Dr. Mark Gonyea Named Principal of Thurman Francis Arts Academy

Dr. Mark Gonyea will be the next principal of Thurman Francis Arts Academy, and Anna Sturm has been named the principal of Plainview Elementary School.

Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan made the announcements today.

Gonyea has served as head principal of Plainview and was hired to open the school three years ago. During that time, Sturm served as assistant principal at the school.

As the new principal of Thurman Francis, Gonyea succeeds Jeff McCann, who was named RCS School Choice coordinator last week. The School Choice coordinator position was previously held by Dr. Caitlin Bullard, who left Rutherford County Schools in July.

“Dr. Gonyea has a history of focusing on the entire school community that ultimately leads to more success for students,” Director Sullivan said. “I look forward to seeing the impact Dr. Gonyea’s leadership will have on a school with a rich tradition of excellence.”

Thurman Francis Arts Academy is a K-8 academic magnet school located in Smyrna.

Gonyea previously taught in the Smyrna community for many years at Smyrna High School, Smyrna Middle School, Stewarts Creek High School, and as an assistant principal at Smyrna Primary School.

In addition, Gonyea was a member of former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s “Governor’s Academy for School Leadership” in 2019, and McCann was his mentor for the academy. As part of the process, Gonyea worked with McCann at TFAA three days per month.

In all, he has 29 years in education.

“I am both humbled and thrilled to be given the opportunity to join the excellence of the TFAA community,” Gonyea said. “My primary goal will be to build relationships with faculty, staff, parents, students, and community members and to support the amazing success of this school. I look forward to working together with this incredible staff to ensure we continue to serve the families of TFAA in the ongoing tradition of excellence established by Mr. McCann.”

Sturm has 15 years of experience as an educator and is currently finishing her doctorate. She is eager to use her experience as assistant principal.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to become the second principal of Plainview Elementary School,” Sturm said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation Dr. Gonyea has laid.”

She added: “I plan to work closely with the teachers, students, parents and community members as we do the hard work necessary to accomplish our mission to educate all. Plainview has become what it is because of our stakeholders, and I look forward to serving beside each of them as we continue the excellence that is in Plainview.”

Sturm was a classroom teacher in Murfreesboro City Schools for a year before joining the faculty at Browns Chapel Elementary School for seven years. She then served as instructional coach at LaVergne Lake Elementary School prior to being named assistant principal at Plainview Elementary.

“Ms. Sturm has been instrumental in the success of Plainview Elementary,” Director Sullivan said. “She has served as the only assistant principal since the school opened in 2020, and she has a foundation in strong instructional practice that will impact all positively.”

Sheri DeJaynes, currently the instructional coach at Plainview, has been named the assistant principal succeeding Sturm.

Everyone will officially begin their new roles on Nov. 7 but will work closely with one another during the next two weeks to ensure a smooth transition.