Murfreesboro resident John Ash looking to become newest director

By Eddie West Staff Writer

Reviewing his career in the educational field, it may seem the person selected to become the county’s next director of schools is far removed from Smith County.

However, that’s not the case.

Murfreeboro’s Central Magnet School Principal John Ash has followed his  career in the field of education predominantly to places in and around the Rutherford County area.

However, the veteran teacher and administrator says his heart has always been in Smith County, where he fondly recalls riding to school beside his dad, Smith County educator Joe Ash.

“I use to say my dad was my ride to school,” Ash recalls.

Ash attended Pleasant Shade, Forks River and Carthage elementary schools before graduating from Smith County High School in 1984.

Some three to four years ago, Ash purchased a tract of land in the Pleasant Shade area with hopes of some day returning to the county where he grew up.

Provided contract negotiations are successful, Ash will be leaving the education facility which U.S. News and World Report ranks the third highest rated school in the nation and number one in Tennessee.

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