CMCSS Announces Elementary Principal Appointments

Montgomery County, TN – Two new principals have been selected to fill the open positions at Byrns Darden and Burt Elementary Schools for the 2011-12 school year.

Diana Hara, currently assistant principal at Hazelwood Elementary, will be principal at Burt Elementary, replacing Irene Gudgeon who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Andy Lyons, currently assistant principal at Barkers Mill Elementary, will serve as principal at Byrns Darden Elementary. He replaces Michelle Rayle, who has been named as assistant principal at Northeast and Rossview High Schools.

Diana Hara

Hara earned a B.S. in elementary education from Illinois State University, a master’s of library and information Science from Trevecca Nazarene University, where she also earned her endorsement in educational leadership and school administration.

“I’m looking forward to carrying on the high standards established by Mrs. Gudgeon as we continue to improve student achievement,” Hara said. Prior to her administrative experience, Hara served five years as an elementary academic coach.

Hara has 25 years’ experience in education as a teacher of elementary and middle school students. She also has taught in military affiliated schools in The Netherlands and Germany.

Andy Lyons

Lyons has been with CMCSS for 11 years, beginning his career in education as a kindergarten teacher at St. Bethlehem Elementary School. He has served as an academic coach at West Creek Elementary and was a teacher at Barkers Mill prior to his tenure as an administrator.

“I feel very blessed to be named principal of Byrns Darden Elementary School. I am more than excited and cannot wait to get started. I know we will all come together as a team and as a family to increase student achievement and have fun while doing it. I will do whatever it takes to make Byrns Darden the best school in Clarksville and for our students to reach their highest potential,” Lyons said.

Lyons earned a B.S. in liberal studies K-8 from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee And earned his M.A. in education and educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.