🎉 MCS 2026 RETIREE SPOTLIGHT 🎉
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Debbie Trotter, District-Wide RTI Specialist-McMinn County Schools
Ms. Debbie Trotter earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Tennessee Wesleyan University in 1986 and began her teaching career that very same year at McMinn Central High School. What started as a leave-of-absence position quickly became a permanent part of the school’s math department, and McMinn County Schools was fortunate that she chose to stay.
In 1991, she earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, continuing her commitment to excellence in education and lifelong learning.
For 32 years at Central High School — her alma mater — Ms. Trotter inspired generations of students through her passion for mathematics, her dedication to high academic standards, and her unwavering support of those around her. She served not only as a respected math teacher, but also as a dual enrollment instructor and department head, mentoring both students and fellow educators alike.
In the 2018–2019 school year, she transitioned into the role of RTI Specialist for the district. In that position, she helped build and strengthen intervention support systems across McMinn County Schools, working closely with interventionists, principals, teachers, and students to ensure every child had the opportunity to succeed.
Her career has been defined by commitment, leadership, compassion, and service. Her influence reaches far beyond the classroom walls and will continue to be felt for years to come through the countless students, teachers, and colleagues she has impacted along the way.
Ms. Trotter is retiring with a total of 40 years of service in education- all with McMinn County Schools. We thank you for your 40 years of service to education and wish you a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement. Congratulations!
🎉 MCS 2026 RETIREE SPOTLIGHT 🎉
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Lisa Sharp, Teacher-Englewood Elementary School
A proud graduate of McMinn County High School, Class of 1983, Ms. Lisa Sharp continued her education at Tennessee Wesleyan University, where she earned her degree in 1987. That same year, she began what would become an extraordinary career in education with McMinn County Schools.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence, Lisa earned her Master’s Degree from University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1992 and later completed her MS+30 through Cumberland University.
Lisa began her teaching career at Idlewild Elementary School in 1987 before transferring to Englewood Elementary School, where she has faithfully served ever since. Throughout her career, she has devoted herself to teaching young learners in the lower elementary grades, helping generations of children build the confidence, skills, and foundation needed for future success.
Ms. Sharp has dedicated all 39 years of her education career to McMinn County Schools where she has been known for her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her students. Her classroom has been a place of encouragement, learning, and love, and the impact she has made on countless children and families cannot be measured.
McMinn County Schools is deeply grateful for Ms. Sharp’s years of service, dedication, and heart for education. Congratulations on an incredible career as we wish you many blessings, happiness, and wonderful adventures in retirement!
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Karen Sliger, Librarian- E.K. Baker Elementary School
Ms. Karen Sliger began her journey with McMinn County Schools in 1987 at E.K. Baker Elementary School, where she accepted the position of School Librarian. She has remained at EK Baker during her career with McMinn County where she has faithfully dedicated to that same school and position for an incredible 39 years. Through nearly four decades, Karen has helped shape generations of students by fostering a love for reading, learning, and discovery.
A proud graduate of McMinn County High School’s Class of 1983, Ms. Sliger continued her education at Tennessee Tech University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1987. She later furthered her professional growth by earning her Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in August of 1992.
Throughout her career, Ms. Sliger has been more than a librarian — she has been a mentor, encourager, and steady presence in the lives of countless students, teachers, and families. Her commitment to education and to the children of E.K. Baker Elementary has left a lasting impact that will continue to be felt for years to come.
Thank you, Ms. Sliger, for your 39 years of faithful service, dedication, and care for the students and staff of McMinn County Schools. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you many years of happiness, relaxation, and new adventures ahead.
🎉 MCS 2026 RETIREE SPOTLIGHT 🎉
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Nikki Webb Conner, Teacher-Mountain View Elementary School
Nikki Conner began her employment with McMinn County Schools in August of 1994 as an elementary teacher at Mountain View Elementary School. For the past 32 years, she has faithfully served the students, families, and staff of Mountain View, teaching in grades 1-4 and making a lasting impact on countless children throughout her career.
A graduate of McMinn Central High School’s Class of 1984, she continued her education at Tennessee Wesleyan College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education in December of 1993. She later earned her Master’s Degree from Tusculum College in 1998, demonstrating her continued commitment to professional growth and excellence in education.
Throughout her years at Mountain View Elementary, Ms. Conner has been known for her caring heart, her creativity, a dedication to her students, and a passion for helping children learn and succeed. Whether in the classroom, working alongside colleagues, or encouraging students to believe in themselves, she has made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.
Her 32 years of service to Mountain View Elementary represent a remarkable legacy of commitment, compassion, and educational excellence. The impact she has made will continue to be felt for generations to come.
We are thankful for Ms. Conner’s faithful service, dedication to the students of McMinn County Schools, and the countless ways she has enriched the lives of others throughout her career. We congratulate her on her retirement and wish her many years filled with joy, relaxation, and treasured moments with family and friends.
We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and wish you continued success in all that lies ahead.
#ClassOf2026 #allinformcminncountyschools
We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and wish you continued success in all that lies ahead.
#ClassOf2026 #allinformcminncountyschools
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Michelle Ervin, Teacher-Niota Elementary School
Ms. Ervin’s journey in education began in October 1995 when she stepped into a leave-of-absence teaching position at Niota Elementary School. Her passion for teaching and commitment to students quickly became evident, and the following school year she was hired full-time — beginning a remarkable career that would span three decades, all at Niota Elementary.
