Dr. Josh Van Pelt has been appointed principal of Mooreland Heights Elementary School effective November 2021. He has served as interim principal since the death of Brandi Wilson Self on Sunday, Nov. 7. He joined the team at Mooreland Heights in 2020 as assistant principal
He joined Knox County Schools in 2009 as a teacher at Norwood Elementary School. He was a health and physical education teacher as well as a lead teacher.
Van Pelt holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a master’s degree in education, both from Mount Vernon Nazarene University; an educational specialist degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Carson-Newman University.
Betsy Pickle is a veteran entertainment, features and news reporter who particularly enjoys spotlighting South Knoxville.