Chattanooga, TN – This Principals Appreciation Month, Hamilton County Schools proudly recognizes Chris Tillett, principal of Red Bank High School. Now in his 23rd year as a principal and seventh year leading Red Bank, Tillett continues to focus on building relationships and making the most of every opportunity to connect with his school community.
Originally from Indiana, Tillett earned his Bachelor of Education from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and his Master of Education from Indiana Wesleyan University before completing his principal licensure. He began his career in education as a third-grade teacher in Indiana and went on to spend 16 years as an elementary school principal before moving to Tennessee.
While Tillett always knew he wanted to be a teacher, becoming a principal was not originally part of his plan. Early in his career, mentors and school leaders recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue leadership, helping shape the service-oriented approach he brings to his work today.
After moving to Tennessee in 2018, Tillett led Allen Elementary School for two years before serving as principal at Red Bank High School in 2020.
At Red Bank, Tillett makes visibility and relationships a priority. He spends time in classrooms and hallways, connects with teachers and students, and makes himself available to anyone who needs support.
“I have the best job. Nobody has a better job than what I have,” Tillett said. “I really am here to serve and support.”
As he begins his seventh year at Red Bank, one of Tillett’s goals is to make sure students and staff continue to feel supported while also challenging the school to keep growing. He and his administrative team have focused on leadership visibility and maintaining an “every classroom, every day” mentality.
For Tillett, being present means knowing students by name, encouraging them, and showing up for the moments that matter.
“I do feel the pressure of, how do we make sure we maximize these days to keep as many doors open for as many students as possible?” he said.
“That means getting out there and knowing our students. I know it matters to know their name. I know it matters to show up at practice, at ballgames, at performances. All of these things really matter.”
His background as a coach has also shaped how he builds relationships. Tillett began coaching high school girls soccer in Indiana and later became head coach of the Huntington University women’s soccer team while also leading an elementary school. After moving to Tennessee, he coached Red Bank boys soccer, including the unique opportunity to coach his sons on the team, until his youngest graduated.
Through coaching, Tillett saw firsthand how strong relationships can help students feel connected to school. Today, that same belief guides his work as principal.
That commitment to relationships and student support is reflected in Red Bank’s growth. The school’s graduation rate has increased from 75% in 2016 to around 96% in 2026. Tillett points to the school’s wraparound supports and the broader work of Hamilton County Schools as important parts of that progress.
“We’re not going to let you fail,” Tillett said. “Even as a county, seeing the work that Hamilton County Schools has done, the resources they put into positions that are really built around loving kids well, I think all of these things help.”
He said those supports give students what they need to succeed: more people to lean on, build relationships with, and push them toward success.
“It helps if instead of sitting at home as a student, I’m coming to school because I have this person I want to see, or these people that care about me, teachers who hold me to it and help me get to this other place, or because I want to play in the game on Friday night, so I’ve got to make sure I’m at school,” he said.
For Tillett, it all comes back to making sure students feel seen.
“All those things come in when you’re known, when somebody knows your name and who you are.”
Tillett continues to find new ways to connect with students and families, including through social media and student-created content. Whether he is sharing his Friday email, appearing in a school TikTok video, high-fiving students in the halls, or cheering from the sidelines, his goal remains the same: to be present for his students and staff and make sure they know they have someone in their corner.
As we honor Principal Chris Tillett during Principals Appreciation Month, we celebrate his 23 years of service, his commitment to strong relationships, and his dedication to creating a school where students are known, supported, and given every opportunity to succeed.
Thank you, Principal Tillett, for all you do!
