By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–New administration will be in place at Union City Elementary School Monday.
Allison Palmer – currently the Vice Principal at UC Middle School – has been named the top administrator at UCES. Bill Kail has been tabbed to serve as Vice Principal at the elementary school, with Thel Taylor moving from that position to Vice Principal at UCMS replacing Palmer.
The moves coincide with the resignation of Union City Elementary School Principal David Byars, which will be effective at the end of the school day Friday.
Palmer – a graduate of Union City Schools — is in the midst of her 19th year in the system and third in administration. She previously taught for 12 years at UCES and three at the middle school before moving into her current Vice Principal role.
“I’m excited about returning to UCES to serve and lead the staff and students as their principal,” she said. “I’m humbled by the opportunity and look forward to what this new adventure will bring. I’m humbled by the opportunity and faith (UC Director of Schools) Mr. (Wes) Kennedy has in me, and I look forward to teaming with Mr. Kail and providing leadership to a very talented faculty and staff there.
“I’m enjoyed my time at the middle school – both as a teacher and an administrator. I’ve been so pleased to help oversee and work alongside a staff that has worked hard every day and given the best for our students.”
Palmer’s husband, Chris, is a teacher and coach at the middle school, and the couple has two children in the Union City School System.
Kail – whose wife Allison is a teacher at the middle school — is in his 22nd year in the education business and will assume an administrative role for the first time.
He is in his third year at UCES as a wellness teacher and will continue his responsibilities as assistant high school baseball coach and head middle school boys’ basketball coach in addition to his new duties.
“I’m looking forward to this challenge and am so appreciative of the confidence that Mr. Kennedy has that I will be a good fit in my new position,” Kail said. “Union City Schools is a great place to work, and both my wife (Allison) and our three sons have grown both personally and professionally since we came here three years ago.
“I hope to provide a steady and fair brand of leadership while setting a good example as an administrator. I want our teachers to have what they need to continue to succeed and excel, and I want teacher morale to be the best it can be.”
Kennedy believes the transition will be seamless and expressed supreme confidence in his new leadership.
“Administrative turnover is simply part of the business in our current educational landscape,” he said. “We’re blessed with tremendous and capable options internally like Mrs. Palmer and Mr. Kail, who I have great faith in to accept the responsibilities for their new positions.
“They’re qualified. They’re good people. And, most importantly, they have the best interest of our students, our staff and the entire Union City School System at heart. I look forward to watching them lead… both from up close and afar.”