Washington County Schools is proud to announce the hiring of J.W. McKinney as our new Transportation Director. Dedicated to the safety of every student and to serving the evolving needs of Washington County’s schools and community, JW McKinney brings more than 30 years of educational experience to his work, including over two decades as a Washington County Schools administrator.
He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and Post-Master’s Certificate in School Leadership, and he is currently earning his Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree at The Citadel. He was named the 2025 Principal of the Year by the Literacy Association of Tennessee and received the 2025–2026 Life Changer Award from National Life Group. Most recently as Principal of South Central Elementary School, he led the school to 2022 Tennessee Reward School recognition. In that role he oversaw daily operations, school safety, arrival and dismissal, budgeting, and staff supervision. Notably he helped coordinate the school’s response during Hurricane Helene.
Beyond the school day, he serves his community as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary with the local Quad City Flotilla 12-7. Driven by a commitment to safe, reliable service, his goal as Director of Transportation is to support and retain drivers and staff, communicate clearly with families, manage resources responsibly, and keep improving a transportation program that gets every student to school safely and ready to learn. Throughout his career, he has brought this focus to leadership roles across Washington County Schools, including Boones Creek Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, Boones Creek Middle, and Grandview Elementary, where he served as founding principal.