Joanna Sells named new principal of Laukhuf Elementary School

She started her new role on Aug. 13 

Joanna Sells head and shoulder picture

By Toni Konz Tatman | JCPS Communications

Joanna Sells has been named the new principal of Laukhuf Elementary School.

Sells is beginning her tenth year with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and has the assistant principal at Wilt Elementary since 2016. Prior to that, she was a special education and fifth grade teacher at Wilt. 

Her first official day as principal of Laukhuf is Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019.

"Ms. Sells is an insightful, supportive leader who is highly knowledgeable regarding school leadership and is committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment for students, families and staff," said Paige Hartstern, an assistant superintendent of elementary schools for the district. "She believes in the power of building positive relationships across all settings in the school environment. She is committed to ensuring that each student leaves Laukhuf Elementary transition ready for middle school."

Sells says she is very excited to begin her new role and is eager to meet her staff, students and families.

"Throughout my nine years in education, I have enjoyed taking on leadership roles that help support student achievement and move the school forward," she said. "As a teacher, I served as the school technology coordinator, team leader, worked on our curriculum alignment team and coached our school’s basketball and academic teams. These roles enabled me to support my colleagues and our students in a variety of ways, while also providing me with many opportunities for professional growth."

Sells adds that she wants to assist students and staff in reaching their full potential and is willing to do whatever it takes to support them on their journey.

She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and learning and behavior disorders from Bellarmine University and her master's degree in School Guidance Counseling from Spalding University. 

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This article was originally published by JCPS on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019.