KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Kingsport City Schools has named Christian Horner as Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Horner will oversee all technology operations for the district, including all programs, services, policies, support, and programming. Mr. Horner will assume his duties on September 21, 2026, replacing Andy Arnold, who retired at the end of August 2026.

 

“Mr. Horner has demonstrated the leadership, expertise, and commitment to service that make him the right person to lead our technology efforts as Chief Technology Officer," said Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "Technology touches every aspect of our school district, and Mr. Horner understands that our goal is not technology for technology’s sake…it is using technology thoughtfully and strategically to improve teaching and learning, strengthen operations, and better serve our students, staff, and families. I am excited to see him take on this expanded leadership role and look forward to the continued progress he will help lead for Kingsport City Schools.”

 

Horner has most recently served as the KCS Coordinator of Innovative Learning.  In that role, he provided strategic administrative leadership for the integration of educational technology, designed and facilitated district-wide professional development programs focused on leveraging digital tools to enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and learning outcomes, and collaborated with principals and district leadership to evaluate educational software, manage technology budgets, and align digital curriculum with state standards. 

 

Horner has 18 years of educational experience and has been employed with Kingsport City Schools since 2020.  Prior to that time, he served as a middle school social studies teacher and instructional technology coach with Rutherford County Schools. 

 

"I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of Chief Technology Officer for Kingsport City Schools," said Horner. "My time as Innovative Learning Coordinator allowed me to build strong, collaborative partnerships across every school and department. Together, we explored new practices and developed innovative products and systems, all with the goal to improve learning for KCS students.  As Chief Technology Officer, I look forward to building upon our progress by ensuring that our technology strategy is driven by our common goal of improving the learning experience for our students. I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me, and I am excited to continue working alongside our incredible team to serve our students, staff, and community in this new capacity.” 

 

Horner holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Arts in Education degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree from East Tennessee State University with an expected graduation date of 2028.