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KINGSPORT, TENN. – The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced the finalists for the State of Tennessee's Supervisor of the Year distinction. Kingsport City Schools Chief Academic Officer - Elementary, Dr. Holly Flora has advanced to the final round of the 2025-26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year competition. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) regions in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division: East, Middle, and West.
"On behalf of Kingsport City Schools, it is an honor to congratulate Dr. Flora for being named as a finalist for the TDOE Supervisor of the Year," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "The recognition is warranted and reflects an incredible level of commitment, tenacity, and focus toward improving the learning experiences of students and the level of support we provide to our teachers and administrators. She is selfless in her approach and infallible in her efforts. She has definitely served as a catalyst for improvement in our school district. We wish Dr. Flora the best as she advances to the final stage of the selection process."
The goal of the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year program is to recognize and celebrate the wealth of excellent district leaders that exist across the state. Each year an outstanding public school supervisor earns distinction as the TDOE Supervisor of the Year. This honor is reserved for leaders who demonstrate superior abilities in: Managing and motivating students and faculties; evoking high standards; demonstrating a commitment to excellence; implementing innovative programs; and having a track record of exceptional gains in student learning.
"I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for TDOE Supervisor of the Year,'' said Dr. Holly Flora, Kingsport City School Chief Academic Officer - Elementary. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, and community who work tirelessly each day to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. I am grateful to serve alongside such inspiring colleagues and remain committed to advancing excellence and opportunity for all of Tennessee’s students."
Dr. Flora oversees all academic operations for elementary education, including curriculum and instructional programs. Over her 29-year career, she has served as a teacher at Lincoln Elementary and Washington Elementary Schools, the KCS K-12 Literacy Coordinator, and the Principal of Jackson Elementary School and Sevier Middle School. Flora has been a member of the Tennessee Principals Association (TPA) Board for 13 years, including a term as President. She has also served as the TPA state representative for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and in 2017, she was honored as the National Distinguished Principal by the NAESP. Beyond her K-12 work, Flora has been an adjunct professor at both Milligan University and East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Milligan College, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from ETSU, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from ETSU.
"I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for TDOE Supervisor of the Year,'' said Dr. Holly Flora, Kingsport City School Chief Academic Officer - Elementary. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, and community who work tirelessly each day to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. I am grateful to serve alongside such inspiring colleagues and remain committed to advancing excellence and opportunity for all of Tennessee’s students."
Dr. Flora oversees all academic operations for elementary education, including curriculum and instructional programs. Over her 29-year career, she has served as a teacher at Lincoln Elementary and Washington Elementary Schools, the KCS K-12 Literacy Coordinator, and the Principal of Jackson Elementary School and Sevier Middle School. Flora has been a member of the Tennessee Principals Association (TPA) Board for 13 years, including a term as President. She has also served as the TPA state representative for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and in 2017, she was honored as the National Distinguished Principal by the NAESP. Beyond her K-12 work, Flora has been an adjunct professor at both Milligan University and East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Milligan College, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from ETSU, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from ETSU.
Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held in the coming weeks where each will meet with a panel of interviewers made up of department staff and other education leaders. Winners for each Grand Division and the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year will be selected from this group and announced at the Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year Celebration held in December.
Past Tennessee Supervisor of the Year recipients for Kingsport City Schools include: Nancy Wagner (2006). To learn more about the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year Award, click here.
Past Tennessee Supervisor of the Year recipients for Kingsport City Schools include: Nancy Wagner (2006). To learn more about the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year Award, click here.
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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