Melissa Turner - Principal

Eastern Kentucky University

Morehead State University

Degree(s)-Certifications

B.S. Elementary Education, P-5

M.A. School Administration, Principal

Supervisor of Instruction

A Principal’s Pledge

I will put students first.

As a school, we are a service business. I’ll always remember why I chose education, to be part of a cause bigger than myself and to have a positive impact on our future. Creating opportunities for kids has been and will continue to be my top priority.

I will be visible.

I will be in hallways, classrooms, and at events as much as my schedule allows. I will make it a point to get to know staff, students, and parents and to be accessible to them. While my work does require me to be out of the building at one point or another, I will make the most of the time I am at school.

I will engage our community.

Parents are vital partners to our work. I will do my part to build relationships with our families through our PTA and other community partnerships.

I will listen.

Every member of our staff helped to shape our school, as well as our administrative goals for the year. I will make time to keep these conversations going once the school year begins.

I will be direct.

I will articulate my views or values so that everyone knows my perspective. I will communicate regularly so people will know who I am and what I am about.

I will empower.

To be a leader, you must build the leadership capacity of others. I will work with every member of the staff (certified and non-certified) to push beyond their comfort zone to further their own development. I will trust staff members to be professionals, and will not hesitate to praise good work.

I will make tough decisions.

Pledge to make my decisions about how our resources will be made based on what will help the most students. I will be open about my thought process and willing to share why I make the choices I will make. I will also have difficult conversations with students, staff, and parents when necessary.

I will represent and advocate for our school in my actions, appearance, and words.

I will take my role seriously and do my best to enhance the reputation of our school community. Public education is under attack, I will do my part to emphasize that our work is a profession, not a job.

My vision will extend beyond standardized tests.

As a school, we must meet state requirements and comply with legislative mandates. While I will take this seriously as a leader and as a professional, I will remember that our goal is learning and growth for all of our students, and that many of the important lessons we teach are “not on the test.”

I will be accountable.

I commit to make tough decisions, listen, and to be direct, I also realize that I will make mistakes. When this happens, I will take responsibility and improve. I will not ask anyone to do anything I am not willing to do myself, including coming out of my comfort zone to learn and grow.

cr: John Bernia