. Ward emphasizes that students need not only to learn academic skills but also to be responsible, respectful, ready and safe. Thank you for your continued dedication to the students and staff at Linden and throughout the Oak Ridge Schools family.

Each year an outstanding public school principal earns distinction as the Tennessee Department of Education Principal of the Year (POY). This honor is earned by demonstrating superior abilities in managing and motivating students and faculty, evoking high standards, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, implementing innovative programs, and having a track record of exceptional gains in student learning. To be eligible, A Principal of the Year Nominee must have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in Tennessee public schools, have a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a principal, and at all levels of recognition, must be employed as a principal in a Tennessee public school system.

Oak Ridge candidates for this award were: Pearl Goins, Glenwood; Sherrie Fairchild-Keyes, Willow Brook, Phil Cox, Jefferson; and Roger Ward, Linden.

Principal of the Year
Congratulations Mr. Ward for this well-deserved honor!

Congratulations Mr. Ward for this well-deserved honor!