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CHS Best Buddies Program

Cleveland High Student Creates Space for Friendship and Belonging Through Best Buddies Club

April 15, 2026
At Cleveland High School, something truly special is taking place, and it all began with one student’s idea. Emma Grace Cloutier recognized an opportunity to bring people togethe...
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District announces new principals.

Cleveland City Schools Announces New Principals for Ross, Arnold, and Blythe-Bower Elementary Schools

March 20, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce new leadership at three elementary schools for the 2026-2027 school year, naming Mr. Donald Benton as principal of Ross Elementary Scho...
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At Cleveland Middle School, a group of students recently turned their STEM learning into an act of compassion and service. Students in Coach Derek Morris’ STEM class partnered with students in the school’s ERC classroom to help solve a daily challenge faced by some of their peers. Together, they designed and created adaptive tools to help students who use wheelchairs open doors more easily throughout the school. What began as a classroom project quickly became something much more meaningful. STEM students worked alongside their classmates to better understand their needs, then applied problem solving and engineering skills to create practical tools that improve accessibility around campus. The collaboration allowed students to see firsthand how innovation can make a real difference in the lives of others. “This project represents the very best of what learning can look like,” said Nat Akiona, principal of Cleveland Middle School. “Our students saw a need, worked together, and used their creativity and STEM skills to help their classmates. I am incredibly proud of their compassion and the way they stepped up to support one another.” Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools, said the project reflects the kind of character and leadership the district hopes to develop in every student. “Our students are not only developing important STEM skills, they are learning empathy, collaboration, and how to serve their community,” Elliott said. “When students use their knowledge and creativity to help others, that is learning at its very best.” The experience strengthened relationships between students across classrooms and showed how powerful collaboration can be when students are encouraged to think creatively and care for one another. Moments like these reflect the heart of Cleveland City Schools’ mission to develop students who are capable, compassionate, and committed to making their community stronger. At Cleveland City Schools, we are proud to see our students living out what it means to be Building Champions and Building Community.

Cleveland Middle School Students Use STEM to Serve Classmates

March 16, 2026
At Cleveland Middle School, a group of students recently turned their STEM learning into an act of compassion and service. Students in Coach Derek Morris’ STEM class partnered wi...
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Dr. Joel Barnes Named Supervisor of Special Populations for Cleveland City Schools
 Cleveland City Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Joel Barnes will return to the district office to serve as Supervisor of Special Populations. At the end of this school year, Dr. Barnes will transition from his current role as Principal of Blythe-Bower Elementary School to begin this new chapter of leadership at the system level. Dr. Barnes has served Blythe-Bower with dedication, vision, and heart. Under his leadership, the school has continued to foster a positive culture centered on academic growth, student support, and strong family partnerships. His commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued has left a lasting impact on students, staff, and the broader school community. Prior to leading Blythe-Bower, Dr. Barnes served Cleveland City Schools as Supervisor of Federal Projects and Professional Development. He also previously served as an assistant principal at both Cleveland High School and Cleveland Middle School, bringing a broad understanding of the district’s K-12 system to every role he holds. In his new position as Supervisor of Special Populations, Dr. Barnes will oversee programs designed to support students with diverse learning needs, ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction and services across the district. His experience as a school leader, combined with his passion for student success, uniquely positions him to strengthen support systems that help every learner thrive. “Dr. Barnes has consistently demonstrated a heart for students and a strong commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “His leadership at Blythe-Bower has made a meaningful difference, and we are confident he will continue to serve our district well as Supervisor of Special Populations.” Dr. Barnes shared that while leaving Blythe-Bower is bittersweet, he is excited about the opportunity to once again serve students and educators across the entire district. “I am incredibly grateful for the time I’ve spent at Blythe-Bower and for the relationships built with our students, staff, and families,” Dr. Barnes said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Cleveland City Schools in a new capacity and working to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.” Cleveland City Schools will announce plans for leadership at Blythe-Bower Elementary School in the coming weeks.

