GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE –The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents released the following statement announcing Dr. Linda Cash as the winner of the 2025 Superintendent of the Year Award on September 15th, 2024:
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) met in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on September 15th, 2024, for their annual Awards Banquet. The 2025 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year was announced at the banquet on Sunday night. This year the honored award recipient was Dr. Linda Cash, of Bradley County Schools, representing the Southeast region of Tennessee.
Dr. Cash was selected for this honor from a distinguished group of eight Regional Superintendents of the Year, which included Kelly Johnson (Clinton City Schools), East; Matt Hixson (Hawkins County Schools), First; Jason Golden (Williamson County Schools), Mid-Cumberland; Eddie Pruett (Gibson County Special School District), Northwest; Michael Adkins (Lawrence County Schools), South- Central; Dr. Marlon King (Jackson-Madison County Schools), Southwest; and Patrick Cripps (DeKalb County Schools), Upper Cumberland Tennessee.
A dedicated advocate for public education, Dr. Linda Cash has over 37 years of experience spanning elementary through higher education and has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, professor, assistant director, and director of schools. She holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University, and is currently serving in her 10th year as the Director of Schools in Bradley County.
Dr. Cash began her career in education as a teacher, where she quickly realized her passion for helping students achieve their full potential. It is not uncommon today to see Dr. Cash in the classroom, the place where the magic happens. She is on a continual quest for excellence. Her systemwide vision of “Growing Students - Building Futures” is evident through district gains including, higher ACT scores, improved graduation rates, increased daily attendance, and stronger college and career readiness with increased pathways. Dr. Linda Cash has an unsurpassed ability to build partnerships. These alliances have led to increased support and financial assistance for the district, fostering a culture where learning is valued. During her tenure, Dr. Cash has attained numerous grants totaling tens of millions of dollars. She secured the passage of two bonds and multiple funding projects from the Bradley County Commission to build a middle school, expand two elementary schools, and allowed her dream of the PIE (Partnerships in Industry and Education) Innovation Center to become a reality.
A respected leader across the state, Dr. Cash testified before the Tennessee General Assembly about the importance of in-person education, promoted the state literacy program, and was invited to the signing of the Tennessee Literacy Act with the governor. Engaging in the legislative process, she maintains conversations with key legislators and stakeholders, advocating for educators and students. Additionally, she serves as chair of the Tennessee State Textbook Committee.
Dr. Linda Cash is married to John Cash and together have three adult sons, Sutton, Jacob, and Christopher. She enjoys traveling, running, and always learning. Her “student first” philosophy supports the belief that students are our future, and through preparing them, we not only build their futures but local communities.
TOSS Executive Director, Dr. Gary Lilly stated, “I am proud to congratulate all of this year’s Regional Superintendents of the Year and extend a special recognition to Dr. Linda Cash for being named the 2025 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Cash’s leadership in Bradley County Schools exemplifies the strength of a superintendent who not only advocates passionately for students but also builds essential bridges with legislators to influence meaningful education policy. Her commitment to innovation and fostering strong community ties has been instrumental in advancing public education, both within her district and across the state. Dr. Cash’s work highlights the difference strong leadership can make in shaping the future of our schools and communities.”
Dr. Cash will represent the state of Tennessee at the 2025 AASA National Conference on Education, which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, this March.
TOSS also presented the George "Kip" Reel Award for Leadership in Education to Dr. Dale Lynch of AIMS, the “Friend of TOSS” Award to Ms. Maryanne Durski, Chief Financial Officer at the Tennessee Department of Education, and the TOSS Legislative Award to Tennessee Senator, Rusty Crowe.
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) is the leading advocate organization for public education in the state of Tennessee. Since 1975, TOSS has been progressing public education and addressing the needs of its administrators. TOSS provides advocacy at the state level for education issues that are high priorities for Tennessee schools, and is comprised of district leaders who are committed to lifelong learning, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement.
