Brackin named principal at Highland Elementary

April 17, 2021 | 12:09 am

Updated April 16, 2021 | 11:10 pm

Photo by Ryan Richardson

Kristy Brackin has been named as the next principal at Highland Elementary School. Brackin, currently serving as support services coordinator for Daviess County Public Schools, will begin her new role on July 1 .

“I’m overwhelmed and extremely excited,” Brackin said. “Being named principal at Highland Elementary School brings my life full-circle, as I was a student at Highland and my children also attended this wonderful school.”

In her current role, Brackin provides support and training for school-level Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports teams (PBIS), as well as interventions that make it possible for students to be successful in the classroom. She has collaborated with the PBIS network to connect students, families, service organizations and district resources, with a goal of meeting individual needs of students and families; and served as the leader of the DCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and coordinators.

“I believe my background in the areas of academic excellence, social-emotional nurturing and family resource supports will allow me to bring a comprehensive spectrum of skills and service to our students, families and staff,” Brackin said. “I am ready to embrace the future, love on kids and grow teachers and students as we work together to continue the legacy of high achievement and leaders at Highland Elementary School.”

Brackin graduated from Daviess County High School and later earned an associates degree from Owensboro Community College, a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University, a master of arts degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University and her Rank I in gifted and talented education and literacy at Murray State University.

She completed her principal certification studies at the University of the Cumberlands. She was awarded the Larry Hager Service Above Self Award from the Owensboro Rotary Club in 2003 and was the DCPS Alpha Delta Kappa honoree in 2017.  

Brackin began her education career as a student teacher at Philpot Elementary School in 2002. She taught at Newton Parrish and Meadow Lands elementary schools. She served as the instructional coach at MLES starting in 2012 until being named support services coordinator in 2018.

Brackin described her philosophy of educational leadership as one of “collaborating, inspiring and empowering others in the daily mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment in which every student can learn and thrive.” Her goal as leader at Highland Elementary School is to “create a culture where all decisions made are centered on what is best intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially for kids.”

Dr. Amy Shutt, DCPS assistant superintendent for human services, said the Highland Elementary Site-Based Decision-Making Council worked with integrity and passion to fill the principal position, seeking a leader to support teachers and someone to work collaboratively with families. 

“With the hiring of Kristy Brackin, they found an outstanding leader who will lead Highland on the journey to continue academic excellence and the goal of preparing students to be successful in life,” Shutt said. “Kristy is a great addition to the elementary principal group, having served in leadership roles in multiple schools and at the district level. She brings a wealth of knowledge, heart and passion for students to her new role. She is an amazing leader.”

Brackin replaces Leslie Peveler, who was previously named director of elementary education and multi-tiered systems of support coordinator for the DCPS district.

April 17, 2021 | 12:09 am

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