NASHVILLE (AP) — The superintendent of Greene County schools is joining the Tennessee Department of Education as its chief academic officer and one of three deputy commissioners.

Education Commissioner Candice McQueen named Vicki Kirk to the position this week.

In her current role, Kirk leads the Greene County school system, which serves about 7,500 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

In the new position, she will lead the academic divisions of curriculum and instruction, special populations, teachers and leaders, and CORE district support offices.

Kirk will also manage the newly named division of the department, college and career readiness, which is dedicated to connecting the department's work around strategies aimed at leading high school students to success during and after graduation.