Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has announced the appointment of five administrative leaders to new principal roles across the district.
New principals were recently announced at Medora Elementary, Hazelwood Elementary, Wheeler Elementary, Price Elementary, and the Academy @ Shawnee.
These leaders bring extensive instructional expertise, deep connections to their school communities and a commitment to accelerating student achievement and equity.
Theresa Adkins — Medora Elementary School
Theresa Adkins brings more than 23 years of JCPS experience to Medora Elementary, having served as an assistant principal at Audubon Traditional Elementary, academic instructional coach at Cane Run and Sanders Elementary, and classroom teacher at multiple JCPS schools.
A native of the Medora community, Adkins holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Building-Level Administrator licensure, all from Indiana University Southeast.
"Medora is a school with a strong tradition of serving students and families, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships, supporting our dedicated staff, and working together to ensure every child feels valued, challenged and successful,” Adkins said. “It is a privilege to serve a community that has been home to my family, and I can't wait to get started.”
Her leadership distinctions include selection for the 2025-26 Jefferson County Leadership Academy’s (JCLA) Equity Leadership Cadre, the RISE Leadership Panel, the Emerging Leaders Cohort, and the 2023 Indiana University Champion School Leader Award.
“Theresa Adkins is a thoughtful, student-centered leader whose commitment to integrity, equity and accountability makes her an outstanding choice to lead Medora Elementary,” said Dr. Tracy Barber, regional assistant superintendent of elementary region 2. “She understands the importance of listening first, building strong relationships and partnering with families and staff to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Kaycelyn Day — Hazelwood Elementary School
Kaycelyn Day has devoted her entire 16-year career in education to serving the students, families and staff of Hazelwood Elementary as a classroom teacher, interventionist, instructional coach, and most recently, assistant principal.
"Hazelwood has shaped me as both an educator and a leader, and it has been a privilege to serve this incredible community,” Day said. “I am excited to continue building on the strong foundation already in place alongside our amazing staff, students, families and community partners."
Day holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisville, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from Spalding University and Rank I Literacy credentials from Bellarmine University. She also completed the Spalding University Aspiring Leaders program.
During her administrative tenure, Day led the school-wide Muti-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) rollout, coordinated cross-grade intervention teams, co-led the Racial Equity Committee and served as Advantage Math Recovery Team Lead.
"Mrs. Day has devoted her entire career to the Hazelwood community,” said Lisa Wathen, regional assistant superintendent of elementary region 1. “Her experiences have given her invaluable insight into Hazelwood’s strengths, challenges and dreams for the future. I have no doubt that Mrs. Day will work diligently to build on Hazelwood’s strong foundation to ensure that every student has access to high-quality instruction, meaningful opportunities for growth and a supportive, inclusive environment.”
Joshua Meredith — Wheeler Elementary School
Joshua Meredith brings over two decades of educational experience to his new role, including 13 years of leadership as assistant principal at Wheeler Elementary where he was responsible for instructional leadership, school vision and creating the systems and supports within the school to make that vision a reality.
"I am grateful and excited to serve as the next principal of Wheeler Elementary,” Meredith said. “After 13 years as part of the Wheeler community, I look forward to building on the great work we have accomplished and collaborating to achieve even more for our students and families. Wheeler Elementary is a special place, and I truly believe our best days are ahead.”
Meredith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Middle School Education from the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with Principal and DPP Level 2 certifications from Western Kentucky University, and a Certificate in Competency-Based Education from Spalding University.
Meredith also participated in the JCLA Equity Leadership Cadre, was nominated for the 15th District PTA Hall of Fame, and was previously recognized as a top 24 educator state-wide with the Kentucky Department of Education’s Ashland Teacher Award.
"While Mr. Meredith has many qualities that make him the perfect fit for Wheeler, the one that stands out is his commitment to honoring what makes Wheeler special while continuously improving outcomes for students and families,” Wathen said. “He understands Wheeler’s history, traditions, strengths, and areas for growth, and he is ready to hit the ground running.”
Kim Stanton — Price Elementary School
Kim Stanton brings diverse educational experience spanning high school administration, elementary counseling and classroom instruction. She served as an academy principal at Iroquois High School, school counselor at Watterson Elementary, and interventionist and teacher at Goldsmith and Wellington Elementary schools.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to join the Price Elementary family as its new principal,” Stanton said. “Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, challenged and inspired. I look forward to partnering with our students, staff, families and community as we build on Price's strengths and create extraordinary opportunities for every learner.”
Stanton holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville, an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Master’s in School Guidance Counseling and Ed.S. with Principal Certification from the University of the Cumberlands, where she is currently a doctoral candidate.
Her accomplishments include guiding Iroquois High to National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Academy Accreditation, earning the JCPS Minority Educator Award and completing the JCLA Equity Leadership Cadre.
“Ms. Stanton has dedicated her career to improving student outcomes and creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for students,” Wathen said. “She has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to build a strong culture and sense of belonging for students and staff, and I have no doubt she will ensure Price Elementary continues on its positive trajectory.”
Ken Williams — The Academy @ Shawnee
Ken Williams steps into the principal position at the Academy @ Shawnee with deep roots in the school community, having spent 12 years as a classroom teacher at Shawnee before returning as assistant principal. He also gained administrative leadership experience as an assistant principal at Conway Middle School.
“After serving Shawnee for 12 years as a teacher and returning as an assistant principal, I am deeply honored to now lead as principal,” Williams said. “Shawnee is personal to me, and I look forward to working with our students, staff, families, alumni and community partners to strengthen achievement, improve attendance, expand opportunities and ensure every Golden Eagle is known, supported, challenged, and prepared to soar.”
Williams holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Spalding University, and is completing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Campbellsville University. His leadership highlights include serving as an International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) trainer, Racial Equity Chair, and Health and Human Services Academy Lead, as well as completing the Aspiring Leaders program at Spalding University.
“Ken Williams brings an exceptional blend of deep-rooted community connection, proven administrative expertise and an unwavering dedication to student achievement,” said Larry James, regional assistant superintendent of the Enhanced Support Zone. “Having served Shawnee as both a teacher and an assistant principal, Mr. Williams understands the heart, history and potential of this school community inside and out. His commitment to restorative practices, racial equity, and climate and culture makes him the ideal leader to guide the Academy @ Shawnee into its next chapter.”