An assistant principal at Pembroke Elementary School has been tapped to become the school’s principal, the district announced Wednesday.
Jason Russell’s selection was affirmed during a meeting Tuesday of the school’s site-based council with Superintendent Chris Bentzel. A press release states that the council was in “full agreement” with the superintendent’s choice of Russell for principal.
Russell began his teaching career at South Christian Elementary School in 1999 as a physical education teacher. He became an assistant principal in 2004. He was named Lacy Elementary School’s interim principal in 2014 and served until the school’s closure before returning to Pembroke.
“I look forward to leading Pembroke Elementary as we build on our strong foundation to provide a positive and enriching educational experience for all of our students,” Russell said in the release.
Russell, a graduate of Murray State University, has a master’s degree in school administration and a Rank 1 certification. His wife, Christina Russell, is assistant principal at Gateway Academy.
This story was updated to correct information about Russell’s first teaching job. He started his career at South Christian Elementary School.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
