Prep Public Schools names new administrative team

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Prep Public Schools has appointed Troy Kemp as Chief Executive Officer and Chad Everett as Vice President of Schools.

The Board of Directors introduced both leaders to the communities at Chattanooga Prep and Knoxville Prep.

Kemp brings 34 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, coach, administrator, and nonprofit leader.

He spent 27 years at McCallie School, where he held roles ranging from math teacher and coach to associate headmaster for enrollment and marketing.

Kemp also helped establish the National Center for the Development of Boys and currently works at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.

“I am thrilled to lead the efforts of Prep Public Schools because this is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, increase the expectations, and improve the outcomes for Black and brown boys in Chattanooga and Knoxville.  Challenges in the past may have pushed us back on our heels, but we are shifting our stance and playing from our toes.”

-Troy Kemp, incoming CEO of PREP Public Schools

Everett has served as Chief Operating Officer of IOTA Community Schools, overseeing a network of 2,100 students.

His career includes roles as an English teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, campus president, and principal.

“I am excited for the opportunity to cultivate the environment I wanted as a scholar and that every scholar deserves – an environment where every scholar has the freedom to discover curricular truths, as well as truths about themselves; an environment where excellence is the expectation and the brilliance of scholars and teachers is embraced bell-to-bell, every class, every day.  I am excited to lead at Prep Public Schools.”

-Chad Everett, VP of Schools of PREP Public Schools.

Both Kemp and Everett have passed all necessary background checks without issue.

Micah Bess, who has served as Interim CEO since October 2024, will return to her previous role as Chief Operating Officer.