The news: Bartlett City Schools will need a new leader in 2027. Superintendent Dr. David A. Stephens announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, that he will retire effective June 30, 2027.

How he said it: Stephens shared the news in a letter to Bartlett City Schools employees and families.

“After much thought, reflection, and prayer, I have made the decision to retire as Superintendent of Bartlett City Schools, effective June 30, 2027,” he wrote.

Why it’s a big deal: Stephens is the only superintendent the district has ever had. He has led Bartlett City Schools since it formed in 2014, when Bartlett and other Shelby County suburbs started their own school systems. That’s 13 years as superintendent, capping a 40-year career in education.

“Having the opportunity to help create this district from the ground up and watch it grow into what it is today has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” he wrote.

On his watch: A few highlights from his tenure, as reported by FOX13:

  • The roughly $70 million renovation of Bartlett High School, including upgrades for career and technical education, fine arts and athletics.
  • A new Altruria Elementary School to replace the current campus. The district has already broken ground.
  • Being named Tennessee Superintendent of the Year in 2017.

He’s not done yet: “Between now and June 30th, I remain fully committed to our students, our employees, and our community. We still have important work to do, and I look forward to finishing this chapter together,” Stephens wrote.

What’s next: The district hasn’t announced how it will pick a successor. Choosing a superintendent is the job of the elected five-member Bartlett Board of Education, so look for next steps at its public meetings. We’ll be watching the board’s agendas and will let you know when a plan shows up.

Sources: Dr. David A. Stephens’ Oct. 28, 2026 letter to BCS families and staff, as published by FOX13 and WREG; Bartlett City Schools news: Altruria Elementary groundbreaking; Bartlett City Schools Board of Education meetings.

Photo: Bartlett City Schools (Altruria Elementary groundbreaking)