A new superintendent of the Greene County School System was appointed last year to lead the county with renewed focus.
Dr. Aaryn Schmuhl came to the system in July of 2025, having been vetted when the former superintendent, Dr. Chris Houston, retired.
Now, eight months since his appointment, Schmuhl sees an incredible opportunity for a district that has struggled in the past but has experienced a rebirth, with scores approaching state averages for elementary and high school students.
Schmuhl credits the many lessons he gained as an educator for more than 25 years, both as a teacher and as a middle school principal in Henry County. He also later served as chief leadership officer and assistant superintendent for Henry County schools with a student population of nearly 44,000. He has cultivated a history of success and an enthusiasm that he readily shares with both students and staff.
“Early in my schooling, I had a teacher, Mr. Simpson,” he said. “While in his AP English class, I had to write many essays. One in particular stuck with me. While reviewing my essay for grading, he told me it was great but needed more substance. His feedback stuck with me, saying what you say and how you say it are both important.”
As an educator, Schmuhl learned early on that he had to challenge dominant ideas and push students to question assumptions.
This lesson would shape his path forward after graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1999. Later, he would secure a master’s degree at Harvard while completing his doctoral degree in education at Vanderbilt in 2021.
He had initially planned to become a teacher, but served beyond the classroom in leadership positions that led to a position in the superintendent’s office. Now seven months into his current post, he has brought excitement and change.
“The first thing I have done is to listen,” Schmuhl said. “I have had tremendous support and have spent time in listening sessions and community groups. People are excited. They want to be heard, included, and more importantly, know we are dedicated.”
Schmuhl’s listenand- learn engagements with the community included more than 15 sessions across the county. These included schools, churches, community groups, and several neighborhoods. The overwhelming consensus led to a commitment to continue increasing achievement within the district scores and securing high graduation rates with college admissions.
In his first few months, Schmuhl instituted a “Portrait of a Graduate” project with the BOE. It aims to define the essential competencies every graduate of the school system is expected to demonstrate. These competencies include knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will prepare all students for learning, work, and life. Essentially, it provides a framework for educators at the school.
“It is important to be accessible,” said Schmuhl. “We want to share where we have been, where we are going, and how we can get even better.”