Director of Schools Patrick Cripps and outgoing School Board member Jamie Cripps were recognized by the School Board last Thursday evening for their service and accomplishments. They were presented awards during the board’s regular monthly meeting.
In May, Director Cripps had been named the 2024-25 Tennessee Upper Cumberland Regional Superintendent of the Year, awarded by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS). During the meeting, a formal award was presented to Cripps by the TOSS Executive Director Dr. Gary Lilly.
“I am here in honor of Superintendent Cripps,” said Dr. Lilly. “I certainly appreciate Mr. Cripps who is always a great collaborator, and he is engaged in our events. He is an active participant in those and is respected throughout the state. Mr. Cripps is not always the loudest voice in the room, but when he talks people listen. They value his experience, judgment, and advice. It’s my honor to let you know that Mr. Cripps has been selected as the Upper Cumberland Superintendent of the Year,” Dr. Lilly continued.
“What’s even more important is that this is not a TOSS award. Mr. Cripps was selected by his peers so that shows how much they value, respect, and appreciate him and we are very proud of him. The criteria that those selections are made from are set by the national organization in the areas of leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement,” said Dr. Lilly.
“I want to thank Dr. Lilly and TOSS and the Upper Cumberland Directors that nominated me,” said Director Cripps. “This is not a Patrick Cripps award. It’s a DeKalb County award. It takes everybody. All of our employees are the ones behind it. I just get to speak. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve in this capacity. I’m starting my 10th year as director. When I started, I was a scared little boy. It’s still a scary job but God has seen me through it and it is a blessing to be able to serve our community. I am thankful for the opportunity that you guys (board members) have entrusted me with to do the job. I also appreciate the support of my family. I just want to say thank you and I love you. I also want to thank the community,” added Director Cripps.
Director Cripps and the board also honored Board Member Jamie Cripps. Cripps served the fifth district as a member of the Board of Education for the last four years, but decided not to seek re-election. Her term officially ends August 31.
“We would like to recognize Ms. Jamie Cripps,” said Director of Schools Cripps. “This is her last night on the board. She has served for four years. I thought she had served without missing a meeting but she said she missed one in four years and that is a tremendous feat. On behalf of myself, the entire board, and the community that you have served, we do want to thank you Jamie for your dedication to our students and doing what you thought was best for our school system while you served,” said Director Cripps.
Her successor Megan Moore will take office September 1.
