New principals will take the helm this July at five locations in Fayette County Public Schools:
- Denis Beall, at Beaumont Middle School;
- Robert Crawford, at Maxwell Spanish Immersion Magnet Elementary;
- Molly Dabney, at Veterans Park Elementary School;
- Robin Kirby, at Bryan Station Middle School; and
- Rebecca Puckett, at Julius Marks Elementary.
“Our team keeps getting stronger,” said Superintendent Manny Caulk. “Every school deserves a great leader, and I believe that we have five more transformational leaders joining our ranks.”
Beall has nearly 15 years of experience in the field of education. He taught math at South Oldham High School and served as a guidance counselor at South Oldham and Martha Layne Collins high schools. He was named assistant principal at South Oldham in 2014. Beall earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education from the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree and school counseling certification from the University of West Alabama, and an education specialist’s degree in educational leadership and principal certification from the University of the Cumberlands.
“Denis Beall possessed the skills and attributes that were sought by the faculty, staff, students, and SBDM council of Beaumont Middle,” said School Director Randy Peffer, who oversees Beaumont. “His previous experiences and success makes him an ideal candidate for BMS, and I look forward to working with Mr. Beall as he joins the Fayette County team.”
Crawford has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education, including 10 years of teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in public and private schools in Louisville. He holds National Board Certification and while teaching, he also held leadership positions as an academic coordinator, department chairman, and mentor. For the past 10 years, he has been an administrator in the West Virginia Department of Education as coordinator of world languages, assistant director of Title II, Title III, and system support, and assistant director of the office of federal programs. Crawford holds bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and political science from the University of Louisville, a master’s degree in teaching Spanish from the University of Louisville, and a graduate certificate in leadership studies from Marshall University.
“As the next principal for Maxwell Spanish Immersion Magnet School, Robert Crawford holds true to a professional vision of promoting multilingualism and global competency,” said School Director Edwina Smith, who oversees Maxwell. “He prescribes to a collaborative leadership model that places high value on the engagement of all stakeholders while holding true to what is best for students. His entire educational career has been focused on improving instructional practice to promote dual language education for scholars at all levels. We welcome Robert to the FCPS family and look forward to learning from his immersion experience and expertise.”
Dabney has nearly 14 years of experience in education, including 13 years teaching at Veterans Park and Wellington elementaries. She has been the professional growth and effectiveness coach at Veterans Park since 2016. Dabney holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education from the University of Kentucky, where she also earned a master’s degree in elementary education. She also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and certification as a principal, director of personnel and supervisor of instruction from Eastern Kentucky University.
“Molly is an outstanding servant leader,” said School Director Jimmy Meadows, who oversees Veterans Park. “The scholars, staff, and families are fortunate to have her as the new principal.”
Kirby has nearly 19 years of experience in the field of education, including 16 years of teaching at Jessie Clark and Beaumont middle schools and Kammerer Middle School in Jefferson County. She has been the professional growth and effectiveness coach at Beaumont since 2014. Kirby holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and a master’s degree in education and principal’s certification Indiana Wesleyan University.
“Robin Kirby is a dedicated instructional leader focused on high quality learning for every student. She has a proven record in teaching and administration and is excited to lead Bryan Station Middle School in a caring and compassionate manner,” said Peffer. “The SBDM Council at Bryan Station Middle selected the best candidate to guide the school to be an even more successful institution. I look forward to working with and watching this eager new principal guide Bryan Station Middle to a school of distinction.”
Puckett has nearly 27 years of experience. She taught for 21 years at Tates Creek and Veterans Park elementary schools and holds National Board Certification. In 2011, she became the professional growth and effectiveness coach at Veterans Park. Since 2015, she has been the professional growth and effectiveness coach at Squires Elementary. She holds a bachelor’s degree in K-4 elementary education and self-contained certification in grades 5-6 from Transylvania University, a master’s degree and reading specialist endorsement from the University of Kentucky, and principal certification from Eastern Kentucky University.
“I am excited that Mrs. Rebecca Puckett will be joining the principal team at FCPS,” said Meadows. “The scholars, staff, and families are fortunate to have an outstanding leader serve the Julius Marks family and community.”
Beall, Crawford, Dabney, Kirby, and Puckett will assume their duties on July 1, 2017.