Dr. Joel Barnes Named Supervisor of Special Populations for Cleveland City Schools

February 17, 2026
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CMS spelling bee winner

From English Learner to Spelling Bee Champion: Alberto Palomino Salgado’s Inspiring Journey

February 13, 2026
The room was filled with anticipation as students took the stage for the 52nd Mildred Maupin Spelling Bee. After an incredible 54 rounds and 177 words, one student stood tall as c...
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tango flight program

Cleveland High School Receives $10,000 Grant to Enhance Tango Flight Program

February 11, 2026
Cleveland High School is grateful to receive a $10,000 grant from the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation to enhance the school’s Tango Flight Program and expand learnin...
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Cleveland City Schools Names Mike Chai as New Director of Student Services

Cleveland City Schools Names Mike Chai as New Director of Student Services

January 22, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the selection of Mr. Mike Chai as the district’s new Director of Student Services. Mr. Chai currently serves as principal of Arnold Mem...
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Cleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol program

Cleveland City Schools and CPD Launch BusPatrol Program

January 22, 2026
Cleveland City Schools has partnered with Cleveland Police Department to launch Tennessee’s first school bus safety enforcement program with BusPatrol to tackle the pervasive issu...
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Jeffrey Garrett

Cleveland High School’s Aviation Instructor Jeffrey Garrett Selected for Prestigious Able Flight Class of 2026

January 21, 2026
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Cleveland High School aviation instructor Jeffrey Garrett has been selected as a member of the national Able Flight Class of 2026....
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Cleveland City Schools shares the upcoming retirement of Dr. David Stone, Director of Special Populations, effective at the conclusion of the current school year. Dr. Stone is completing a 30 year career in public education marked by compassion, thoughtful leadership, and a deep belief that every child deserves to be supported and valued. Throughout his time with Cleveland City Schools, Dr. Stone worked alongside educators, families, and school leaders to strengthen services for students with diverse needs. His steady presence and student first approach helped shape systems of care that will continue to serve families for years to come. His impact is reflected not only in programs and processes, but in the many lives he has touched along the way. The district also shares upcoming leadership transitions at Ross Elementary School. Dr. Stephanie Stone, Principal of Ross Elementary, will be joining her husband, Dr. David Stone, as she concludes her service with Cleveland City Schools at the end of the 2026 school year. She will continue leading Ross Elementary through that time, providing consistency, care, and strong leadership for students, staff, and families while thoughtful transition planning takes place. Dr. Stephanie Stone has been a trusted and well loved leader at Ross Elementary, known for building strong relationships and fostering a school community where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Her leadership has left a lasting imprint on the school and on the families and staff who call Ross home. Additionally, Zach Riggins, Assistant Principal at Ross Elementary, will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2026 school year. Mr. Riggins has been a familiar and steady presence within Cleveland City Schools, known for his care for students, his support of teachers, and his deep connection to the Cleveland community. Together, the leadership team at Ross Elementary has helped create a culture grounded in connection, growth, and a shared commitment to students. These planned timelines allow Cleveland City Schools to work closely with the Ross community to ensure a smooth and well supported transition for everyone involved. “Dr. David Stone, Dr. Stephanie Stone, and Mr. Riggins have each served our district with heart and purpose,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “Their dedication has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and staff. We are grateful for their service and for the care they continue to show as these transitions take shape.”

