By GINA KINSLOW
SUMMER SHADE — Michelle Kells already had plans to move to the southcentral Kentucky area when she stumbled upon the principal opening at Summer Shade Elementary.
Kells and her fiance, who has family in Cumberland County, had hoped to be able to relocate to the area one day, buy a farm and settle down, but now that she has been named the new principal they will be moving to the area a lot sooner than they had planned.
“I cannot be more excited,” Kells said about her new job.
She comes to Summer Shade from Southgate Independent Schools in Campbell County. Ron Hurley, the school’s prior principal, is now in charge of several district programs including the 21st Century Community Learning Center, preschool and professional development programs and extended school services.
“We’re excited to have her as staff at Summer Shade. She is bringing enthusiasm, experience and new ideas. We are excited to have her as our principal,” said Tara Landrum with the school’s site-based decision-making council.
Pat Hurt, superintendent of Metcalfe County Schools, met Kells for the first time Wednesday at a district retreat and said she thinks Kells will fit right in with the staff at Summer Shade.
“I’m very optimistic. I’m very positive about what her talents will bring to the Summer Shade community,” she said. “I think she’s going to be very capable. I think she’s going to be a great fit for the community.”
Kells said she has no immediate plans to make any changes at Summer Shade.
“The important thing is to really maintain consistency and continuity,” she said. “I’m not looking to change the world.”
Summer Shade has high state test scores and Kells said she would like to see the school maintain that level of excellence.
A welcome reception for Kells is set for 4 p.m. today at the school prior to the school’s back to school bash at 5 p.m.
Reporter Amber Dilley also contributed to this article.
