Director of Schools Search
The application period has closed. The Board of Education has officially selected five finalists to move forward in the selection process. Use the links below to meet the candidates, view the updated timeline, and access search resources.
About the Position
The Director of Schools serves as the chief school executive and provides leadership in developing and maintaining the best possible educational programs and services for Wilson County Schools. The role includes oversight of instruction, finance, personnel, facilities, and daily district operations.
The Director works closely with the Wilson County Board of Education, providing counsel and recommendations on matters requiring Board action, and serves as a key representative of the district in community and public relations efforts. The position reports directly to the Wilson County Board of Education and is a 260-day, twelve-month role.
Qualifications
- Professional educator’s license
- A master’s degree in education with preference for a doctorate degree
- At least three years of successful school administration experience
Application Period Closed
The application period for the Wilson County Schools Director of Schools position closed at 4:30 p.m. on April 7, 2026.
The Wilson County Board of Education will review submitted applications and continue through the search process according to the timeline posted on this page.
Application Deadline
4:30 p.m. on April 7, 2026
About Wilson County Schools
Wilson County Schools is the 9th largest school district in Tennessee and continues to grow by about 450 students each year. In Fall 2026, Wilson County Schools will open Central Pike Elementary, a new K-5 school serving about 580 students.
Wilson County sits just east of Nashville and includes the communities of Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, and Watertown, offering a strong quality of life, continued growth, and convenient access to recreation, shopping, and dining.
District Snapshot
15
Reward Schools (2024–2025)
20,953
Students
2,500
Employees
12
Elementary Schools
3
K–8 Schools
4
Middle Schools
5
High Schools
4
Non-Traditional Programs
20
Pre-K Classrooms
95%+
Graduation Rate
63.5%
Ready Graduate Benchmark
$62.5M
Scholarships for the Class of 2025
37
Associate Degrees Earned with Diploma
7
National Merit Semifinalists (2024)
Search Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 9, 2026 | Position posted |
| March 16, 2026 | Parent and staff survey opens |
| March 30, 2026 | Parent and staff survey closes |
| April 7, 2026 | Application deadline |
| April 14, 2026 | Application materials provided to the Board |
| April 21, 2026 | Board selects top five candidates |
| April 24, 2026 | Meet and greet with candidates |
| April 29, 2026 | Board interviews top five candidates, beginning at 9:00 a.m. |
| May 4, 2026 | Board selects top two candidates |
| May 13, 2026 | Board interviews top two candidates, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| May 20, 2026 | Board votes for new Director of Schools at the 6:00 p.m. meeting |
| June 1, 2026 | Board approves Director's contract at the 6:00 p.m. meeting |
March 9, 2026
Position posted
March 16, 2026
Parent and staff survey opens
March 30, 2026
Parent and staff survey closes
April 7, 2026
Application deadline
April 14, 2026
Application materials provided to the Board
April 21, 2026
Board selects top five candidates
April 24, 2026
Meet and greet with candidates
April 29, 2026
Board interviews top five candidates, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
May 4, 2026
Board selects top two candidates
May 13, 2026
Board interviews top two candidates, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
May 20, 2026
Board votes for new Director of Schools at the 6:00 p.m. meeting
June 1, 2026
Board approves Director's contract at the 6:00 p.m. meeting
Community Meet & Greet
Wilson County community members are invited to attend a Meet & Greet with the top five finalists in the Director of Schools search process.
This event will provide an opportunity for community members to meet the finalists and hear from each candidate as the search process continues.
Event Details
April 24, 2026 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
ATC
Please enter through the Event Entrance.
Candidates will be located in the Cafe.
The Wilson County Board of Education will identify the top five candidates on April 21, 2026.
Director of Schools Finalists
The Wilson County Board of Education is pleased to announce the following finalists selected to move forward in the search process:
Photo Coming
Jonathon Duncan
Principal, Madison Creek Elementary
Sumner County Schools
Resume Coming Soon
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Dr. John Marshall
Principal, Oakland High School
Rutherford County Schools
Resume Coming Soon
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Travis Mayfield
Deputy Director
Wilson County Schools
Resume Coming Soon
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Dr. Christopher Plummer
Principal, Cane Ridge Elementary
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Resume Coming Soon
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Dr. Michael Walters
Principal, Lebanon High School
Wilson County Schools
Resume Coming Soon
Full Applicant Pool:
- Dr. Robyn Beard
- Jonathon Duncan
- Dr. Jerry Gibson
- Dr. Michael Grimaldi
- Joshua Johnston
- Dr. Shawn Lawrence
- Dr. John Marshall
- Travis Mayfield
- Dr. Christopher Plummer
- Dr. Paul Rockhold
- Robert Sells
- Dr. Scott Walters
Survey & Community Input
Community input is an important part of the search process. Feedback gathered through the parent and staff surveys, along with feedback shared with Board members, helps identify the leadership qualities, priorities, and strengths most important in Wilson County Schools’ next Director of Schools.
The parent and staff surveys were open from March 16 through March 30, 2026, and results have been shared with the Wilson County Board of Education to inform the selection process.
Community members who would like to continue sharing feedback may contact the Wilson County Board of Education member for their zone. Board member email addresses and zone information are available below.
Candidate Resources
To learn more about Wilson County Schools and the Director of Schools search process, please review the resources below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selects the Director of Schools?
The Wilson County Board of Education is responsible for selecting the next Director of Schools.
How can I provide input?
The parent and staff surveys were conducted in March 2026, and feedback has been shared with the Wilson County Board of Education. Community members who would like to continue sharing input may email the Board of Education member for their zone. Board member email addresses and zone information are available on the Board of Education page.
When was the application deadline?
The application deadline was 4:30 p.m. on April 7, 2026.
When is the anticipated start date?
The anticipated start date for the next Director of Schools is July 1, 2026.