Central Magnet PTO

School’s almost out for summer and we’ve only got 50% on our report card?!? That can’t be right! Our motto is ‘Always My Best’ and we can do better than that.

Come on, Tigers! One last push to the finish line. Help us jump into summer by donating today.

The 2025-26 CMS Brighter Future Campaign is only 50% funded. The funds raised by this campaign go straight to Central Magnet School to allow teachers to provide the extras that make our school unique. Every dollar in this fund gives our administration the freedom to offer our children a private school caliber education in a public school setting.

If you forgot to donate, it’s not too late! Every cent counts. We’re all in this together! Click the link below RIGHT NOW!

https://givebutter.com/25-26CMSBrighterFuture

Wishing you a safe and memorable summer!

Welcome to Central, Dr. Blair!

Dr. Clark Blair named principal of Central Magnet School

Blair succeeds Dr. John Ash, who is retiring to take role as Director of Schools in Smith County

May 8, 2026

By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools

Dr. Clark Blair has spent the past 21 years as the principal of McFadden School of Excellence, an academic magnet school serving grades K-5 and which has consistently been ranked as one of the top performing elementary schools in Tennessee.

He has now been selected as the principal of nearby Central Magnet School, which likewise has ranked consistently as the top high school in Tennessee and beyond. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced the appointment today.

Blair succeeds longtime Central Magnet School Principal Dr. John Ash, who was recently named the new Director of Schools for Smith County.

“Under Dr. Ash’s leadership, Central Magnet School has achieved extraordinary success, earning recognition as the number one school in the state and number three in the nation, with a consistent record of high achievement,” Director Sullivan said. “Dr. Blair is a student‑focused leader who values rigorous instruction, strong school culture, and meaningful family and community partnerships. As an administrator at one of our elementary magnet schools and at the middle school level for the past 20 plus years, he has the skillset, knowledge, and understanding needed to lead this population of our students.”

Sullivan added: “I am confident he will build upon the exceptional foundation established by Dr. Ash and continue the tradition of excellence that defines Central Magnet School.”

“I want to thank Dr. Sullivan for giving me the opportunity to be the next principal of Central Magnet — a school that is rich with history from its days as Central High School, then Central Middle, and now Central Magnet,” Blair said. “A lot of great people have walked those hallways over the years.”

Blair added: “My goal as Central’s next principal is to continue the great things Dr. Ash has achieved at the school. I look forward to serving the faculty, students and families by giving what the Central Magnet motto states, which is ‘Always My Best.’”

Leaving McFadden School of Excellence, which previously served grades K-8 until Central Magnet School opened, will be tough, Blair said.

“I mean, 21 years, you know, I love this place. I’ve always loved this place and it’s been a blessing to my family,” Blair said.

As an educator, the goal is always to help students succeed and help them fulfill the plans for their future, Blair said. That’s always been his intent at McFadden, and he plans to carry that same vision and purpose in his new role at Central.

“A teacher’s greatest joy is seeing student success,” Blair explained. “That’s all we want, you want to see people succeed.”

🌎 International Food Festival was a success!

👉🏼 If you were in attendance, PLEASE VOTE:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDMG4qFNYEoqoXNc-BiT-m1D5Zt49hkXm0lwgn5vsNC3ZkqQ/viewform?pli=1&pli=1

Many countries were represented, and the food was unique. It was the perfect time to travel the world, through food, while never having to step foot out of Murfreesboro!

Thank you, Ayat and her team, for another memorial festival!