New principals selected for Rocky Fork Middle School, Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School

Following a retirement and a promotion, Director of Schools Bill Spurlock has named two new principals — one for Rocky Fork Middle School in Smyrna and one for Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School in the Buchanan community.

April Sneed has been selected as the new principal of Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School. Current principal Avy Seymore is retiring at the end of the school year.

Jennifer Clark has been named the new principal of Rocky Fork Middle School. Current principal Dr. Jimmy Sullivan was recently promoted to assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the school district. He will officially begin his new duties July 1.

Of Sneed, Director Spurlock cited her work as a longtime assistant principal at Rockvale Middle School.

“Ms. Sneed has served at Rockvale with great success and has proven herself to be an effective administrator who maintains high standards and expectations,” Director Spurlock said. “She has big plans for Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School, and I support her objective to help all students meet their potential.”

Sneed has served as an assistant principal at Rockvale Middle School since 2011. During that time, the school has received multiple accolades for student growth and has been named among the best schools in Tennessee.

“I would like to thank Mr. Spurlock for the privilege and honor to lead Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School,” Sneed said. “My goal is to provide a positive learning environment where each student has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. I look forward to working with the faculty, students, parents, and community of Whitworth-Buchanan to accomplish one of the most important and rewarding tasks there is — preparing students to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

As for Clark, she has served multiple schools in Rutherford County, and her experience will be an asset for the Rocky Fork Middle School community, Director Spurlock said.

“Ms. Clark has a diverse background in education, which makes her well-rounded and well-suited for the principal position at Rocky Fork Middle School,” Director Spurlock said. “The school already has a solid performance record and I’m certain Ms. Clark will maintain its high level of achievement while also expanding opportunities for students.”

Clark was raised in the Smyrna and LaVergne area, and her education career began in 1996 as an educational assistant and job coach at Smyrna High School. Her first teaching position was at Smyrna Middle School, and she also taught at Rock Springs Middle School and Rockvale Middle School.

She then served as a split assistant principal between Rockvale Middle School and Eagleville School before returning to Rock Springs Middle School in 2014 as assistant principal.

“I am honored to be chosen by Mr. Spurlock to serve the Rocky Fork community,” Clark said. “Dr. Sullivan has established a strong foundation, which we will continue to build upon as the community continues to grow and flourish. This opportunity to collaborate with parents, students and faculty is a blessing.”

For more information about the schools, visit Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School and Rocky Fork Middle School on the web.