August 15, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Back in May, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps was named the 2024-25 Tennessee Upper Cumberland Regional Superintendent of the Year awarded by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).
During Thursday night’s monthly meeting of the Board of Education, the formal award was presented to Director Cripps by the TOSS Executive Director Dr. Gary Lilly.
“I am here in honor of Superintendent Cripps,” said Dr. Lilly. “I certainly appreciate Mr. Cripps who is always a great collaborator, and he is engaged in our events. He is an active participant in those and is respected throughout the state. Mr. Cripps is not always the loudest voice in the room but when he talks people listen. They value his experience, judgment, and advice. Its my honor to let you know that Mr. Cripps has been selected as the Upper Cumberland Superintendent of the Year,” Dr. Lilly continued. “What’s even more important is that this is not a TOSS award. Mr. Cripps was selected by his peers so that shows how much they value, respect, and appreciate him and we are very proud of him. The criteria that those selections are made from are set by the National organization in the areas of leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement,” said Dr. Lilly.
“I want to thank Dr. Lilly and TOSS and the Upper Cumberland Directors that nominated me,” said Director Cripps. “This is not a Patrick Cripps award. It’s a DeKalb County award. It takes everybody. All of our employees are the ones behind it. I just get to speak. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve in this capacity. I’m starting my 10th year as director. When I started I was a scared little boy. Its still a scary job but God has seen me through it and it is a blessing to be able to serve our community. I am thankful for the opportunity that you guys (board members) have entrusted me with to do the job. I also appreciate the support of my family. I just want to say thank you and I love you. I also want to thank the community,” added Director Cripps.
TOSS is a membership association for Tennessee’s school superintendents and directors of schools. TOSS provides high quality professional learning, legislative advocacy and many other services.
An overall State Superintendent or Director of the Year is selected by TOSS each year along with eight regional winners. Cripps is this year’s winner for the Upper Cumberland Region.