Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce the selection of Mr. Mike Chai as the district’s new Director of Student Services.
Mr. Chai currently serves as principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School and is the longest serving current principal in Cleveland City Schools. This year marks his fourteenth year leading the Arnold community and nearly three decades of service to Cleveland City Schools. Across every role he has held, Mr. Chai has built a reputation for caring deeply about students, valuing relationships, and leading with a steady and compassionate heart.
Mr. Chai began his career with Cleveland City Schools in 1995 as part of the Extended School Program. After graduating from Lee University, he served as an Instructional Assistant at Mayfield Elementary School. He later earned his Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a background that continues to shape the way he supports students, families, and staff. Many in the community know Mr. Chai first and foremost as a counselor at heart, someone who listens, advocates, and genuinely cares for the whole child.
He served in the counseling department at Cleveland Middle School for four years and then spent two additional years leading Student Services at CMS. During that time, he earned his Educational Specialist degree from Tennessee Technological University. His journey continued with Assistant Principal roles at Blythe Bower Elementary School and Cleveland High School before he became principal of Arnold Memorial Elementary School in 2012.
Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools, shared, “Mr. Chai leads with heart. His background as a counselor, his years of experience, and the relationships he has built across our district make him uniquely prepared for this role. He understands that supporting students goes beyond academics. It is about listening, encouraging, and showing up for kids every day. We are grateful for his leadership and excited for the impact he will continue to have.”
During his time at Arnold, Mr. Chai has helped cultivate a school culture grounded in belonging, kindness, and strong relationships.
Mr. Chai shared, “Cleveland City Schools has been my professional home since 1995. I am thankful for every role that has allowed me to serve students and families. Supporting students has always been at the center of my work, and I am honored to continue that mission in this new role.”
As Director of Student Services, Mr. Chai will oversee districtwide programs and supports that focus on the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
Cleveland City Schools is grateful for Mr. Chai’s years of dedicated service and looks forward to the continued impact of his leadership across the district.