HMS taps Susie Kephart as new principal

Just two weeks after Harpeth Middle School (HMS) Principal Audra Williams announced she was stepping down, the district named Susie Kephart as her replacement. 

Kephart – who currently serves as the assistant principal at Cheatham Middle School – will step into her new role upon Williams’ departure on July 1. 

Kephart is a 2008 graduate of Sycamore High School, and has been working in the Cheatham County School District since 2012.

During her career, she taught and coached at Cheatham County Central High School for six years, serving as a wellness and physical education teacher and softball and soccer coach.

In 2018, she was named the dean of students at Cheatham Middle School and served in that role until 2022, when she was named the school’s assistant principal.

“I have a deeply invested interest in Cheatham County Schools, having graduated from the district myself. It will be an honor to share my leadership experience with the staff, students and families at Harpeth Middle School,” Kephart said on March 31.

She continued, “I believe middle school is a critical time to help students discover their potential, and I am passionate about leading a school where all students feel safe, challenged and supported.”

Williams said that HMS is “in good hands” with Kephart’s leadership. “Susie is a longtime friend of mine; we worked together at Cheatham County Central High School,” Williams told the Gazette. “She is organized, creative, and has a passion for education. I cannot wait to see how well she fits into the HMS Family and what greatness they will all achieve together.”

Williams announced on March 12 that she is stepping down from her leadership role at HMS – which she took over in 2019 – to prioritize spending more time with her family. 

"I have loved every minute of being here at HMS," Williams told the Gazette. "I feel at peace about leaving. It's been six awesome years. I'm ready to move forward with new opportunities, but I genuinely miss teaching. My hope would be to continue to serve in Cheatham County."

HMS staff, families and students were given the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with their new principal on Wednesday evening.