New Director of schools is ready to take the district to the next level

Weakley County Schools is honored to celebrate Mr. Jeff Cupples, the incoming Director of Schools.
Director Cupples has already hit the ground running in transitioning to the position with preparations to
work alongside the School Board and current Director of Schools Randy Frazier, who is set to leave the
role officially at the end of May.

Cupples said he is proud to serve students and educators in the role.

“I’m honored to be entrusted to serve Weakley County Schools in this capacity. I’m grateful for the
opportunity and I’m ready to get to work. Under the leadership of Mr. Frazier and the great work of his
team, we’re fortunate to have strong schools filled with excellent educators, students, and
administrators. That’s a great point of entry for an incoming Director of Schools and I look forward to
working with the team to take our district to the next level,” Cupples said.

With 14 years in the classroom and 12 years serving in administration for multiple school districts,
Cupples has a unique perspective concerning education. His knowledge and experience serving students
in every grade band provides him with valuable insight to strategize plans for performance
improvement, achievement, and growth.

His plan for the first 90 days in the new role includes research, listening and learning sessions, strategic
planning, and data analysis.

“The most important action that a new Director must take is to listen with intention. It’s a vital part of
understanding every aspect of the district in order to build solid, collaborative relationships with
educators, administrators, students, parents, School Board, County Commissioners, and each
community. I’m excited to learn from Mr. Frazier and get to know our teachers in each school. Through
this process, I can begin to see our district’s strengths, assets, challenges, and opportunities for success.
It’s then that we can start laying the groundwork for advanced achievement and growth,” Cupples
outlined.

Cupples is deeply in support of exploring new opportunities to connect students to their purpose while
working with community stakeholders to help prepare students for the workforce. Through the
evaluation process of strengths and assets, district leadership can strategize methods of preparing
students for post-secondary educational opportunities and work that is more specific to our region’s
businesses and industries. Ideas include the development of a Weakley County Schools’ Portrait of a
Graduate, monthly stakeholder engagement sessions, opportunities to enhance community connections
relative to STEM programming, and more.

Cupples is excited to build on the school system’s existing momentum.

“Our schools are well positioned for growth. Because of our strong foundation, we have a clear path for
growth opportunities. Our district is unique in many ways, and I look forward to working alongside the
team to elevate the great work we’re already doing at Weakley County Schools,” he acknowledged.
Jeff Cupples has 26 years of experience in education serving in various roles including direct classroom
instruction and coaching football at Warren County Schools and Chester County Schools, 7 years as an
Assistant Principal for Chester County Schools, and 4 years as the Principal at Greenfield School. His wife
of 24 years, Mrs. Jennifer Cupples, teaches at Westview High School as the Assistant Director of the
Band, Director of the Jazz Band, and Chorus Director. The Cupples have two children, Jaxon [Freshman]
and Jacie [3 rd grade] who attend Greenfield School. They attend First Baptist Church in Martin and enjoy
music, hunting, spending time with family, and cheering for the Tennessee Vols.