LEXINGTON, Tenn. – Henderson County Schools is proud to announce that Lexington High School Principal Brandon Rainey has been named the 2026–2027 Southwest CORE Principal of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Selected by the statewide scoring committee, Mr. Rainey is one of only nine principals across Tennessee—one representing each of the state's eight CORE regions and the Shelby/Municipals area—to earn regional finalist recognition. The Tennessee Department of Education will announce the 2026–2027 Tennessee Principal of the Year this October.
Since becoming principal of Lexington High School, Mr. Rainey has fostered a culture built on academic excellence, student achievement, and meaningful relationships. His leadership has strengthened an environment where high expectations, continuous improvement, and a commitment to student success remain at the forefront of everything the school does.
Under Mr. Rainey's leadership, Lexington High School has continued to distinguish itself as one of Tennessee's premier high schools. Most recently, the school earned recognition as a Tennessee Level 5 School, received Reward School status, and achieved a perfect 5.0 growth score. Lexington High School was one of only four high schools in West Tennessee and just 26 statewide to earn all three distinctions, underscoring the exceptional work of its faculty, staff, students, and families.
Henderson County Director of Schools Danny Beecham praised Mr. Rainey's leadership and the impact he continues to have on Lexington High School.
"Brandon Rainey is an outstanding leader who represents the very best of Henderson County Schools. He leads a culture of high expectations, strong relationships, and continuous improvement at Lexington High School. This recognition as a regional Principal of the Year finalist is a testament to his leadership and the hard work of the entire Lexington High School team. I am proud of Mr. Rainey, proud of Lexington High School, and excited to see his dedication rewarded. This recognition is earned and deserved."
— Danny Beecham, Henderson County Director of Schools
Mr. Rainey's selection as the Southwest CORE Regional Finalist reflects his unwavering dedication to students, staff, and the Lexington High School community. It also recognizes the collective efforts of the entire school team, whose commitment to excellence has helped position Lexington High School among the state's highest-performing schools.
Henderson County Schools congratulates Mr. Rainey on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success as he advances in the Tennessee Principal of the Year competition. The statewide 2026–2027 Tennessee Principal of the Year will be announced by the Tennessee Department of Education in October.