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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dr. Heather Hobbs has been named Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Hobbs replaces Dr. Janice Irvin, who was recently named Director of Early Childhood Education and Principal of Palmer Early Learning Center.
Most recently, Dr. Hobbs served as assistant principal at Ross N. Robinson Middle School. Employed by Kingsport City Schools since 2010, she has also served as a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade teacher and as an instructional assistant at Andrew Johnson Elementary School. In her new role as Principal, Dr. Hobbs returns to Kennedy Elementary, where she was an Associate Principal from 2017-2020.
“Kennedy and the Lynn Garden Community hold a very special place in my heart,” said Dr. Hobbs. “I am eager to reconnect and serve the families, faculty, and staff. Together, we will continue to develop leaders that help others, overcome challenges, have a willingness to learn, and lead with respect.”
Dr. Hobbs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University, a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Tennessee, and a Doctorate of Education from Milligan University. She is currently a member of the Tennessee Principals Association.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Hobbs to the role of Principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School,” said KCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Hampton. “She has a long history as an exemplary educator and leader, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence and success. Her passion for the Kennedy community is evident and we are pleased that she is returning as its new principal.”
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Most recently, Dr. Hobbs served as assistant principal at Ross N. Robinson Middle School. Employed by Kingsport City Schools since 2010, she has also served as a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade teacher and as an instructional assistant at Andrew Johnson Elementary School. In her new role as Principal, Dr. Hobbs returns to Kennedy Elementary, where she was an Associate Principal from 2017-2020.
“Kennedy and the Lynn Garden Community hold a very special place in my heart,” said Dr. Hobbs. “I am eager to reconnect and serve the families, faculty, and staff. Together, we will continue to develop leaders that help others, overcome challenges, have a willingness to learn, and lead with respect.”
Dr. Hobbs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University, a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Tennessee, and a Doctorate of Education from Milligan University. She is currently a member of the Tennessee Principals Association.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Hobbs to the role of Principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School,” said KCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Hampton. “She has a long history as an exemplary educator and leader, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence and success. Her passion for the Kennedy community is evident and we are pleased that she is returning as its new principal.”
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,400 students.
KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Threads (@kcs__district), X (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).