Cleveland City Schools Shares Retirements and Leadership Transitions for Special Populations and Ross Elementary School

January 6, 2026
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CCS Staff of the Year Awards

Cleveland City Schools Announces 2025-2026 Employees of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year

December 9, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to celebrate the district’s 2025 to 2026 Employees of the Year, along with this year’s Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year. These hono...
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Cleveland City Schools Recognized as a Reward District

Two Cleveland City Schools Earn Tennessee Reward Status

December 8, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that E.L. Ross Elementary and Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary have earned the state’s highest distinction as Tennessee Reward Schools...
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Randall Stephens, CTE Supervisor

Randall Stephens Named Cleveland City Schools Supervisor of the Year

November 19, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to recognize Randall Stephens, Supervisor of Career Technical Education, as the District Supervisor of the Year. Mr. Stephens has played a key rol...
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CCS Healthy Schools Award

Cleveland City Schools Recognized in the Tennessee Healthier Schools Challenge

November 17, 2025
Cleveland City Schools has been recognized as a Silver Level recipient in the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Healthier Schools Challenge, earning a $5,000 award for ad...
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Mrs. Kim Bradford is our Principal of the Year

Stuart Elementary’s Kim Bradford Named Cleveland City Schools Principal of the Year

November 12, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce Mrs. Kim Bradford, Principal of Stuart Elementary School, as the 2025 Principal of the Year. Mrs. Bradford is known for her studen...
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CCS Award

Cleveland City Schools Recognized with the 2024–2025 Change Makers Award

November 3, 2025
Cleveland City Schools has been named a 2024–2025 RTI²-A+B Change Makers Award recipient by the Tennessee Tiered Supports Center (TSC) and the Tennessee Department of Education. ...
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Nissan Donation Drives Hands-On Learning at Cleveland High School Cleveland High School’s Automotive Technology program just received a big boost thanks to a generous donation from Nissan Motor Corporation. The program is now the proud recipient of a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and a luxury 2022 Infiniti QX60, giving students valuable access to late-model vehicles for real-world learning. “These late model vehicles will allow our students to build a variety of skills around vehicle maintenance and repair using the latest in car manufacturing technology,” said Randall Stephens, Supervisor of Career Technical Education for Cleveland City Schools. “We are grateful to Nissan Motor Corporation for this generous donation, which strengthens our commitment to preparing students for the workforce.” Nissan’s salvage donation program is designed to support STEM education and create hands-on CTE experiences for students across the country. At Cleveland High School, this gift means that students will be able to practice on vehicles with advanced systems and technology, better preparing them for the automotive careers of tomorrow. “Hands-on learning is the heartbeat of our program,” said Cleveland High School Principal Bob Pritchard. “Thanks to Nissan, our students have an incredible opportunity to learn on the kinds of vehicles they’ll see out in the industry. This partnership empowers them to grow their skills and confidence as they prepare for what’s next.” Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools for Cleveland City Schools, added, “We believe in giving our students every opportunity to succeed, and partnerships like this help us do just that. Nissan’s investment in our automotive program not only strengthens our classrooms but also helps shape the future workforce right here in Cleveland. We deeply appreciate their commitment to education and to our community.” Cleveland City Schools is thankful for Nissan’s investment in students and proud of the lasting impact partnerships like this have on the future workforce.

Nissan Donation Drives Hands-On Learning at Cleveland High School

October 2, 2025
Cleveland High School’s Automotive Technology program just received a big boost thanks to a generous donation from Nissan Motor Corporation. The program is now the proud recipient...
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Cleveland City Schools’ Laura Stilltrotter Honored as 2025–26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year

Cleveland City Schools’ Laura Stilltrotter Honored as 2025–26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year

August 27, 2025
Cleveland City Schools is proud to share that Blythe-Bower Elementary teacher Laura Stilltrotter has been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education as the 2025–26 Tennes...
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CHS mascot

Rowdy Raider Set to Debut at Cleveland High School

August 21, 2025
Raider Nation will meet its newest member tonight as Rowdy Raider, Cleveland High School’s newly designed mascot, makes his first official appearance. Rowdy Raider is more than a...
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CCS Book Bus

Cleveland City Schools Partners with Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation to Bring Book Bus to Community

July 31, 2025
Cleveland City Schools, in partnership with Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), proudly announces the launch of its first-ever Book Bus, a mobile library designed to deli...
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