DR. MARLON KING NAMED 2025 SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

NASHVILLE –The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents released the following statement announcing Dr. Marlon King as the 2025 Southwest Tennessee Regional Superintendent of the Year on  September 12, 2024: 

The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) is honored to announce that Dr. Marlon  King has been named the 2025 Southwest Tennessee Regional Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Gary  Lilly, TOSS Executive Director, attended the Jackson Madison County School System’s Board of  Education meeting on September 12, 2024, to honor King and present him with an honorary plaque. 

Dr. King is one of eight Regional Superintendents of the Year selected for this honor, which included  Kelly Johnson (Clinton City Schools), East; Matt Hixson (Hawkins County Schools), First; Jason Golden  (Williamson County Schools), Mid-Cumberland; Eddie Pruett (Gibson County Special School District),  Northwest; Michael Adkins (Lawrence County Schools), South Central; Dr. Linda Cash (Bradley  County Schools); and Patrick Cripps (DeKalb County Schools), Upper Cumberland Tennessee.  

Dr. King is entering his fifth year as the superintendent of Jackson Madison County School System (JMCSS). Previously, King was superintendent in Fayette County Public Schools, executive director for  the Southwest Region CORE Office for the Tennessee Department of Education, and superintendent of  Haywood County Schools. In total, he has fourteen years of experience as a superintendent in Tennessee. 

When asked what Jackson Madison County School System initiatives he was most proud of, King stated, “I am incredibly proud of the innovative work happening in Jackson-Madison County Schools,  particularly through our JASA (Jackson Academic STEM Academy – homeschool/cyberschool program)  and the Malesus STEM Innovation Center. JASA has not only expanded educational access through  flexible online learning but has also gained national recognition with its esports program, where our  students are excelling at the highest levels. Equally, the Malesus STEM Innovation Center is preparing  our students in the middle grades for the workforce with real-world skills in STEM fields, ensuring they  have a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market. These programs are truly transforming the  educational experience for our students and setting them up for remarkable futures.” 

When asked about his nomination as the Southwest Tennessee Regional Superintendent of the Year,  King stated, “It is a tremendous honor to represent the Southwest Region as Superintendent of the Year. Our district’s success is rooted in the support and involvement of our community. From parents and  businesses to civic organizations, everyone plays a role in helping our students achieve their full potential.  As a Regional Superintendent of the Year, I want to shine a spotlight on how vital these partnerships  have been to our growth and the impact we are making together. This recognition is a testament to the  collective dedication of our team, our community, and, most importantly, our students. I am deeply 

grateful to my colleagues across the region for the incredible work they do for students every day and  for their trust in selecting me to represent our region. Together, we are raising the bar for educational  excellence, and I am proud to stand alongside such passionate and committed educators.” 

Dr. King is married to his wife, Latisha King, who is a middle school teacher, and together they have a  son, Hudson, who is a JMCSS student. In his spare time, Dr. King enjoys running and reading a variety  of genres, as well as spending as much time as possible on the beach.  

The winner of the 2025 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year Award will be announced at the TOSS  Banquet on September 15, 2024.  

The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) is the leading advocate organization  for public education in the state of Tennessee. Since 1975, TOSS has been progressing public  education and addressing the needs of its administrators. TOSS provides advocacy at the state level for  education issues that are high priorities for Tennessee schools, and is comprised of district leaders  who are committed to lifelong learning, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement.

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Similar to the Shula Bowl, the rivalry between Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State is one that dates back to 1914 where the Blue Raiders defeated the Hilltoppers by a final score of 47-0. Since then, Western Kentucky has taken a 37-35 all-time series lead within these past few years. The Blue Raiders will try to snap a five-game losing streak to the Hilltoppers and get off to a strong 1-0 start on conference play.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-1, 0-0 Conference USA) @ Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (1-1, 0-0 Conference USA)

Date: Saturday, September 14

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: Murfreesboro, TN

TV: ESPN+

Betting Line: Hilltoppers favored by 7.5

A lopsided rivalry finally may see a change?

Before the Hilltoppers took a big five-game win streak in the 100 Miles of Hate rivalry, it was very close.

The last time the Blue Raiders defeated Western Kentucky came in 2018 at the site of the 2024 game: Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The final score was 29-10. Since then, only two of the five matchups have been one score wins for the Hilltoppers.

Through two games, the Blue Raiders and Hilltoppers have faced and power conference and FCS opponent, getting crushed by the power conference and defeating the FCS team.

New look Blue Raiders

The biggest change to this rivalry is on the MTSU side with new head coach Derek Mason who believes that his team is ready to win now and that no rebuild is necessary, something he’s noted since Conference USA media day.

With wide receiver Elijah Metcalf off to Marshall, the Blue Raiders will rely on the connection between quarterback Nick Vattiato and tight end Holden Willis. Auburn transfer Omari Kelly has also been crucial in Mason’s offense thus far.

It’s been only two weeks, but the Blue Raiders’ pass game ranks third in Conference USA and Vattiato is third in passing yards.

A tale of two games for Western Kentucky

Tyson Helton and his team had to face a power conference opponent and an FCS opponent to begin the season. Getting shutout against the Alabama Crimson Tide and then shutting out Eastern Kentucky.

Through two games, quarterback TJ Finley has thrown for 443 yards and one touchdown, completing 45 of 70 passes thus far in what has been a pass heavy offense. Senior Kisean Johnson has taken over that primary receiver role that was left behind by Malachi Corley as he currently has eight receptions for 134 yards.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Francine slammed into Louisiana as a category two hurricane on Wednesday night leaving neighborhoods flooded and hundreds of thousands of people without power.

A group from Nashville CARES got to New Orleans for a conference just before the storm hit. CEO Amna Osman said the heavy rain and wind forced them to shelter inside their hotel.

“We were just all advised not to be out on the streets, stay safe, stay put,” Osman said. “Last night was a little scary. I got a lot of calls from all over the country concerned.”

Osman was not expecting a storm with winds near 70 m.p.h. to rip through the city. Around 30 of their employees were supposed to fly down for the conference, but had flights cancelled due to the hurricane.

The five people already in New Orleans worked on emergency safety plans in case they had to possibly evacuate, Osman said. They were relieved that the downtown area did not have any major damage.

As the remnants of Francine moved into Middle Tennessee with much calmer weather, Osman was hopeful people would stay safe and there would not be any damage.

“It came quick, and it was quite aggressive,” Osman said. “As it moves along, we just don’t know what will happen. Just make sure that you really plan and have a good safety plan for you and your loved ones.”

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