School officials in Cleveland will begin the new year with the search for a new director of schools following the announcement this month the incumbent system head is leaving his post for a job in Collierville, a town east of Memphis.
When Russell Dyer took the job of director for Cleveland City Schools in 2016, he was leaving his position as chief of staff for a new Collierville school district, and now he's returning to the same system nearly eight years later, according to a news release. Dyer, who also has family roots in the Memphis area, announced his selection to become Collierville Schools' new superintendent earlier this month.
"Collierville holds a special place in my heart, and the prospect of concluding my career where I initially started is something I cannot ignore," Dyer said in a statement on the new job. "Additionally, my family's presence in West Tennessee further influences this decision."
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Dyer offered an upbeat statement on the post upon learning he had been hired in Collierville.
"I am deeply honored and humbled by the decision of the Collierville Schools Board of Education to appoint me as the next superintendent," Dyer said in Collierville Schools news release. "I extend my sincere thanks to each member for their confidence in my ability to lead and serve the students, staff and the entire Collierville school community. I am eager to work collaboratively with the Collierville Schools Board of Education, as well as the dedicated educators, staff, students, parents and community partners to continue to foster a positive work and learning environment."
When he was hired in Cleveland, board members in 2016 said they were impressed with Dyer's experience of having to build the Collierville school system from scratch when the new school system was created, according to Chattanooga Times Free Press archives. Dyer had been selected from a pool of 26 applicants.
During his eight-year tenure with the system, Dyer used his skills in academic, financial and operational management to contribute significantly to the district's progress, Cleveland officials said in the statement.
Dyer's new contract is still in negotiations, but Cleveland officials plan to move forward to help make the transition smoother for the next director.
"The Cleveland City Board of Education fully supports Dr. Russell Dyer's decision to embark on a new chapter with Collierville Schools," Nate Tucker, Cleveland's school board chair, said in a statement. "We extend our unwavering support and look forward to a seamless collaboration during this transition. Our collective journey over the past several years has been invaluable, and we express our gratitude for the great working relationship we've shared with Dr. Dyer."
School leadership will provide regular updates during the search process, he said.
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.
Contributed photo / Cleveland City Schools Director of Schools Russell Dyer has been selected as the new superintendent for Collierville Schools.