Kylie Runions Recognized at TSBA South Central Fall District Meeting

TSBA South Central Fall District Meeting- PDF
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For Additional Information, Contact:
Macie Campidilli, Director of Board Development & Staff Attorney
Phone: (615) 815-3906
E-mail: mcampidilli@tsba.net
TSBA South Central Fall District Meeting
The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) hosted the South Central Fall District Meeting at E.O. Coffman Middle School on September 17th. “TSBA's Fall District Meetings provide our staff the opportunity to speak with our members and listen to their concerns on multiple topics. This allows us to advocate effectively on their behalf while providing them with information they need to make informed decisions for the students in their community,” said TSBA Executive Director, Dr. Tammy Ganger. During the meeting, members of local boards of education and superintendents from the region participated in a survey where they expressed their opinions on issues for the upcoming General Assembly. Other topics discussed were graduation requirements, the TSBA Tennessee Testing Dashboard, and a follow up from the 2025 Delegate Assembly.
STUDENT HONORED
Each year TSBA honors one student from each of its nine districts who has achieved distinction in the areas of academics, community leadership, and engagement as part of its Student Achievement Award program. One of those nine students will win the statewide Student Achievement Award to be presented at the TSBA Annual Convention in November, which will include a $2,000 scholarship from TSBA and a $2,000 scholarship from TSBA’s business affiliate: Energy Systems Group. The 2026 South Central District winner is Kylie Runions of Lewis County. Kylie serves as President of her school's HOSA chapter, organizing events and competitions while earning 4th place internationally. She is the founder and president of the Pre-Med Club, leading service projects and outreach efforts for students in need. Kylie volunteers as an ESL tutor and academic tutor, helping students improve their English and academic skills. She also serves on the Student Advisory Committee and as Secretary of Student Government, representing student voices and helping plan major school events and activities.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEER HONORED
Each year TSBA honors one school volunteer from each of its nine districts who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating exceptional commitment to volunteerism in a local school district. The district winner has exhibited
exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in their service to a school. One of those nine volunteers will win the statewide School Volunteer Recognition Award to be presented at the TSBA Annual Convention in November, which will include a $1,000 grant to the school of their choice. The 2026 South Central District Volunteer Recognition Award winner is Carl Webster of Tullahoma. Carl began volunteering as a Reading Buddy and has faithfully supported second-grade students for the past three years, helping foster a love of reading and literacy through his creativity and enthusiasm. What started as a weekly commitment grew into daily service, with Carl arriving each morning to work with small reading groups, provide phonics instruction, and support student learning. He is intentional about encouraging student growth, regularly recognizing and celebrating student achievements while building confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Carl's dedication extends beyond academics as he volunteers for school events, testing support, and student activities, always stepping forward whenever help is needed.
Board Members HONORED
Several South Central District school board members earned TSBA Boardsmanship Awards in 2026. The awards are presented to individual board members who have achieved one of five levels of boardsmanship standards over the past year. The program is designed to recognize school board members for participation in board activities beyond the local level through a commitment to training, willingness to participate in workshops, and a volunteer spirit. The Boardsmanship Award honors not only the quantity, but also the quality of participation. Levels I-IV are given at Fall District Meetings, while Level V Boardsmanship is awarded at the association’s annual convention in November. South Central District board members who were honored for their achievements this year were:
LEVEL I
Scott Hansert, Coffee County
Chris Koon, Coffee County
Holly Matthews, Coffee County
Bill Adams, Lawrence County
Janet Alexander, Lawrence County
John Daniel, Lawrence County
Kirk Weathers, Lawrence County
LEVEL II
LeAnn Gordon, Giles County
Christy Mays, Hickman County
Chad Shannon, Lawrence County
Morgan Spicer, Lewis County
LEVEL III
Barton Williams, Bedford County
Robert Gilley, Coffee County
Gary Sumners, Giles County
Chad Shannon, Lawrence County
Matthew Adkins, Lewis County
David Moore, Maury County
LEVEL IV
Barton Williams, Bedford County
Jane Herron, Hickman County
Chad Shannon, Lawrence County
David Moore, Maury County
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A statewide, nonprofit organization, the Tennessee School Boards Association is a federation of all the state’s school boards. TSBA’s mission is to assist school boards in effectively governing school districts. Through the years, TSBA has helped school boards and their members reach their highest potential through Association programs, meetings and services. TSBA also provides school board members a collective voice in matters of legislation and public education concerns. For more information about TSBA, visit our website at: www.tsba.net.
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