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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools Board of Education member Carrie Uphsaw passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 following a lengthy illness. The long-time Board member leaves a legacy of service to the Kingsport educational community spanning multiple decades.
First elected in 2009, Mrs. Upshaw served three terms as a member of the Board of Education, including multiple terms as Board president. Her long history of service to the children, families, and employees of Kingsport also includes holding the role of PTA president at both Washington Elementary and John Sevier Middle School.
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of Carrie’s passing,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse. “She has passionately served the Kingsport education community for many years, as both a parent and as a school board member. Our community is a much better place because of her service and dedication to the children of Kingsport, and we join her family in grieving during this difficult time.”
Mrs. Upshaw was a member of the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) All Tennessee School Board, was a Level IV board member, and was an active participant in conferences and public school advocacy at both the state and national level. Her leadership impacted multiple significant KCS initiatives, including the creation of D-B EXCEL, the development of the Dobyns-Bennett High School Science and Technology Center, and the construction of the KCS Administrative Support Center.
“Carrie was a dedicated servant leader who possessed an exemplary passion for our city and for Kingsport City Schools,” said Board of Education President Jim Welch. “Her presence was a gift that will be greatly missed.”
First elected in 2009, Mrs. Upshaw served three terms as a member of the Board of Education, including multiple terms as Board president. Her long history of service to the children, families, and employees of Kingsport also includes holding the role of PTA president at both Washington Elementary and John Sevier Middle School.
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of Carrie’s passing,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse. “She has passionately served the Kingsport education community for many years, as both a parent and as a school board member. Our community is a much better place because of her service and dedication to the children of Kingsport, and we join her family in grieving during this difficult time.”
Mrs. Upshaw was a member of the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) All Tennessee School Board, was a Level IV board member, and was an active participant in conferences and public school advocacy at both the state and national level. Her leadership impacted multiple significant KCS initiatives, including the creation of D-B EXCEL, the development of the Dobyns-Bennett High School Science and Technology Center, and the construction of the KCS Administrative Support Center.
“Carrie was a dedicated servant leader who possessed an exemplary passion for our city and for Kingsport City Schools,” said Board of Education President Jim Welch. “Her presence was a gift that will be greatly missed.”
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,700 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.
For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District), Instagram (@kcs_district), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).
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