OUR SCHOOL
Welcome to Southside
Excellence in all we do!
Today is the day Southside makes a difference in your life by helping your child succeed and feel a sense of accomplishment in his or her education. We want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of their world and for the chance to help in guiding them to a bright future with no limitations.
Principal
Chareda Sims
I was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama. I attended college at Jacksonville State University, where I earned a BS Degree in Elementary Education, as well as an MS Degree in School Counseling. I moved to Tennessee in 2006 after marrying my husband, Chip, who works in Environmental Health for the State of Tennessee. We have 3 children and 1 grandson. My son, Breylon, lives with his family (Lylah & BJ) here in Lebanon. My daughter, Leyla, attends Mt. Juliet High School, and my youngest son, Treyton, attends Springdale Elementary. In my ‘free’ time, I enjoy taking naps, traveling with family and friends, attending my kids athletic events, and singing on the Praise & Worship Team at church. I have been in education for over 2 decades. I taught for 6 years, was a school counselor for 6 years, and spent 9 years as an assistant principal, before being named principal here at Southside. I am so happy to be part of the Saints family, and look forward to all the wonderful things we will accomplish together. Go Saints!
Assistant Principal
Dr.Tinsley
Dr.Tinsley just completed her 22nd year as an educator with Wilson County Schools. She has been an assistant principal at Lebanon High School the past 10 years, and previously served as an assistant principal at Wilson Central High School and as a teacher at Barry Tatum Academy.
Dr.Tinsley actually began her educational journey at Southside Elementary, where she was a student from kindergarten through eighth grade. She is a Lebanon High School grad, and earned her undergrad and Master's degree at Tennessee Tech University. She recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, graduating with high distinction.
Dr.Tinsley and her family reside in Shop Springs where they live on a farm. She and Jonathan have one son, Solomon, who will be entering 6th grade at Southside.
Assistant Principal
Dr.Whittaker
Dr. Whittaker just completed her 17th year as an Educator. She is comes to us from the Sumner County School District where she served as Principal of EB Wilson Virtual High School for 9 years. She also previously served as an Assistant Principal and a 5th Grade teacher within Metro Nashville Public Schools.
She received her undergraduate degree at Tennessee State University, Masters in Business Administration from University of Phoenix, Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.
No stranger to the area, she has has lived in Mt. Juliet for 12 years. She has three children: Tylar, Kaleb and Kennedi. Tylar is an MNPS teacher, and her twins are 2023 Wilson Central High School graduates, and are currently attending Tennessee Tech.
She is thrilled to become a part of "Team Southside!"
The staff, parents, students and community have been so welcoming. She is excited about adding to the positive culture already in place and is very passionate about adding her expertise to assist with student academic success.