City of Murfreesboro, TN - Government

On this episode of Between the Bells, Lisa Trail talks to Director of Human Resources and Educator Effectiveness, Dr. Maria Johnson about one of the exciting ways Murfreesboro city schools partners with MTSU and we find out what she would be doing if she did not work for city schools. Lisa also talks to principal Emily Spencer who is retiring after 20 years at Erma Siegel Elementary. Emily reflects on some of her favorite things about Siegel and what makes the school so special.

Learn about the latest progress on the City of Murfreesboro’s major stormwater initiative to daylight Town Creek through downtown on this new episode of “The Insider,” the official City of Murfreesboro podcast. In this episode, Development Services Executive Director Greg McKnight and Ryan Maloney of Griggs & Maloney Engineering and Consulting break down key updates on the multi‑year project, including: • The role of SBW Constructors, the primary contractor • What “urban stream restoration” means for the future of Town Creek • Installation of the new Front Street bridge • How this work connects to broader downtown redevelopment The $22 million, 18‑month Town Creek Project—funded in part by federal ARPA stimulus dollars—must be completed by November 2026, with a City deadline of Dec. 31, 2026. Maloney notes that contractors aim to complete and close out the stormwater‑funded portion by September 2026. Stay informed on one of Murfreesboro’s most transformative infrastructure projects! Visit www.murfreesborotn.gov/towncreekproject for more information.

On this episode of Between the Bells, Lisa Trail talks to Assistant Superintendent of School Operations, Don Bartch about some of the building remodels happening in our schools and he explains what brought him all the way from Minnesota down to Tennessee. Lisa also talks to principal Jenny Ortiz about what some new things happening at Overall Creek Elementary.

The City’s Community Development Department is helping residents with low and moderate incomes achieve the dream of homeownership! On the latest episode of “The Insider,” Assistant Director Jessica Cline shares how the department provides housing grants, home rehabilitation assistance, and support for public service programs. Through strong partnerships with local non-profits and community agencies, Community Development works to meet the housing, economic, and daily living needs of Murfreesboro residents. These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and include:
• Affordable Housing Assistance
• Homeowner Rehabilitation
• Public Service Grants 
For more information, visit www.murfreesborotn.gov/CommunityDevelopment

On this episode of Between the Bells, Lisa Trail talks to director of city schools Dr. Trey Duke about some of the exciting things happening in our schools and he gives a prediction about how many snow days we will have. She also talks to principal Dr. Liz Rueby about everything going on at Reeves-Rogers elementary.

Michael Linn White talks to Assistant Parks Director, Thomas Laird about all the improvements that have taken place at Old Fort Park, including a new state of the art artificial turf ballfield and resurfaced tennis courts.

On this episode of the "Insider", Mayor McFarland and host Mike Browning talk about the City of Murfreesboro's accomplishments in 2025.  The highlights include beginning work on the Town Creek project, Parks and Recreation construction projects, the downtown Keystone project, road projects and more.  For more information about the City of Murfreesboro, visit murfreesborotn.gov.

On this episode of Between the Bells, Lisa Trail talks to Ken Rocha, assistant superintendent of city schools and Quinena Bell, principal at Hobgood Elementary. Join us as we learn more about their jobs and personal life, including what their "walk up song" would be.