Bristol, Tennessee, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Annette Tudor, Superintendent of Bristol Tennessee City Schools, has been named the 2026 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year. This honor recognizes her leadership and the academic success of the schools she oversees. Under Tudor’s guidance, BTCS has achieved significant accolades, including all A and B grades in the new evaluation system. Notably, several schools within BTCS have received top ratings and continued recognition as Reward Schools for outstanding performance. This highlights the commitment to excellence in education in the Bristol area.
Bristol, Tennessee – Annette Tudor, the Superintendent of Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS), has been honored as the 2026 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. This prestigious award was presented during an annual banquet in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, marking a significant recognition of Tudor’s leadership and the academic success of the schools she oversees.
The award selection was made by a committee of eight superintendents from different regions of the state, showcasing the high regard in which Tudor is held among her peers. She has been leading BTCS since 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role.
Before becoming superintendent, Tudor held various positions within the education system, including special education teacher, assistant principal, and curriculum supervisor, which has certainly informed her approach to leadership and school improvement.
In addition to the recognition of Tudor, the Tennessee Department of Education has revealed new data demonstrating that school divisions in Northeast Tennessee are thriving academically. Schools across the state are now being evaluated using an A through F letter grade rating system, which provides a clearer picture of educational performance.
Under this new evaluation system, BTCS stands out as one of only 11 districts in Tennessee to achieve all A and B results. Notably, six schools within the district received an A grade, including Avoca Elementary, Haynesfield Elementary, Holston View Elementary, Tennessee Middle, Tennessee High, and Tennessee Online Public School. Meanwhile, Anderson Elementary and Fairmount Elementary each received a B grade.
Moreover, four BTCS schools – Avoca Elementary, Haynesfield Elementary, Tennessee Middle, and Tennessee Online Public School – have earned the Reward School designations for the sixth consecutive year. This designation is the highest honor a school can achieve in Tennessee, recognizing outstanding growth and achievement.
The factors that contribute to these overall school ratings include several critical metrics: achievement, growth, student readiness for graduation, graduation rate, chronic absenteeism, and English language proficiency. These categories help in assessing how well schools are preparing their students for future success.
Other local school districts in the region have also been recognized for their academic excellence. Kingsport City Schools recently announced that Adams Elementary and Jefferson Elementary received the Reward School designations based on the 2022-23 TCAP assessment results. Additionally, Johnson City Schools reported that seven of its schools have been recognized as Reward Schools in Tennessee, including Cherokee Elementary, Lake Ridge Elementary, North Side Elementary, South Side Elementary, Towne Acres Elementary, and Woodland Elementary.
The achievements of BTCS and its schools highlight a commitment to high educational standards and positive outcomes for students in the Bristol area. With influential leadership from Superintendent Annette Tudor and a focus on improving educational performance, the region continues to set a benchmark in academic achievement.
FAQ
- Who was named the 2026 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year? Annette Tudor, Superintendent of Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS).
- When and where was the award presented? The award was received at an annual banquet held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
- What are the criteria for the award selection? The award was decided by a group of eight superintendents from across the state.
- What notable recognition has BTCS received in the recent evaluations? BTCS is one of only 11 districts in the state that received all A and B results in the new evaluation.
- Which BTCS schools received an A grade? Six BTCS schools received an A grade: Avoca Elementary, Haynesfield Elementary, Holston View Elementary, Tennessee Middle, Tennessee High, and Tennessee Online Public School.
- What achievement did four BTCS schools receive for the sixth consecutive year? Four BTCS schools received Reward School designations, which is the highest distinction a school can earn in Tennessee for outstanding growth and achievement.
- What factors contribute to overall school ratings? Factors include achievement, growth, student readiness for graduation, graduation rate, chronic absenteeism, and English language proficiency.
Key Features of BTCS Achievement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | 2026 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year – Annette Tudor |
| Evaluation System | A through F letter grade rating system for schools in Tennessee |
| Performance Ratings | BTCS awarded all A and B results; one of only 11 districts in Tennessee |
| Schools with A Grades | Avoca Elementary, Haynesfield Elementary, Holston View Elementary, Tennessee Middle, Tennessee High, Tennessee Online Public School |
| Schools with B Grades | Anderson Elementary, Fairmount Elementary |
| Reward Schools | Avoca Elementary, Haynesfield Elementary, Tennessee Middle, Tennessee Online Public School (sixth consecutive year) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Johnson City and Kingsport Schools Achieve Top TVAAS Scores
Bristol, Tennessee Faces School Charter Controversy
Bristol School System Faces Proposed Charter Changes
Kingsport School Community Remembers Beloved Educator
School Board Delays Decision on Melrose Property
Bristol Schools Celebrate Annette Tudor’s Recognition
Additional Resources
- WJHL: BTCS’s Tudor Named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year
- Supertalk 929: BTCS Superintendent Annette Tudor Named 2026 TN Superintendent of the Year
- Herald Courier: Education News
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Department of Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education System in Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
