The new year means changes to the instructional leadership team for Neely’s Bend Middle School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools. Phillip Hammonds, assistant principal at McMurray Middle, will move into the executive principal role at Neely’s Bend. 

“Mr. Hammonds has shown his commitment to middle school education and is dedicated to our middle
school transformation process,” said Dr. Lora Hall, associate superintendent of middle schools. “We are
excited to see what he will bring to his new role in the new year.” 

Hammonds began his career in Metro Schools as a language arts teacher. He has served at Antioch
Middle, J.T. Moore Middle, McKissack Middle, Stratford High and McMurray Middle schools, serving in
various positions that include classroom teacher, coach, athletic business manager, principal designee,
team leader, Title I coordinator, and interim principal to assistant principal. He has worked with various
initiatives that include International Baccalaureate (IB), Professional Development Schools (PDS),
Smaller Learning Communities (SLCs) and Fast ForWord (FFW). 

Hammonds holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Tennessee State University, as well as a
master’s and specialist degrees in administration and supervision. He is near completion of the doctoral
program.