Kingsport School Officials Wake Up at 3 AM to Check Road Conditions

Superintendent and other administrators start their day before dawn to decide on any weather-related schedule changes.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In Kingsport, Tennessee, public school officials like Assistant Superintendent Andy True and Chief Student Services Officer Jim Nash routinely wake up as early as 3 AM to check road conditions and gather weather forecast information. This allows them to decide by 5:15 AM whether to delay or cancel school due to inclement weather, so they can notify families, media, and other schools before the first buses start rolling around 6 AM.

Why it matters

Kingsport's proactive approach to monitoring weather conditions and making timely decisions about school schedules helps ensure student safety and minimizes disruptions for families. As a visible part of the community, the school district's responsiveness to winter weather builds trust with parents and demonstrates its commitment to putting students first.

The details

The "snow patrol team" includes Superintendent Chris Hampton, Transportation Supervisor Tommy Starnes, Assistant Superintendents True and Rhonda Stringham, and Nash. They drive the roads and check weather forecasts starting as early as 3 AM to decide by 5:15 AM whether to delay or cancel school. Once a decision is made, they quickly notify TV, radio, social media, and families through automated calls.

  • The "snow patrol team" is typically on the roads by 3 to 3:15 AM.
  • A decision on any schedule changes must be made by 5:15 AM, before the first buses start rolling around 6 AM.

The players

Andy True

Assistant Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools, who is part of the "snow patrol team" that checks road conditions early in the morning.

Jim Nash

Chief Student Services Officer of Kingsport City Schools, who is also part of the "snow patrol team".

Chris Hampton

Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools, who leads the "snow patrol team".

Rhonda Stringham

Assistant Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools, who is part of the "snow patrol team".

Tommy Starnes

Transportation Supervisor for Kingsport City Schools, who is part of the "snow patrol team".

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What they’re saying

“Generally, we are up and about on the roads no later than 3:30 a.m., usually 3 to 3:15 a.m.”

— Andy True, Assistant Superintendent (timesnews.net)

“Thank you. I know it's not an easy decision to make. I didn't know all this detail, and I've had kids in school for 18 years.”

— Melissa Woods, BOE Vice President (timesnews.net)

“In my circles, the saying is if it ain't Andy, it's ain't True.”

— Brandon Fletcher, BOE President (timesnews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Kingsport's proactive approach to monitoring weather conditions and making timely decisions about school schedules helps ensure student safety and minimizes disruptions for families, demonstrating the school district's commitment to putting students first.