We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and wish you continued success in all that lies ahead.
#ClassOf2026 #allinformcminncountyschools
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Michelle Ervin, Teacher-Niota Elementary School
Ms. Ervin’s journey in education began in October 1995 when she stepped into a leave-of-absence teaching position at Niota Elementary School. Her passion for teaching and commitment to students quickly became evident, and the following school year she was hired full-time — beginning a remarkable career that would span three decades, all at Niota Elementary.
A proud graduate of McMinn Central High School, Class of 1990, she continued her education at Tennessee Technological University, earning her degree in 1994 and later completing her Master’s Degree in 2002.
Throughout her career, Ms. Ervin has taught multiple grade levels, impacting students across many stages of their elementary education. For the past seven years, she has served in the upper elementary grades, where she continued to inspire, encourage, and challenge students to reach their fullest potential.
Ms. Ervin leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and 30 years of service in education that will continue to influence McMinn County Schools for years to come.
We are thankful for Ms. Ervin and wish her a joyful, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Judy Mason, Teacher- McMinn County High School
Ms. Mason joined McMinn County Schools in August of 2001 as a Special Education Teacher at McMinn County High School. Over the past 25 years, she has faithfully served MCHS in multiple roles, both as a Special Education teacher and as an English teacher, impacting the lives of countless students through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to learning.
Ms. Mason earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Lee University in 1982. She later added her certification in Special Education in June of 2001, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving students with diverse learning needs.
Before joining McMinn County High School, she devoted more than seven years as an early elementary teacher in other educational settings and worked over three years as a paraprofessional. Altogether, her career reflects more than 35 years of service in education — a remarkable legacy of caring for and investing in students.
Ms. Mason, thank you for your years of faithful service, your dedication to education, and the positive impact you have made on generations of students. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you many blessings, joy, and fulfillment in the years ahead.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Mr. Donald Brown, Head Custodian, Riceville Elementary School
Donald began his career with McMinn County Schools in August of 1992 at Riceville Elementary School, where he continues to serve today. For more than three decades, he has devoted his career to the students, staff, and families of Riceville Elementary, faithfully maintaining the school’s facilities as both a custodian and head custodian.
He has taken great pride in his work and has been a dependable presence at Riceville Elementary for 34 years. His dedication has helped create an environment where students can learn, teachers can teach, and the entire school community can thrive. Although much of his work happened behind the scenes, the difference he made has been seen and appreciated every single day.
Donald, thank you for your years of loyal service, your pride in your work, and your dedication to the students and staff of Riceville School. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you well-deserved enjoyment in the years ahead.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Louise Liner, Bus Driver with McMinn County Schools
For more than 30 years, Ms. Liner has faithfully driven the same bus route, serving students and families in our community with remarkable consistency, care, and commitment. Throughout her career, she has primarily transported our special needs students from Riceville Elementary, E.K. Baker Elementary, and McMinn County High School, providing them not only with safe transportation, but also with kindness, patience, and compassion each and every day.
Thirty years of faithful service on the same route is truly an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Ms. Liner’s loyalty, work ethic, and love for the students she has served. Her commitment to caring for some of our most precious students reflects the very best of McMinn County Schools.
Ms. Liner, thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and your many years of faithful service to our students and families. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you many years of happiness, relaxation, and well-deserved blessings ahead.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Pamela Brooks, Bus Driver with McMinn County Schools
Pamela began her service as a bus driver in 2017 and is retiring this year after 9 years of dedicated service to the students and families of McMinn County Schools. Throughout her time with the district, she faithfully transported students in the Englewood community, providing not only safe transportation, but also a caring and dependable presence each school day.
Bus drivers play a vital role in the lives of our students. They are often among the very first smiling faces students see each morning and the last to wish them well in the afternoon. Their patience, dedication, and commitment help ensure that every child begins and ends the school day safely. Pamela has exemplified those qualities throughout her years of service.
Pamela, thank you for your dedication, your care for our students, and your years of faithful service to McMinn County Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement.
In case you missed Pre-K registration for McMinn County Schools, you can still register using the following digital links for 2026-2027: Please see the graphic for the QR Code.
Your child must be age 4 by or before August 15, 2026. You will need to upload your proof of residence, proof of income, proof of age (e.g., birth certificate), and a TN shot record, including the well-child physical date, for the application to be complete. After submission, a PK teacher will reach out to schedule a date and time for your child's PK readiness screening and a parent meeting. Income-eligible families will be notified in May 2026 for enrollment in VPK classrooms. All other families will be notified the week prior to September 15, 2026, if there are seats available for your child to enroll.
McMinn County Schools Pre-K Celebrations and Graduations! #allinformcminncountyschools
From mystery tummy aches to playground bumps, loose teeth, and “I just need a minute” visits—they handle it all with patience, care, and a little bit of magic.
They’re part healer, part problem-solver, part hug-giver and 100% appreciated.
We love our school nurses more than band-aids and ice packs (and that’s saying a lot). Thank you for taking care of our students and our hearts every single day!
Thank you for answering a million questions, tying shoes, finding lost jackets, and still making learning fun every single day.
From lesson plans to life lessons, and everything in between, our schools wouldn’t be the same without you! Your impact goes far beyond the classroom, and we are so thankful for each and every one of you!
#MCSlappreciatesteachers #allinformcminncountyschools #HAPPYTEACHERAPPRECIATIONDAY
🍎 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
They show up early.
They stay late.
They carry more than books—they carry dreams, worries, laughter, and hope.
Teaching isn’t just a job. It’s a thousand small moments that shape a child’s future,
a word of encouragement, a spark of curiosity, a safe place to land.
This week, we celebrate the people who make a difference in ways that don’t always show up on a lesson plan.
To our teachers:
You are seen.
You are valued.
What you do matters more than words can say.
Thank you for showing up every day with heart, patience, and dedication. You make a difference every day, and we appreciate you! #allinformcminncountyschools #MCSteachersarethebest!
May McMinn Monthly Newsletter, Elementary Senior Graduation Walks, and other important dates.
McMinn County Schools is pleased to share the appointment of Mr. Jake Roberts as the new Principal of McMinn County High School.
Mr. Roberts has been a valued member of our district since 2017 and brings 15 years of experience in education. He holds an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and earned his degree from Lincoln Memorial University. Prior to joining McMinn County Schools, he served as a teacher and coach at both Sequoyah High School and Mt. Juliet Christian Academy.
During his time in McMinn County, Mr. Roberts has supported school administration with student attendance and discipline, demonstrating a strong commitment to maintaining a positive and structured learning environment. He has also made a meaningful impact as an assistant football coach. Since 2022, he has served as Athletic Director, providing steady leadership and strengthening the school’s athletic programs. His ability to build relationships, lead with consistency, and prioritize student success has earned the respect of students, staff, and the community and has prepared him well for this role. Mr. Roberts has a deep devotion and vision for the success of McMinn County High School.
Mr. Roberts and his wife, Shelby, along with their two children, reside in McMinn County, where they are actively involved and deeply invested in the success of our students, schools, and the community.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Roberts on this well-deserved appointment. We are confident that his experience, dedication, and leadership will serve McMinn County High School well. #AllInForMcMinnCountySchools