A proud graduate of McMinn Central High School, Class of 1990, she continued her education at Tennessee Technological University, earning her degree in 1994 and later completing her Master’s Degree in 2002.
Throughout her career, Ms. Ervin has taught multiple grade levels, impacting students across many stages of their elementary education. For the past seven years, she has served in the upper elementary grades, where she continued to inspire, encourage, and challenge students to reach their fullest potential.
Ms. Ervin leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and 30 years of service in education that will continue to influence McMinn County Schools for years to come.
We are thankful for Ms. Ervin and wish her a joyful, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Judy Mason, Teacher- McMinn County High School
Ms. Mason joined McMinn County Schools in August of 2001 as a Special Education Teacher at McMinn County High School. Over the past 25 years, she has faithfully served MCHS in multiple roles, both as a Special Education teacher and as an English teacher, impacting the lives of countless students through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to learning.
Ms. Mason earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Lee University in 1982. She later added her certification in Special Education in June of 2001, continuing her lifelong commitment to serving students with diverse learning needs.
Before joining McMinn County High School, she devoted more than seven years as an early elementary teacher in other educational settings and worked over three years as a paraprofessional. Altogether, her career reflects more than 35 years of service in education — a remarkable legacy of caring for and investing in students.
Ms. Mason, thank you for your years of faithful service, your dedication to education, and the positive impact you have made on generations of students. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you many blessings, joy, and fulfillment in the years ahead.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Mr. Donald Brown, Head Custodian, Riceville Elementary School
Donald began his career with McMinn County Schools in August of 1992 at Riceville Elementary School, where he continues to serve today. For more than three decades, he has devoted his career to the students, staff, and families of Riceville Elementary, faithfully maintaining the school’s facilities as both a custodian and head custodian.
He has taken great pride in his work and has been a dependable presence at Riceville Elementary for 34 years. His dedication has helped create an environment where students can learn, teachers can teach, and the entire school community can thrive. Although much of his work happened behind the scenes, the difference he made has been seen and appreciated every single day.
Donald, thank you for your years of loyal service, your pride in your work, and your dedication to the students and staff of Riceville School. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you well-deserved enjoyment in the years ahead.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Ms. Louise Liner, Bus Driver with McMinn County Schools
For more than 30 years, Ms. Liner has faithfully driven the same bus route, serving students and families in our community with remarkable consistency, care, and commitment. Throughout her career, she has primarily transported our special needs students from Riceville Elementary, E.K. Baker Elementary, and McMinn County High School, providing them not only with safe transportation, but also with kindness, patience, and compassion each and every day.
Thirty years of faithful service on the same route is truly an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Ms. Liner’s loyalty, work ethic, and love for the students she has served. Her commitment to caring for some of our most precious students reflects the very best of McMinn County Schools.
Ms. Liner, thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and your many years of faithful service to our students and families. We congratulate you on your retirement and wish you many years of happiness, relaxation, and well-deserved blessings ahead.
McMinn County Schools 2026 Retiree: Pamela Brooks, Bus Driver with McMinn County Schools
Pamela began her service as a bus driver in 2017 and is retiring this year after 9 years of dedicated service to the students and families of McMinn County Schools. Throughout her time with the district, she faithfully transported students in the Englewood community, providing not only safe transportation, but also a caring and dependable presence each school day.
Bus drivers play a vital role in the lives of our students. They are often among the very first smiling faces students see each morning and the last to wish them well in the afternoon. Their patience, dedication, and commitment help ensure that every child begins and ends the school day safely. Pamela has exemplified those qualities throughout her years of service.
Pamela, thank you for your dedication, your care for our students, and your years of faithful service to McMinn County Schools. We wish you all the best in your retirement.
In case you missed Pre-K registration for McMinn County Schools, you can still register using the following digital links for 2026-2027: Please see the graphic for the QR Code.
Your child must be age 4 by or before August 15, 2026. You will need to upload your proof of residence, proof of income, proof of age (e.g., birth certificate), and a TN shot record, including the well-child physical date, for the application to be complete. After submission, a PK teacher will reach out to schedule a date and time for your child's PK readiness screening and a parent meeting. Income-eligible families will be notified in May 2026 for enrollment in VPK classrooms. All other families will be notified the week prior to September 15, 2026, if there are seats available for your child to enroll.
McMinn County Schools Pre-K Celebrations and Graduations! #allinformcminncountyschools
From mystery tummy aches to playground bumps, loose teeth, and “I just need a minute” visits—they handle it all with patience, care, and a little bit of magic.
They’re part healer, part problem-solver, part hug-giver and 100% appreciated.
We love our school nurses more than band-aids and ice packs (and that’s saying a lot). Thank you for taking care of our students and our hearts every single day!
Thank you for answering a million questions, tying shoes, finding lost jackets, and still making learning fun every single day.
From lesson plans to life lessons, and everything in between, our schools wouldn’t be the same without you! Your impact goes far beyond the classroom, and we are so thankful for each and every one of you!
#MCSlappreciatesteachers #allinformcminncountyschools #HAPPYTEACHERAPPRECIATIONDAY
