Douglas and Officer honored at TSBA Upper Cumberland Fall District Meeting

Tennessee School Boards Association hosted the Upper Cumberland Fall District Meeting at the Pickett County Agricultural Learning Center, on Aug. 28.

Teresa Douglas and Lisa Officer, members of White County School Board, were honored for their achievements as Level 1.

“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 changes to school funding, teacher salaries, and school sports.

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 2025 Upper Cumberland District winner is Mary Detwlier of Putnam County. Mary is a senior at Cookeville High School, where she has maintained a 3.9 GPA. Once a month, Mary volunteers in her church nursery. Mary is part of the leadership team for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She has also dedicated time as a volunteer for the Special Olympics.

BOARD MEMBERS HONORED

Several Upper Cumberland District school board members earned TSBA Boardsmanship Awards in 2025. 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. Upper Cumberland District board members who were honored for their achievements this year were:

LEVEL I

Travis Cole, Cumberland County

Nicholas Davis, Cumberland County

Elizabeth Stull, Cumberland County

James Clouse, Overton County

Ben Danner, Overton County

Shirley Myers, Overton County

Matthew Brown, Warren County

Jarvis Johnson, Warren County

Teresa Douglas, White County

Lisa Officer, White County

Melissa Lynn, Wilson County

LEVEL II

Anita Hale, Cumberland County

Ashley Carr, Overton County

Shirley Myers, Overton County

Kerry Ledbetter, Putnam County

LEVEL III

Felicia Garrett, Fentress County

Ricky Dodson, Overton County

Mike Hayes, Overton County

Jill Ramsey, Putnam County

Chris Cope, Warren County

Tommy Culwell, Warren County

Kimberly McGee, Wilson County

Beth Meyers, Wilson County

LEVEL IV

Mike Hayes, Overton County

Jill Ramsey, Putnam County

Chris Cope, Warren County

Tommy Culwell, Warren County

Jamie Farough, Wilson County

Kimberly McGee, Wilson County