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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Tennessee Department of Education bus tour comes to Hamilton County Thursday, and other education news this week

Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn, left, looks on as Superintendent Bryan Johnson speaks during a Partnership Network Advisory board meeting at the Hamilton County Department of Education board room on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn, left, looks on as Superintendent Bryan Johnson speaks during a Partnership Network Advisory board meeting at the Hamilton County Department of Education board room on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn, left, looks on as Superintendent Bryan Johnson speaks during a Partnership Network Advisory board meeting at the Hamilton County Department of Education board room on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Cleveland Middle School names new principal

Nathaniel Akiona will be the new principal at Cleveland Middle School, taking over the role as current principal Leneda Laing becomes supervisor of secondary education on July 1.

Akiona has taught in Bradley County and served as principal at several area schools including Michigan Avenue Elementary School, Walker Valley High School and North Lee Elementary School.

“Mr. Akiona brings many years of successful school administration to his new role as principal of Cleveland Middle School. He is widely respected as a school administrator across the Cleveland and Bradley County community, and I look forward to working with him to provide the best possible educational experience for the students at Cleveland Middle School,” said Cleveland City Schools Director Russell Dyer in a statement.

Chattanooga State and Tech Goes Home offering summer course for 200 incoming freshmen