06/03/2026
The Nicholas County Board of Education has unanimously voted to appoint Dr. John Derek Faulconer as Superintendent.
Dr. Faulconer, a native of Cynthiana, Kentucky, and a 1996 graduate of Harrison County High School, has dedicated more than 22 years to public education, including over 15 years in educational leadership. He joined Knox County Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2013 as the founding principal of Career Magnet Academy and, in 2025, became the district’s first Director of Military Enlistment. Prior to his tenure in Knox County, he served as a teacher and administrator with Anderson County Schools in Clinton, Tennessee, and Corbin Independent Schools in Corbin, Kentucky.
Dr. Faulconer earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Tennessee Technological University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from East Tennessee State University.
In addition to his career in education, Dr. Faulconer serves as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve with the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion. He is a Civil Affairs-qualified officer and Civil Affairs education specialist. He completed the Medical Center of Excellence Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in 2025 and graduated from the Civil Affairs Captain’s Career Course at the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2026.
Mrs. Cheryl Rawlings, Board Chair said, "This decision was not one the Board took lightly. We invested countless hours in a thorough search and interview process because we understand the importance of selecting the right leader for our district. Dr. Faulconer stood out as a leader who is passionate about education, committed to students, and ready to build strong relationships across our community. We are proud of the process we followed and excited about the future under his leadership."
