MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School will welcome a familiar leader in January. Chris Butner, who has served as assistant principal at the school for nearly six years, has been appointed principal by Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan.
Butner steps into the role as current principal April Sneed prepares to lead the new Poplar Hill Middle School in the Blackman community. His promotion follows years of involvement in guiding Whitworth-Buchanan to multiple state and national recognitions for academic growth and achievement.
Dr. Sullivan said Butner’s leadership has already played a key role in the school’s success. He praised Butner’s academic focus and strong vision for continuing the school’s upward trajectory, adding that he has “earned this position” through his work with teachers and students.
Butner said he is honored to take on the role. He spoke highly of the school community and expressed his commitment to maintaining the high-performing, student-centered culture built in recent years. Under his leadership as assistant principal, the school has earned distinctions such as Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Distinction, International Center for Leadership in Education Model School, and five consecutive years of Level 5 student-growth ratings from the Tennessee Department of Education.
A 13-year educator, Butner previously served as an instructional coach at Riverdale High School and taught English Language Arts at Rockvale Middle School. He also credited outgoing principal April Sneed for her mentorship and thanked Dr. Sullivan for the opportunity to guide Whitworth-Buchanan’s next chapter.
