[Tn-talk] Changes to Department of Education

[Sheri Anderson]

FYI!

BILL HASLAM
GOVERNOR	STATE OF TENNESSEE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SIXTH FLOOR, ANDREW JOHNSON TOWER
710 JAMES ROBERTSON PARKWAY
NASHVILLE, TN 37243-0375	

KEVIN HUFFMAN
COMMISSIONER

MEMORANDUM

TO:		Supervisors of Special Education
Advisory Council for Students with Disabilities

FROM:	Dr. Kathleen Airhart, Deputy Commissioner
			
SUBJECT:	Special Education Leadership
	
DATE:	September 25, 2012			

Beginning October, 1, 2012, I will assume direct responsibility for
leadership of Special Education at the TN Department of Education.
Assistant Commissioner Bobbi Lussier is stepping down to devote her
time and attention to the Early Childhood Division consisting of PreK
and Tennessee Early Intervention Services as Executive Director.

As you may know, the Special Populations Division and Special
Education has been an area of my responsibility since coming to the
Department in January 2012. Beginning next week, I will play a more
hands on role with the division as the interim Commissioner directly
responsible for its oversight and management. Executive Director of
Special Education, Nan McKerley will continue to provide direction for
the daily operations of the division.

A search will be launched for an Assistant Commissioner of Special
Populations in the next several weeks. I have a great passion for the
work of education for students with disabilities. I bring 20 years of
Special Education experience, including that of Special Education
Supervisor, to the role and look forward to the opportunity to serve.
My goal is to provide leadership to districts to assist in improving
outcomes for students with disabilities through policies and practices
aligned to the expectations of accountability.

Please feel free to email Kathleen.Airhart at tn.gov or call 615-741-5158
with questions or concerns.  I look forward to working with each of
you.