News + Events
Cody Shumaker named new Executive Principal of Explore! Community School
Our Explore! Community School has a new leader for the road ahead.
We are pleased to announce that Cody Shumaker will serve as Executive Principal of Explore! Community School beginning with the 2026–27 school year. He steps into the role after a search that included meaningful input from teachers, staff, and school families.
Shumaker isn’t new to the Explore! family. He has been working alongside our team in a consulting capacity since August 2025. He knows the community, the mission, and the culture.
“After working here in a consulting role since August, I have truly fallen in love with Explore! and am deeply grateful to Cameron Gish’s leadership over the last four years, and for the opportunity to serve this special community moving forward,” Cody said.
Cody brings to Explore! 18 years of experience in education — as a classroom teacher, an eight-year principal in Mississippi, a Chief Academic Officer in Alabama, and most recently as Executive Director of a charter school network in Nashville. His track record includes A school ratings and top-three state rankings from U.S. News & World Report. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, a Master of Education from Delta State University, and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Mississippi.
Explore! Community School is one of two excellent K–8 schools operated by the Martha O’Bryan Center, and strong leadership sustains that kind of excellence. This past school year, Explore! earned TVAAS Level 5 status, the highest academic growth designation in Tennessee, for the fourth consecutive year.
“Cody Shumaker is a proven and thoughtful leader who has already spent the past year working alongside our team, and we’re thrilled for him to step into this role,” said Adrienne Useted, MOBC President. “Shumaker will work in close partnership with outgoing Executive Principal Cameron Gish through the end of the 2025–26 school year. We’re grateful for what Cameron built and excited for what comes next.”
Explore! families can expect additional opportunities to connect with Cody as the new school year approaches. Stay tuned.