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History
History
In 1999, Mr. William Atchison invited twelve individuals and eleven agreed to serve as board members for PLUS. Bylaws were written, officers elected, and PLUS became an official 501©3 organization. The original Board was dedicated to the mission and most of them served for many years. One of those members, Randy Stephens, continues serving today.
From the beginning to the present, PLUS has provided funding for teachers’ projects that go “above and beyond” to enhance student learning. Mr. Atchison recalled how many teachers had ideas to make their classes more inviting, interesting, and enjoyable but lacked funds to bring their ideas to fruition. They loved sharing innovative ways they could increase learning, deepen students’ understanding of subject matter, and cultivate an appreciation for what they are learning if there was money to implement their ideas. Quickly, their excitement related to the possibilities was replaced by disappointment and discouragement.
In the process of awarding grants to teachers each year, PLUS gives recognition to and shows appreciation of teachers’ creativity, dedication, and commitment. As a result, teachers feel validated and energized which benefits the education of their students.
PLUS Founder
PLUS Founder
In my 36 years of teaching, principal, assistant superintendent and Federal Projects Director, and ten years as Superintendent of Henry County Schools, I realized that sometimes teachers get in a “rut” and feel like no one appreciates what they are doing. I believed that supporting teachers creative and innovative approaches for educating their students would have a positive impact on teacher morale and also enhance student learning. - Mr. William Atchison, PLUS Founder
Board Members
Board Members
Kim Foster
President
Kim Foster
President
I currently have the pleasure of serving not only as Paris City Manager but also as the PLUS Board President. As a lifelong Henry Countian I have a passion for my community and especially for kids and education. Being a member of the PLUS Board gives me the opportunity to serve in a way that is both fulfilling and rewarding
Stacy Hayes
Vice President
Stacy Hayes
Vice President
Stacy and her husband, Matt, have made their home in Paris since 2001 and have 3 children. She is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys volunteering at her church and in the children’s schools. She has served on the boards of several local non-profits including Henry County Helping Hand, W.G. Rhea Library, Board of Public Utilities Project Roundup, Athena Delphian Club, and was honored to join the PLUS Board in 2022.
Heather Stone
Secretary
Heather Stone
Secretary
Heather has been on the PLUS board since 2022 and serves as the board secretary. She resigned from full time employment with Bethel University in 2016 to be a stay-at-home Mom, but still remains a part-time instructor with the University. She has been married to Jeremy, a partner with CRS CPAs, since 2003, and they have two daughters, McKennie and Hattie. They are all active residents of Paris who enjoy traveling, live music events, and volunteering within the community.
James Smith
Treasurer
James Smith
Treasurer
James is an attorney at HAT LAW, practicing business law and litigation. He serves as Treasurer of the PLUS Board of Directors. He thoroughly enjoys every opportunity to be involved in the civic life of our community, but particularly when civic life impacts students. He has served on the PLUS Board since 2017 and finds it an honor to support our educators in Henry County and Paris as they diligently work to provide innovative and creative opportunities for education.
Vicky Boyd
Vicky was is a retired educator at Henry County High School where she taught Journalism and History as well as being advisor to the yearbook, newspaper and broadcasting staff for many years. She has continued her interest in education through her work with PLUS and Project Bridge since her retirement. She is married to Tim, with whom she shares two daughters and three grandsons.
Erin Coleman
Erin is originally from Marietta, GA and graduated Summa Cum Laude with completion of an honors thesis from Freed Hardeman University with a BS in mathematics and natural sciences. She taught third grade in Munford, TN for four years before marrying Josh Coleman and moving to Paris where she taught sixth grade science at Inman Middle School for eight years before leaving the classroom to be a stay-at-home mom. Erin has served on the PLUS Board since 2022 and works hard to ensure that a fair, thorough, and professional process is applied to all grant applications.
Jane Etheridge
Jane is co-founder and Executive Director of Project Bridge, a summer literacy and social-emotional development program for young struggling readers in this community. She is a retired university mental health counselor and Director of Murray State University’s Women’s Center and a former Special Education teacher. She and her husband raised their four children in Henry County and Jane later was elected to the Paris Special School District School Board. Serving on the PLUS Board since 2021, she welcomes the opportunity to enhance learning by awarding grants to teachers for innovative and creative projects.
Dustin Kendall
Born and raised in Paris, TN, Dustin serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Culley Mechanical Services. He earned his undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee and his MBA from Central Michigan University. He is married to Grace Kendall, who is a Chiropractor in Paris, TN.
Cindy Lowe
Cindy graduated from Murray State in Special Education and has an endorsement in Gifted Education. She taught for 33 years and was actually one of the first recipients of a PLUS grant. She happily joined the PLUS Board in 2024, recognizing how important this organization is to the community. Cindy and her husband, David, raised their two children. Mary Catherine and Paul David, in Henry County. Cindy has one bonus child, Joshua, who blessed her with two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Vaughn.
Toni Phillips
Toni Phillips is originally from Florence, AL. She and her husband, Stephen, moved to Paris in 2021 with their two daughters. She was the PTO President at Paris Elementary from 2022-2025, and is a member of the Athena Delphian club. She joined the PLUS Board in 2023.
Nolan Poteete
Nolan Poteete grew up in Henry County and after graduating from Henry County High School, he attended and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business at UT Martin. He serves as a Financial Advisor for Raymond James and lives in Paris with his wife and two children. Nolan has served on the Plus Board since 2023 and developed and provided leadership for the Planes for Plus fundraising events for the past two years.
Randy Stephens
Randy Stephens has served as a minister in Henry County for 48 years. His late wife, Donna, was a local banker and Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. Randy has two sons and eleven grandchildren, all of whom live in Henry County. Randy has served on the PLUS Board since the organization was formed.
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
William Atchison - PLUS Founder
Steve Greer
Susan Hayes
Rita Paschall
Randall Perkins
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