Tina Holt has been appointed principal of Rocky Hill Elementary School. She replaces Cory Smith who was named principal of the new Hardin Valley Middle School. Holt joined Knox County Schools in 1995 as a teacher upon moving to Knoxville from Texas.
She worked for 17 years as an elementary education teacher, instructional coach and master teacher at several elementary schools. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2012 and was placed at Ritta Elementary School as an assistant principal. She is currently principal at Fountain City Elementary School.
Holt holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Cumberland College, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee Tech University and an educational specialist degree from the University of Tennessee.
Melinda Russell
Melinda Russell has been appointed interim principal of A.L. Lotts Elementary School, filling in for Cindy Bosse who has taken leave. Russell joined Knox County Schools in 2010 as a teacher upon graduating from Tusculum College.
Russell taught at Shannondale Elementary School until 2015 when she was appointed assistant principal at A.L. Lotts, where she currently serves.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Tusculum College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Carson-Newman University.
Michael Toth
Michael Toth has been appointed principal of Bearden Middle School. He replaces Sonya Winstead, who has left the system. Toth joined Knox County Schools in 2003 as a teacher upon completing graduate school from UT.
He taught at Green Magnet Academy until 2010 when he was appointed assistant principal at Karns High School. He is currently assistant principal at Halls High School/North Knox Vocational Technology Center.
Toth holds a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee and an educational specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.