Dr. Richard Bales

Dr. Richard W. Bales served as the Superintendent for the Johnson City School System for twelve years (2005-2017). Prior to this position, Richard served as Secondary Supervisor and Elementary Principal for the Johnson City School System.  Before becoming an administrator, Richard was a teacher in the Greeneville City School System.

Bales oversaw numerous construction projects during his time as superintendent and helped oversee the construction of two elementary schools which included Fairmont and a huge renovation of Science Hill High School.

Richard was the First District nominee for Superintendent of the Year for 2015.  In 2012, he was honored by TSSAA as the A.F Bridges Sportsmanship Award for Administrator of the Year. In addition, he was named Tennessee Educator of the Year in 2001 by the Tennessee Education Association.  Bales was also named Teacher of the Year for Greeneville City Schools in 1994.  In 1989, Richard was named by the Sallie Mae Corporation as the winner of their First Year Teacher National Award.

Bales is a member of a number of national professional organizations.  Locally, he serves as a Foundation Board Member for Northeast State Community College and also is a member of the Milligan College President’s Executive Council.  Bales and his family attend Mountain View Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Bales and his wife Buffy (also an educator) have three grown children who all reside in Johnson City.