Superintendent Message
Humphreys County School System
Director of Schools
Richard T. Rye
“It’s The Little Things that make The Big Things Happen”
Mr. Rye was raised in Humphreys County by lifelong educators. His mother and father, Linda and Tommy Rye both retired from the Humphreys County School System with over 30 years in education. He was raised to value education, and the importance of hard work and dedication.
Mr. Rye is an alumni of Waverly Central High School, graduating in May of 1991. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin in the Spring of 1995.
Mr. Rye earned his Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from Austin Peay State University in 1998 and his Educational Specialist Degree in 2004 from Tennessee State University.
Mr. Rye began his career as an educator teaching 8th Grade Science and as Assistant Football Coach at Waverly Junior High in 1995. In 2006 he became Assistant Principal at Waverly Central High School as well as the Athletic Director and Assistant Football Coach. He became Principal of Waverly Central High School in 2014 where he remained until he was elected as the current Director of Schools.
In 2018, under the leadership of Mr. Rye, Waverly Central High School was named a Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Mr. Rye is married to Melissa Rye, and together they have three children, Trevor, Lakyn and Carlee.
Mr. Rye’s vision for the Humphreys County School System is simple,
Seven Schools, One Goal…Excellence!