Washington County Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. Rachel Heaton as the new Principal of South Central Elementary. Dedicated to the success of the whole child, Dr. Heaton brings 18 years of educational experience to the role, including the last six and a half years as Assistant Principal of Grandview Elementary School.
She is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science. She later attended Milligan College for a Master of Education degree. Most recently, she obtained her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University. During her time at Grandview, the school achieved Tennessee Reward Recognition three times and was named a Beta School of Distinction for two consecutive years. Outside of Grandview, Dr. Heaton has also served as the Washington County Summer Academy Principal for three years, and she is currently a member of the 2026-2027 Tennessee Rural Principals Network. Dr. Heaton has a sincere focus on student success across all areas of development, and is excited to work together with the community of South Central to ensure that the traditions of excellence in place continue in the coming years.