Kerry O'Connor
Principal

Phone: (423) 479-1723
Email: koconnor@clevelandschools.org

Kerry O'Connor is the principal of Yates Primary School, having taken on the role in July 2022.

He brings a wealth of experience to the job, having previously worked as a special education teacher and special services coordinator for 7 years at Cleveland Middle School, as well as serving as a behavior support specialist across the school district for 2 years. Mr. O'Connor also served as an assistant principal for Yates Primary School and E.L. Ross Elementary School starting in 2020. With experience in both general and special education, as well as leadership of intervention services, Mr. O'Connor is well-equipped to provide strong instructional leadership. He values building relationships with teachers, students, and families to create a cohesive learning community.

Mr. O'Connor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education (SPED) from Flagler College and a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

Melissa Bishop
Assistant Principal

Phone: (423) 479-1723
Email: mbishop@clevelandschools.org

Melissa Bishop currently serves as Assistant Principal of Yates Primary School. Melissa Bishop has worked within Cleveland City Schools for 20 years.

Since 2010, Melissa has served as an Instructional Specialist, where she has successfully coordinated K-12 instructional and RTI facilitators, overseeing the district's K-12 RTI program. Her expertise and leadership have contributed significantly to the success of the district's instructional initiatives.

Melissa Bishop holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she excelled academically. She later returned to her alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, to pursue her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, Melissa obtained a degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University.