Tony McMinn, recently named Polk County Middle School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, has been appointed assistant principal at PCMS, bringing more than two decades of educational experience to the leadership role.
McMinn will fill the role vacated by Lori Byars, who was recently named as the new preschool director for Polk County Schools.
McMinn has served as seventh-grade social studies teacher at PCMS since 2022, also serving as grade-level lead, MTSS facilitator and beginning teacher mentor. Before joining Polk County Schools, he served as assistant principal at Hillandale Elementary School in Henderson County from 2018 to 2022 and taught at Flat Rock Middle School for 15 years, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2017.
Principal Adam Dedmon said McMinn’s experience and understanding of PCMS make him well-suited for the position.
“Mr. McMinn brings a wealth of experience to the assistant principal position, and I’m confident it will be a smooth transition for our school,” Dedmon said. “Having served as our seventh-grade social studies teacher and held several leadership roles at PCMS, he already understands our students, our staff and our mission. His background and commitment to Polk County Schools will be invaluable as we continue moving forward.”
McMinn holds a master’s degree in executive leadership studies from Gardner-Webb University and a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Appalachian State University. His administrative experience includes navigating school operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, training teachers on federal and state testing, completing teacher evaluations and supporting staff with student discipline management.
Throughout his teaching career, McMinn has demonstrated commitment to professional growth, participating in extensive professional development in areas including trauma-sensitive schools, effective instructional practices, social studies curriculum development and content-area literacy. He has also served as a coach for softball, football and youth baseball programs.
McMinn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the leadership role.
“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected as the new assistant principal of Polk County Middle School,” McMinn said. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the selection committee, the leadership team and everyone who played a role in this process.”
He emphasized his commitment to collaborative leadership.
“I look forward to partnering with our staff, students, families and community members as we continue the important work of helping every student grow and succeed,” McMinn said. “Thanks again for this incredible opportunity.”
Photo information: Tony McMinn, right, has been named the new assistant principal at Polk County Middle School. McMinn is the current Teacher of the Year at the school and was recently honored in a ceremony that included Polk County Board of Education chair Mike Ashworth, left
