Short Mountain School Principal Robert Pitts recently met new Tennessee Commissioner of Education Dr. Penny Schwinn. Pitts attended the Tennessee Tech University 44th Annual Education Leadership Institute in Cookeville, Tennessee on Wednesday and Thursday. He was introduced to Commissioner Schwinn by Cannon County Schools Director William F. Curtis proceeding her address to Director of Schools, Supervisors, Principals, and Educators from throughout the Upper Cumberland Region. Commissioner Schwinn thanked Mr. Pitts for his years of service and complemented him on his service to the students of Cannon County.
Mr. Pitts was even the subject of a “Tweet” that the Commissioner sent out later that day: (see photo at right, click photo for enlargement)
Pitts has served Cannon County Schools for the past 52 years as an educator in the school district, and is affectionately known by his fellow principals and supervisors as “Dean Pitts,” – the longest serving Principal in Cannon County and in honor of his life-long service to Cannon County Students. Mr. Pitts is one of the longest serving educators in the state and one of the longest serving active Principals in the State of Tennessee.
Robert Pitts started his journey as an educator in 1967 as an English Language Arts teacher at Woodbury Central High School from 1967 to 1968. He then began his journey as a Teaching Principal at East Side School from 1968 until 1987. Mr. Pitts was Supervisor of Special Education for a year in 1987 to 1988. His next stop in his career was Cannon County High School Principal from 1988 until 2004. Mr. Pitts has been serving as Short Mountain School Principal from 2004 to the Present. He is a lifelong resident of Cannon County and graduated from Woodbury Central High School in 1963. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He is married to Beverly Pitts and has three daughters – Bridget, Cindy, and Kayla. They have five grandchildren and another one on the way!
Director Curtis stated, “While Commissioner Schwinn was speaking and being interactive with all those assembled, the idea hit me to introduce our Principal of the Year 2018-2019 and one of the longest serving Principals in Tennessee to the Commissioner. She was honored to meet Mr. Pitts and spoke repeatedly of his wonderful career in education and service to the students of Cannon County. He has served longer than any other principal – at three different schools, East Side – 19 years, Cannon County High School – 16 years, and Short Mountain School – 15 years. This makes Mr. Pitts one of the longest serving principals in the State of Tennessee. His students, faculty, and staff have the utmost respect and love for this administrative icon in their school. His former students number in the thousands and show their appreciation regularly. We in Cannon County Schools are honored to call Mr. Pitts a distinguished colleague and personal friend! We also honor Mr. Pitts for personifying the Mission and Vision of Cannon County Schools – ‘Preparing All Students for Their Future’ through the New E3 = ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’ even to the Tennessee Commissioner of Education!”