Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Director of Schools for Blount County has resigned.

In an email sent to the school system Monday, David Murrell says he is resigning after “much prayer and careful consideration” and returning to a tenured faculty position with Blount County Schools.

Murrell’s resignation marks the end of an 18-year stint at the school system’s top office.

In total, Murrel has spent 27 years with BCS, during which he spent 14 as the school system’s assistant director and director.

The school system itself released a statement, saying the Board of Education would be discussing an interim director during its regularly scheduled meeting on January 9.

The Blount County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on 1/9/2025 at 5:30 PM to discuss plans for securing an interim director of schools. Mr. Murrell has served the Blount County Schools community well for 27 years. We are so grateful for his service and wish him the very best in the future as he continues serving students and families. – Blount County Schools

Mr. Murrell’s full email is below:

Dear Team BCS:

After much prayer and careful consideration, I have decided to resign as Director of Schools effective today, January 6, 2025, and return to a tenured faculty position with BCS.

Serving as Assistant Director and Director for 14 years, 18 years at the Central Office, and a total of 27 years with the district, has given me the vantage point of seeing the very best of Blount County Schools, and for that experience, I am forever grateful.

I look forward to being your colleague, and I know that together we will continue to make Blount County Strong.

With much love and sincere appreciation, – David C. Murrell