AHS welcomes Chris Davis as new principal

Arlington Community Schools is thrilled to announce Mr. Chris Davis as Arlington High School’s new principal! Davis, the current Executive Director of Operations for Haywood County Schools and a former Deputy Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, Student Support & Federal Programs at the district, will step into the role of AHS principal effective July 1, 2024.

Davis’ background in education spans multiple levels in school and district office spaces, including roles as an interim high school principal, assistant principal, deputy superintendent and an associate superintendent over special education services. Superintendent Jeff Mayo highlights Davis’ extensive experience in these settings, particularly his focus on high school-level initiatives such as college dual enrollment, Career & Technical Education and creating pathways with local industry, as something that makes him an ideal fit for AHS.

“Mr. Davis is enthusiastic, high energy and focused on building relationships, and with the wealth of educational experience he’s bringing to AHS, he’ll continue to advance our high academic standards and Career & Technical programs,” Mayo said. “He has the type of personality where he is not shy to work right alongside teachers to make sure they have all they need to make students successful. He’s also no stranger to managing athletics and extracurricular programs. He’s actually the current head coach for Haywood High School Softball, so he really has demonstrated leadership in all areas required of a high school principal.”

“I have a passion in my heart, and that is working with students and teachers,” Davis said. “My heart was leading me back to working in a school, and there’s no better place than Arlington High. AHS, in my mind, is one of the most prestigious high schools in Tennessee. The students and teachers here have set a really high bar for academics, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside them and the administrators to add value to the great things already happening here. I can’t wait to meet the team and families. I’m proud and excited to be a Tiger!”

In his current role as Executive Director of Operations for Haywood County, Davis serves as the supervisor for several departments, including athletics, Coordinated School Health and school nursing, safety and security, school nutrition, technology, transportation and more, overseeing those departments’ budgets and personnel. Prior to that, he served as Haywood’s deputy superintendent, a role in which he evaluated and coached school administrators and teachers across K-12 on best instructional practices, identified and helped implement instructional materials, supervised academic and counseling services and oversaw federal programs and budgets. He also served as an associate superintendent where he was charged with supervising all special services for the district, including special education, 504s, English as a Second Language, speech and more.

Davis’ on-the-ground experience in high school is also extensive. He played a major role in developing dual enrollment partnerships with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and creating work-based learning opportunities with local industry. By working directly with CTE teachers at Haywood County Schools, TCAT and local industries, he ultimately helped introduce hundreds of industry certifications for students to earn. During his time at Ripley High School in Lauderdale County Schools, he served as an assistant principal, taught Business Education, sponsored CTE-based clubs, including DECA and Future Business Leaders of America, and coached several teams.

Davis holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Superintendency from Arkansas State University and multiple master’s degrees in educational leadership and school counseling from Bethel University and the University of West Alabama, respectively. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

More About Mr. Davis: He’s a sports enthusiast! During his teaching career, he has coached everything from softball, baseball, football and tennis. He loves the Atlanta Braves, and you can catch him in the gym when not in school. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Welcome to Arlington, Mr. Davis!