Blount County School Board appoints Justin Ridge as new director

In a decisive move, the Blount County School Board has appointed Justin Ridge as the new Director of Schools following a unanimous vote during their meeting on April 21, 2025. Ridge emerged as the top candidate after receiving strong support from board members, with a total of seven votes in his favor.

The board's discussion highlighted Ridge's impressive qualifications, including his strong communication skills and deep understanding of educational matters. Former principal Bill Porter praised Ridge's leadership abilities, stating, "He is an exceptional leader," and emphasized his knack for hiring the right people and maintaining high expectations for student learning.

After a motion was made and seconded to nominate Ridge, the board conducted a roll call vote, which confirmed his appointment with unanimous support from all members present. The board expressed gratitude to all candidates who applied for the position, while Ridge's selection marks a significant step forward for Blount County Schools as they look to enhance educational leadership in the district.