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Sarah Baker Named Next Principal of Bristow Elementary
Lauren Thurmond

Ms. Baker has been the assistant principal of Bristow Elementary since 2012, where she leads the Leading Ladies, a leadership program for young ladies who wish to strengthen their emotional, social, leadership and academic growth.

The Warren County Public Schools District is proud to announce Ms. Sarah Baker as the next principal of Bristow Elementary School.  

Since 2000, Ms. Baker has been an impactful educator at Bristow Elementary teaching kindergarten, fifth and sixth grades. Ms. Baker has been the assistant principal of Bristow Elementary since 2012, where she leads the Leading Ladies, a leadership program for young ladies who wish to strengthen their emotional, social, leadership and academic growth. She is also a WKU Principalship Mentor and is responsible for classified and certified evaluations.     

Stated Mr. Rob Clayton, Superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, “I have appreciated the opportunity to witness Ms. Baker’s growth as an administrator at Bristow over the years. Her commitment to building community partnerships to support Bristow and expand student opportunities will be critical to the continued success of Bristow. Her extensive experience will undoubtedly benefit the school community as she steers Bristow towards continued growth. I have full confidence in her dedication to the faculty, staff, students, parents and Bristow school community.”

Upon learning of her selection as principal, Ms. Baker said, “I am honored to have been selected as the next principal of Bristow Elementary. I am excited to start this new chapter in my career and to continue to serve the Bristow community. My love for the Bristow community runs deep, as I have spent my entire 25-year career serving this community. I have been blessed to serve for the past 12 years as the assistant principal, working beside and learning from the most talented faculty and staff members.

I look forward to embarking on this new role and helping Bristow continue to grow and reach new heights. I would like to thank Mr. Clayton and the selection committee for trusting me to lead Bristow. I would also like to thank my family, friends and the staff at Bristow for their encouragement and support through this process.”

Ms. Baker earned her Rank I in Instructional Leadership, a Master's degree in School Principalship, and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, all from Western Kentucky University.     

She will assume her new responsibilities on July 1, 2025.

 

April 2025 Golden Apple Winners
Lauren Thurmond

The monthly awards are given to those who go above and beyond their job requirements, demonstrating a commitment to their job, district, students and fellow employees. 

The Warren County Public Schools district announces the April Golden Apple Awards winners with tremendous pride! John Swack from Natcher Elementary School, Adam Hatcher from  Greenwood High School, David Cloyd from South Warren Middle School, Kelly Kaiser from Central Office and Joel Woosley from WCPS’ Transportation Department come highly recommended by their co-workers, supervisors and parent communities. 

The Golden Apple Awards program is a Warren County Public Schools staff recognition initiative. The monthly awards are given to those who go above and beyond their job requirements, demonstrating a commitment to their job, district, students and fellow employees. 

The winners of the Golden Apple Awards receive a unique, handmade award created by glass artist William VanTassel. The program is possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, as well as Tim Kanaly and Gary Force Honda.

The Golden Apple Awards program is made possible by the support of the following corporate sponsors: Gary Force Honda, Rafferty's, Double Dogs, and Montana Grille. 

 

Monte Cassady named Henry F. Moss Middle Principal 
Lauren Thurmond

Mr. Cassady has served as the interim principal of HFMMS since September 2024. He is a dedicated school leader with more than 21 years of experience as a principal and is known for building culture and increasing academic growth.

 The Warren County Public Schools District is proud to announce Mr. Monte Cassady as the next principal of Henry F. Moss Middle School (HFMMS). 

 

Mr. Cassady has served as the interim principal of HFMMS since September 2024. He is a dedicated school leader with more than 21 years of experience as a principal and is known for building culture and increasing academic growth. Mr. Cassady held the position of principal at Rockfield Elementary until 2022 and prior to that, he served as the principal of Franklin Simpson Middle School from 2001 to 2007. He began his teaching career in Butler County Schools, teaching special education and physical education before returning to Warren County to teach physical education at Lost River Elementary School. Mr. Cassady also served as dean of students at Butler County Middle School.  

