Criswell is leaving Milan for state job

Milan Director of Schools Jonathan Criswell is leaving Milan to work for the Tennessee Department of Education.

After serving as the Director of Schools for the Milan Special School District for the past eight years, Criswell will become the Chief Program Officer for the Tennessee State Department of Education.   In that role, Criswell will lead the department’s core programming efforts, such as data and evaluation, school improvement, choice, federal programs, and assessment and accountability.  

Criswell’s last day with the Milan Special School District will be July 28, 2024.   Ironically, Criswell was just awarded a new, four-year contract that started on July 1, 2024.

Criswell said it has been an honor serving the MSSD.  

“My time here has been a “Milan Awesome” experience, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity,” he said Friday morning.  My journey in education, from teacher to principal to superintendent, has been fueled by a passion for supporting and empowering those around me. I am excited to bring my experiences and insights to my new role, where I will support superintendents and school districts across the state.”

“Milan is a town full of wonderful people, and I am thankful for all the friendships and support I have received. This new position will allow my family to continue living in Milan, and my two boys will remain Milan Bulldogs.  Thank you again for the opportunity to serve this community,” he added.  

Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds said her was thrilled to add Criswell to her staff.  

 “Jonathan Criswell’s leadership at Milan Special School District has led to strong opportunities to accelerate student achievement and outcomes, and we are thrilled to add his wealth of knowledge and expertise to our department leadership team,” she said.  “He is a passionate educator who will bring years of experience and an important perspective to help us set students up for future success.” 

 Criswell started his career as a computer and business education teacher. He later was the assistant principal at Ridgemont Elementary School in Union City Schools, where he evaluated teachers and created a school improvement plan. He then served as principal of Trenton Elementary School in Trenton Special School District, where he led efforts to develop a teacher-driven plan focused on increasing student achievement. After serving nearly 19 years in various roles in elementary, middle and high school settings, he was appointed as director of schools for Milan Special School District in 2016.  

 Under his leadership, Milan Special School District has had transformational academic growth and participates in initiatives to boost student academic achievement and learning acceleration, including TN ALL Corps, Innovative School Models, and Grow Your Own. Additionally, through the district’s participation in TN ALL Corps and other strategic initiatives, the district earned the Tennessee Best for All District distinction in 2022. 

 Criswell has developed and implemented many policies, programs, curriculum, and budgets to promote educational development for each student and support for each staff member. In his role as director of schools at Milan Special School District, he developed a robust CTE program and helped the district become a Reading 360 Model District for the implementation of foundational reading skills. 

“I am honored to join Commissioner Reynolds and the outstanding team at the Tennessee Department of Education,” said Jonathan Criswell. “My journey in education—from teacher to principal to superintendent—has always been driven by a passion for supporting and empowering those around me. I now look forward to working with superintendents and school districts across the state as we strive to provide a quality education for all students.” 

Milan school board Chairman Will Ownby said the system will have a huge void to fill with Criswell’s departure.

“I hate to see him go but I’m really happy for him and his family with this new opportunity,” Ownby said.  “Jonathan came into a very challenging situation and got Milan moving in a right direction.  Without his guidance, we would not be where we are today.  We will miss him badly.”

Mr. Ownby said he was unsure how the board would proceed with finding Criswell’s replacement.   

“I can’t speak for the board just yet,” Ownby added.   “I assume that we will start the discussion of moving forward at our July board meeting.  

The next meeting of the Milan School board is set for Monday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m.  All meetings are open to the public.