At its November meeting the Anderson County Board of Education recognized several educators and students for local and state-level achievements.

Dr. Parrot introduced Paula Saylor as the district's 2025 Director of the Year, summarizing her career in special education, school leadership and work as director of student services. Dr. Parrot said Saylor has a grant to operate a district food truck to feed the community during weather closures and presented a $500 award through the district's Utrust program.

Jessica Knasser, principal of Grand Oaks Elementary School, was recognized as Principal of the Year. The director cited Knasser's leadership on early-literacy gains, her David Coffey award for leadership in early literacy, and the school's repeated high performance under her tenure; Knasser is a top-8 state finalist and will travel on Dec. 5 for state recognition.

Teacher Stephanie, introduced by Speaker 6, was named Tennessee Science Educator of the Year for her work in data-driven instruction at Clinton Middle School. The board also highlighted other student successes: high National Honor Society induction numbers, increased enrollment in honors economics and government classes, competitive regional participation and athletics achievements.

Madeline Rodden, a junior trombone player at Clinton High School, was announced as a finalist for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York in February 2026. Band staff and the board congratulated her and asked for a report upon her return.

The recognitions were delivered as part of a broader meeting that also addressed routine board business and upcoming Tennessee School Board Association convention attendance.