Sumner County Schools

Gallatin Data Center Plants Seeds of Success for SCS Students

The Gallatin Data Center officially opened its doors today with Sumner County School leaders in attendance. As part of their campus, the data center includes pollinator gardens, and they helped us bring similar gardens to six of our middle schools. Middle school students have been learning about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the importance of pollinators in our curriculum, so it was a perfect fit! The schools that received a pollinator garden include: Rucker Stewart, Shafer Middle, Knox Doss at Drakes Creek, Hawkins Middle, Westmoreland Middle, and Portland West.

Ever since Meta first announced the Gallatin Data Center back in 2020, they have been a tremendous partner for Sumner County Schools.

• They provided funds during COVID to increase technology and expand access to WiFi.
• Partnered with SCS Career and Technical Education Department to provide VEX robotics for all elementary and middle schools.
• Before the partnership, SCS had robotics teams at just three schools. Now, we have teams at 17 out of our 21 middle and high schools.
• Sponsored VEX robotics events including the state competition this past spring, which brought in more than 60 teams from across the state of Tennessee.

Community partners like the Gallatin Data Center are vital to schools because they provide valuable resources, support and expertise that enhances the educational experience. Together, our partnership will continue to strengthen the overall fabric of the district. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Hendersonville High School JROTC Ranked Number One in the Nation

Congratulations to the Hendersonville High School MCJROTC All-Service Raider National Champions. The Commandos finished 1st overall at the JROTC All-Service National Raider Challenge that was held at Fort Knox, KY. The event had more than 4,000 participants from 38 states.

The Raiders placed in all six grueling events that tested their physical fitness, endurance, and mental toughness. Not only did they come away with the JROTC All-Service National Championship, but team captain Cadet Lundy Davis and Cadet Keenan Moore won the Ultimate Raider Buddy Challenge earning them each a $160,000 college JROTC scholarship.

The HHS MCJROTC 2024 National Champions are Cadets Lundy Davis, Keenan Moore, Toby Parrotta, Alex Bucary, Andrew Bodnar, Jack King, Gabe Brown, Caleb Nocero, Winsor Herrick, Parker Simmons, Ben Sousa, Michael Stevenson, Isaiah Theilen, and Criss Thompson.

#SumnerReady #SumnerAchieves #SumnerCountyStrong

Gallatin High School Wins 1st Place at the WCTE-TV Academic Bowl

The Academic Teams from Beech, Gallatin, Hendersonville, and Portland competed in the WCTE-TV Academic Bowl in Cookeville.

All four schools’ A teams advanced to the Elite Eight, with Gallatin High’s B team also making it through—giving Sumner County Schools an impressive five of the top eight spots with Gallatin High School finishing in first.

Tracey Richardson Named Director of Transportation for Sumner County Schools

Sumner County Schools is proud to announce Tracey Richardson as the new Director of Transportation, overseeing the transportation of more than 30,500 students.

Richardson has devoted more 30 years to Sumner County Schools, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Sumner County Schools community. Richardson’s career began in August 1992, when she joined Sumner County Schools as a substitute bus driver, encouraged by former Director of Transportation Larry Riggsbee. She soon became a permanent driver for special needs routes in Gallatin. Her commitment and skill led her to a central office role as Operations Manager, supporting former Director Clint Barnes in dispatch, safety, and route management across the district.

“Tracey’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our students is unmatched,” said Dr. Scott Langford, Director of Sumner County Schools. “She has experience in almost every level of our transportation department and knows the needs of each job from a first hand perspective. Her meticulous attention to every detail—whether it’s safety protocols, efficient routing, or open communication with our drivers and our families—demonstrates her dedication to making a positive impact on our students’ daily lives. Through her leadership over the past 30 years our transportation department has developed into one of the best in the state. I am confident she will continue setting the standard for excellence and reliability.”

Richardson’s responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive federal and state safety training programs, third-party examiner for all CDL licensures in Sumner County Schools and coordinating special needs accommodations. She will also oversee the district’s vehicle maintenance program, ensuring that school buses and other system-owned vehicles meet rigorous safety and compliance standards. Beyond her primary duties, Richardson will manage the district’s driver education program and monitor road conditions to make timely recommendations during adverse weather.

A Sumner County native and Gallatin High School graduate, Richardson is deeply rooted in the community, with her grandchildren now attending Sumner County Schools. "I am truly honored to lead our transportation team and working alongside the families of Sumner County, my home and my community,” Richardson said. “Born and raised here, I raised my own children in these schools, and now my grandchildren are here too. Safe, reliable transportation is more than a job to me—it’s a promise to our families. Every day, our drivers, mechanics, and staff work hard to make sure our students are cared for on their journey to and from school. I’m committed to carrying forward that tradition with the same dedication and love this community has given me over the years.”