Murfreesboro City Schools Director Linda Gilbert, an MTSU alumna, was recently named the 2019 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, the organization announced.

The Murfreesboro native was honored during the organization’s Sept. 9 meeting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for the annual awards banquet for the group, also known as TOSS.

Gilbert, representing the Mid-Cumberland region of Tennessee, was selected for this honor out of a distinguished group of eight Regional Superintendents of the Year, which included Dr. Brian Bell of Alcoa City Schools, Steve Starnes of Greeneville City Schools, Neel Durbin of Dyersburg City Schools, Dr. Dan Lawson of Tullahoma City Schools, Dr. Linda Cash of Bradley County Schools, Warner Ross II of Hardeman County Schools and Tony Boles of Macon County Schools.

Dr. Linda Gilbert

Gilbert earned her Bachelor of Science degree in music and elementary education, her Master of Arts in Teaching in music and her education specialist degree in administration and supervision from MTSU, followed by a doctorate of education in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee State University.

Also a former MTSU education professor, Gilbert has served as the director of schools in Murfreesboro since 2010. Under her leadership, the school system has seen drastic improvements, going from School Improvement II status to a state-identified Exemplary School District, the release stated.

Dr. Dale Lynch

“These eight directors embody outstanding leadership in each of their districts and throughout our state,” TOSS Executive Director Dale Lynch said. “A special congratulations goes out to Dr. Linda Gilbert for being chosen as the 2019 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year. She always goes above and beyond in her work, and her dedication has not gone unnoticed. It is an absolute honor to have Dr. Gilbert representing Tennessee.”

Gilbert will now submit her application for the National Superintendent of the Year sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators. She also will represent Tennessee at the organization’s 2019 National Conference on Education in Los Angeles.

TOSS presented its George “Kip” Reel Award for Leadership in Education to David Pierce, CEO of Education Networks of America.

The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents 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.

Dr. Linda Gilbert, right, director of Murfreesboro City Schools, stands with Tennessee Commissioner of Education Candice McQueen after Gilbert received the 2019 Tennessee Superintendent of the Year Award from the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. (Photo submitted)