Sumner County Schools’ Frankie Skinner Named National Finalist for Leadership Excellence

Sumner County Schools board member Tammy Hayes, left, commends Director of Instruction Frankie Skinner, right, for being named a national finalist for the District Administration Leadership Institute Woman of Distinction Award at Tuesday’s school board meeting. (Screenshot)

The Sumner County Board of Education gave its special recognition Tuesday to Sumner County Schools Director of Instruction Frankie Skinner after she was recently named a national finalist for the District Administration Leadership Institute Woman of Distinction Award.

Sumner County Schools Director of Instruction Frankie Skinner holds an award after being named a national finalist for the District Administration Leadership Institute Woman of Distinction Award. (Photo from Sumner County Schools' website)

According to a recent announcement, Skinner stood out among more than 400 applicants nationwide and was one of only six awardees. District leaders said in a Sumner County Schools news release that Skinner has demonstrated “exceptional leadership in education, inspiring others to reach their full potential while driving improved student outcomes, higher graduation rates, and enhanced educational opportunities.” They said her leadership has been characterized by a “relentless commitment to student success,” adding that Skinner’s work has helped to make the district “a model of educational excellence in Tennessee and across the nation.”

Board member Tammy Hayes commended Skinner for her recent recognition.

“The greatest testament to Frankie’s leadership is that she can engage in the highest levels of strategic work, envisioning what education will look like in a decade, while also seeing the faces of our current students, teachers, and our principals,” she said at Tuesday’s meeting.

“For Frankie, our people are never about numbers, and that is so evident to me as I have gotten to know Frankie and love this woman.”

Skinner said she’s had an “amazing team” helping her lead initiatives to enhance instruction in the district.

She said she would “never claim to do it alone.”

“We have great people here who put kids first always,” she said.  

Skinner is also pursuing a doctorate from Lipscomb University, with expected completion in December 2026.