Business leader gives $250,000 to support principal training

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Staff report

Local business and civic leader Joe Davenport has made a five-year, $250,000 commitment to the Principal Leadership Academy that is under development by Hamilton County Schools, Public Education Foundation, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and UTC.

“I first learned about the need for this academy through a meeting with PEF,” Mr. Davenport said in a news release. “Then I went and talked to a principal. I became convinced that this contribution is the best investment I can make to help this community provide great schools for our children.”

Unum made a similar contribution that was announced on March 4. The company’s $100,000 contribution also will go to support the principal training program, the news release stated.

The academy will involve 12 to 16 assistant principals who have expressed interest in becoming principals. It will include a two-week intensive training course this summer, as well as monthly training seminars on topics such as finances, building management and community relations. Business leaders also will serve as mentors for would-be principals.

Read more in tomorrow’s Times Free Press.