Quality Education Offers Promise of Bright Future

A great community fosters a great education system, and Hamblen County Schools are a point of local pride. Parents, educators, and community members believe the quality of our educational system determines the quality of our future and the economic advancement in our community. Young people must experience an education that is relevant and one that will prepare them to participate constructively in the economic growth of their societies.

The strong local commitment to education is evidenced in the quality programs, highly skilled professional staff, and excellent, modern facilities. Quality education requires a great investment of public funds and private support. Hamblen County Schools are supported by HC*Excell Foundation for Educational Excellence and Achievement and by many businesses and industries serving as school adopters. Through the efforts of these entities, additional classroom materials are made available for students to participate in creative, hands-on, active learning. A cadre of business, industry, and community leaders serve as Principals for a Day (PFADs) and provide support, input, and resources for the public schools.

Hamblen County Schools actively pursue grant opportunities and have been awarded over $1 million dollars in the last two years. These grants have funded curriculum projects and facility improvements.

Whether empowering students with the lifelong skills of reading and problem solving, advanced preparation for the rigors of college and the university experience, or the development of skills for tomorrow, the Lakeway Region provides students of all ages with the knowledge and expertise to be successful in life.

County School Philosophy

The Hamblen County Dept. of Education is committed to the belief that schools are operated for students, and that children have an enormous potential and curiosity Great things can be achieved when parents, staff, students, and the community are committed to working in partnership towards the provision of the best possible education for all of our students.

The uniqueness of each child is valued. It is the primary goal of the organization to maximize the potential of each child in a safe and nurturing environment. Such an environment allows the child to develop, learn, and demonstrate success in school. A multifaceted approach to education, including a full complement of academic courses, plus a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs, meets the needs of diverse and talented students.

Beyond learning the basics, timeless skills of problem solving and critical thinking skills are developed. Additionally, in the school culture, students learn positive social behaviors, self-discipline, responsibility, good judgment, and the ability to get along with others.

General Information

Over 9,500 students will enroll in Hamblen County Schools each year. The system employs approximately 680 certified teachers and administrators, as well as 440 non-certified staff members serving in the vital capacities such as teacher assistants, bus drivers, school nutrition workers, and other important personnel.

Students attend modern, well equipped, and air conditioned facilities. A comprehensive building program has produced two new schools and brought improvements and renovations to seventeen other sites. Students are assigned to schools according to established geographic school zones.

A countywide bus transportation system is available to all students in the system.
The 2003-2004 total budget for the school system was approximately $58.9 million.
The Hamblen County Dept. of Education is governed by a seven-member board of education that is elected by the citizens of Hamblen County. The director of schools, who is the chief school officer, is appointed by the board of education.