COLLIERVILLE, Tennessee (December 21, 2023) – The Collierville Schools Board of Education announces the selection of Dr. Russell Dyer as the next Director of Schools. By a unanimous vote at Thursday morning’s Special Called Business Meeting, the Board approved Dyer’s appointment and authorized Board Attorney Mike Marshall to negotiate a final employment agreement, which will be presented at a later date for Board approval.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the decision of the Collierville Schools Board of Education to appoint me as the next Superintendent,” said Dr. Russell Dyer. “I extend my sincere thanks to each member for their confidence in my ability to lead and serve the students, staff, and the entire Collierville school community. I am eager to work collaboratively with the Collierville Schools Board of Education, as well as the dedicated educators, staff, students, parents, and community partners to continue to foster a positive work and learning environment. I wish each of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a fantastic New Year. Go Dragons!”

“We are excited to support Dr. Dyer as he leads us into a new era of educational excellence,” added Collierville Schools Board of Education Chairman Wright Cox. “We are looking forward to his arrival and cannot wait for him to get started.”

Dr. Dyer returns to Collierville after a successful eight-year tenure as the Director of Cleveland City Schools in Cleveland, Tennessee. Prior to his current position, Dyer served in multiple roles in Collierville Schools and Shelby County Schools, most recently as the district’s Chief of Staff from 2014-16. He replaces Dr. Gary Lilly, who announced in August that he is retiring from Collierville Schools and is becoming the next Executive Director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents effective January 1, 2024.

While in Cleveland, Dr. Dyer led the district to an aviation partnership with Tango Flight. Tango Flight is a turn-key, innovative educational program that encompasses concepts of aerospace, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and design engineering, with an emphasis on aviation. The curriculum provides hands-on training applying classroom knowledge to build an actual FAA certified RV-12iS airplane. Cleveland City Schools is only one of two programs in the State of Tennessee with this opportunity for students.  

Several of his notable achievements include the 2023 Community First in Education Award from Cleveland State Community College, the Southeast Tennessee Superintendent of the Year in 2019, the Tennessee PTA Outstanding Principal of the Year in 2011, and the Rotary Club Teacher of the Year in 1999. He was also named to the National School Public Relations Associations Superintendents to Watch list in 2020.

Dr. Dyer has held numerous leadership positions in various professional organizations, including the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, the Association of Independent and Municipal Schools, and the American Association of School Administrators - The School Superintendents Association. He also serves on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee Region, the United Way of the Ocoee Region, the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation, and the Tennessee Risk Management Trust Fund.

Dr. Dyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lambuth University, a Master of Education degree from Freed-Hardeman University, and a Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast; he enjoys hiking and water sports. He is also active in his church and mentors students in the youth ministry.