The Sevier County Board of Education is pleased to announce its appointment of Mrs. Wendy Patterson as Interim Director of Schools beginning July 1, 2026. In a special called meeting on Thursday, May 7, board members voted to select Patterson for this role following current Director Stephanie Huskey’s announcement of her retirement at the end of June. Huskey, a 33-year veteran within Sevier County schools, is stepping away to care for family. Of the departing Huskey, Patterson said, “I learned the importance of steady leadership, strong relationships, and of always keeping students at the center of decisions from Director Huskey. I have a deep respect for her work and leadership, which helped position our district for continued success.”
Most recently, Patterson has worked at the district office as the Director of Educator Talent and Effectiveness. In this role, Patterson developed experience working with administrators and teachers from all over the district in enhancing teaching and learning, evaluating current practices, and building school culture, skills that will no doubt easily translate to her new role. With a career spanning over three decades, Patterson began her employment with Sevier County Schools as a teaching assistant as she completed her first degree. She went on to serve for fifteen years as a classroom teacher, eventually transitioning into an administrative role as vice principal and instructional coach at Caton's Chapel Elementary, and later, as principal at Pittman Center Elementary. Just before working at the district level, Patterson played a pivotal role as principal in the opening of Pigeon Forge Intermediate School where she was instrumental in shaping the school’s culture and vision, leading the institution with distinction for its first four years.
Patterson earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her Educational Specialist’s Degree at Lincoln Memorial University. Patterson says she is eager to serve the families of Sevier County as she prepares for her new leadership role. “I look forward to continuing the exciting work that we are doing in the Sevier County School System. From expanding pre-K offerings around the district and at Trula Lawson’s new annex to making additional career readiness offerings through S.E.V.I.E.R. Ready and CTE programming, we are working hard to offer students of all ages a quality education. I have full faith and confidence in the staff members we have in place in our schools, and I am excited to continue to partner with parents and community members as we move forward. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am resolved to meet the faith people have placed in me with the kind of dedication to our students and commitment to our shared values that they have come to expect from Sevier County educators.”
