MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) proudly announces the selection of four distinguished educators as inductees into the 3rd Murfreesboro City Schools Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees include Dr. Linda Arms Gilbert, Ms. Becci Bookner, Ms. Cindy Jones, and Ms. Susan Gendrich. This group represent decades of exceptional service, innovation, and lifelong dedication to students, families, and the Murfreesboro community.
The Murfreesboro City Schools Hall of Fame honors retired teachers, administrators, and support staff whose extraordinary contributions have left a lasting impact on the district. Inductees exemplify leadership, instructional excellence, and a deep commitment to serving children.
“These four individuals represent the history, heart, and excellence of Murfreesboro City Schools,” said Dr. Trey Duke, MCS Director of Schools. “Their collective impact spans decades and emphasizes their forward-thinking leadership and innovation ranging from the creation of our Extended School Program to influencing the work we do with high achieving and gifted children. We are honored to recognize their service through induction into the Hall of Fame.”
The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees include:
Dr. Linda Arms Gilbert - Linda Gilbert devoted her career to Murfreesboro City Schools with an unwavering belief that schools must educate the whole child. She began her professional journey as a classroom music and band teacher, where her student-centered approach earned her recognition as Tennessee Teacher of the Year, one of the highest honors for educators in the state.
Gilbert later expanded her influence in higher education and district leadership before returning to MCS to serve as Director of Schools in 2010. As superintendent, she championed the philosophy of “educating the whole child,” ensuring that academic achievement, social-emotional development, and student well-being were prioritized equally. Her leadership guided the growth of Murfreesboro City Schools, strengthened district culture, and expanded student supports. She was later named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year, making her one of the very few, if not the only, educator in Tennessee to have earned both TN Teacher of the Year (1998) and TN Superintendent of the Year (2019) honors. Her legacy continues to shape the vision and mission of Murfreesboro City Schools today.
Becci Bookner - Becci Bookner is recognized for her visionary leadership and commitment to supporting students and families beyond the traditional school day. Known as an innovative thinker, Bookner consistently sought creative solutions that addressed the academic and developmental needs of children while supporting working families.
Her most influential contribution was her leadership in the creation of the Murfreesboro City Schools Extended School Program (ESP) which became a nationally recognized model for extended-day learning. Rather than serving solely as supervision, the program provided tutoring, homework support, enrichment, and hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as music, writing, and art. The success of the program drew national attention, including features on Good Morning America and in U.S. News & World Report, and earned Bookner the Quality of Life Award from the U.S. House of Representatives’ Small Business Committee. Thousands of students and families continue to benefit from her work through ESP services.
Cindy Jones - Cindy Jones dedicated 36 years to Murfreesboro City Schools, building a career distinguished by instructional excellence, innovation, and leadership. As a classroom teacher, she inspired students through engaging, project-based learning that promoted critical thinking, collaboration, and curiosity, skills that prepared students for lifelong success.
Beyond the classroom, Jones served as a leader within the profession, mentoring teachers, leading professional development, serving as MEA president, and contributing to local, state, and national education initiatives. She helped develop several hallmark programs in Murfreesboro City Schools, including gifted education initiatives, curriculum resources, international partnerships, and Discovery School. Her achievements earned widespread recognition, including induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2003, designation as a Fulbright Scholar, and numerous state and local teaching honors.
Susan Gendrich - Susan Gendrich served Murfreesboro City Schools from 1974 to 2005, building a legacy defined by compassionate leadership and innovative practice. She is especially recognized for her service as assistant principal and principal of Cason Lane Academy in 1994 as a year-round Paideia school with a focus on creative thinking and a culture of collaboration and discussion, a new and innovative concept for Murfreesboro.
Gendrich was known for her belief in shared leadership and inclusive school culture. She intentionally placed all staff members in leadership roles and developed initiatives such as Celebrations of Learning, ensuring that every child was publicly recognized for growth and achievement. Earlier in her career, Gendrich played a pioneering role in supporting English Learners, designing curriculum, instructional strategies, and family support systems at a time when no formal ESL programs existed. Her work extended beyond MCS through state-level involvement and partnerships with Middle Tennessee State University, where she helped strengthen teacher preparation programs and mentor future educators. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, collaboration, and student-centered leadership.
“This year’s selection process included many outstanding nominations, reflecting the depth of talent, leadership, and lasting impact of individuals who have served Murfreesboro City Schools with distinction,” says Sheri Arnette, Assistant Superintendent. “We are so grateful to the individuals who took the time and care to submit nominations.”
Details regarding the 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be announced soon.
For more information about the Murfreesboro City Schools Hall of Fame, visit cityschools.net or contact the MCS Communications Office.
