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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools (KCS) has announced its 2026 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year. Dr. Stephanie Potter was named KCS Principal of the Year and David Sewell was named KCS Supervisor of the Year.
Dr. Stephanie Potter, Principal of Jefferson Elementary School, has been named district Principal of the Year. Potter is in her 30th year as an educator, entering her seventh year at Jefferson Elementary. Potter's teaching career began on the elementary level in Lee County, VA teaching a combined second and third grade class. After one year, she taught second grade for eight years. She also completed an interim as principal/teacher for one semester. After moving to Kingsport, Potter secured a job in Scott County, VA where she taught first grade one year and fourth grade math the remaining three years she was there. The next three years she served as the Associate Principal at Robinson Middle School and the Kingsport City Schools Section 504 Coordinator for two of those three years. She then spent four years as Principal at John Adams Elementary and then served three years at the Administrative Support Center as Director of Professional Learning. Potter holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Carson Newman University, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Tusculum University, an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, and a Doctorate of Education in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University.
"Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Potter, who will represent Jefferson Elementary and Kingsport City Schools as our Principal of the Year!" said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Chris Hampton. "Dr. Potter serves as an excellent leader and that is clearly demonstrated through the significant improvements in student learning for all students at Jefferson. She leads with passion, positivity, and professionalism and is committed to the success of her school and our district."
David Sewell, Kingsport City Schools Maintenance and Custodial Supervisor, has been named district Supervisor of the Year. Now in his seventh year with the district, Sewell is passionate about creating and maintaining high-quality learning environments for students and educators, with a strong focus on safety and innovation. He joined KCS in 2019, bringing more than 15 years of experience in maintenance and construction management. Sewell’s professional background includes 13 years in soil and material engineering, followed by positions with Brock Group at Eastman and Partner Industrial at Eastman. In his current role, he provides strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of district facility operations and maintenance, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems. He also coordinates all monthly, quarterly, and annual facility and equipment inspections and ensures corrective actions are implemented as needed to maintain optimal performance. His recent capital project involvement includes the Dobyns-Bennett High School Buck Van Huss Dome renovations, Dobyns-Bennett roof replacement, pool renovations, and ADA track parking improvements. Sewell also played a key role in the Tribe Athletic Complex renovations, HVAC upgrades at Johnson, Jefferson, and Lincoln Elementary Schools, and Robinson Middle School, and the installation of a new playground at Lincoln Elementary. Sewell supports student workforce development through Dobyns-Bennett High School’s Work-Based Learning and Transition School-to-Work programs and serves as District Director for the Tennessee School Plant Management Association (TSPMA). Sewell holds an Associate's degree in Drafting and Design from Northeast Community College.
"Kingsport City Schools is pleased to celebrate David Sewell as our 2026 Supervisor of the Year," said Hampton. "Mr. Sewell is a remarkable asset to our schools and district. He leads our maintenance department by example and with high professional character and integrity. Mr. Sewell is the epitome of servant leadership and on behalf of Kingsport City Schools, we congratulate him on this recognition."
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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