The Southside School Board has appointed Mark Owens, a local banker, to fill the Zone 1 seat vacated by Kyle Miller. The appointment was announced during the board’s August meeting, according to the Southside School District.
Miller, a six-year veteran of the school board, is stepping down following his acceptance of a new position as a district manager for Harps Food Stores. In his role, Miller will oversee operations at 18 stores in Fulton, Kentucky, and nearby Tennessee communities. He had represented Zone 1 on the board since 2020.
“Southside School District is grateful for Kyle’s six years of dedicated service to our students, staff, and community,” Superintendent Dion Stevens said in a statement. “His commitment to Southside and his willingness to serve have been greatly appreciated. We congratulate him on this new opportunity and wish him continued success.”
To fill the vacancy, the district advertised the position in July. Owens, a Zone 1 resident who works for Citizens Bank, was selected from the applicants. Owens and his wife, Lori, have long-standing connections to the district. Their daughter, Hanna Pinkett, is a Southside graduate and has worked as a first-grade teacher in the district for several years. Their son-in-law, Greyson Pinkett, serves as Southside’s baseball coach.
“I’m honored to serve on the Southside School Board and look forward to supporting the students, educators, and families who make our school and community a special place,” Owens said following his appointment.
Superintendent Stevens also welcomed Owens to the board. “We are privileged to welcome Mark to an outstanding board that is committed to serving the students, families, and staff of Southside School District. We look forward to the perspective and experience he will bring,” Stevens said.
Owens joins the board at a time when the Southside School District continues to prioritize strengthening its programs and addressing community needs.