 

Stated Mr. Rob Clayton, Superintendent of Warren County Public Schools, "We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Monte Cassady to Moss Middle School as the school’s next principal. Mr. Cassady’s experience as a proven, successful leader gives me great confidence in his ability to lead the students and staff to greater heights. His deep commitment to students and passion for success is contagious, and the respect he has garnered in our community makes this a truly exciting moment for our district. This is a definite win for our entire school community.”

 

Upon learning of his selection as principal, Mr. Cassady said, “After serving as interim principal since September, I have been impressed by the dedication of our students, staff and community as they strive for continuous improvement. I am enthusiastic about the promising future that awaits the Moss Middle family! I am grateful and blessed to serve as principal at Moss. Thank you to Mr. Rob Clayton and the hiring committee for their confidence in me as we work together to accomplish many great things to best serve our students. Go Dragons!”

 

Mr. Cassady earned his Bachelor of Science/PE Teacher Certification; Master’s of Education Administration, Level Principalship PreK-12; Rank 1 in Educational Leadership, Director of Pupil Personnel Certification; and Level 2 Principalship PreK-12, all from Western Kentucky University.  

 

Mr. Cassady will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, 2025.

 

  

 

Stephanie Paynter announced as the new principal of the Early Learning Academy
Lauren Thurmond

Mrs. Paynter has been a dedicated educator for 27 years, serving most recently as WCPS’ District Assessment Coordinator.

Mrs. Stephanie Paynter has been selected as the first principal of the Early Learning Academy (ELA), a designated Warren County Public Schools’ (WCPS) preschool center. 

 

Mrs. Paynter has been a dedicated educator for 27 years, serving most recently as WCPS’ District Assessment Coordinator. Previously, she served as the principal of Richardsville Elementary School. She was also the assistant principal at Jennings Creek Elementary School, curriculum coordinator at both Briarwood and Rich Pond Elementary Schools and served as a classroom teacher.  

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Paynter as the new principal of our new Early Learning Academy. Mrs. Paynter’s extensive experience in early childhood learning, combined with her tireless work ethic and commitment to students, gives me great confidence in her ability to successfully lead our latest efforts to expand access to early childhood education in Warren County.  Under her leadership, we look forward to the positive impact the Early Learning Academy will have in preparing our youngest learners for a successful transition to kindergarten,” stated Warren County Public Schools’ Superintendent, Rob Clayton.  

 

Mrs. Paynter states, “I am truly honored and thrilled to be named the first principal of the Early Learning Academy. This unique opportunity allows me to bring my passion for transformative and innovative education to our youngest learners. I look forward to working with a dynamic team, as well as our community partners to create an environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking and the skills needed for kindergarten readiness. Together, we will cultivate a community where every student is empowered to make a meaningful impact on the world. I would like to thank Mr. Rob Clayton and the hiring committee for believing in me as we continue to work with stakeholders to accomplish many great things to best serve our students.”

 

Mrs. Paynter received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Masters of Arts in Education School Counseling/Guidance, Rank I Certification in Educational Administration and Leadership and Gifted Studies Endorsement, all from Western Kentucky University.  

 

Mrs. Paynter will assume her new responsibilities on July 1, 2025.

 

March Golden Apple Winners
Lauren Thurmond

The monthly awards are given to those who go above and beyond their job requirements, demonstrating a commitment to their job, district, students, and fellow employees. 

The Warren County Public Schools district announces the March Golden Apple Awards winners with tremendous pride! Jeff Lancina, Jeannette Penrose and Will Uland from our Transportation Department come highly recommended by their co-workers, supervisors, and parent communities. 

The Golden Apple Awards program is a Warren County Public Schools staff recognition initiative. The monthly awards are given to those who go above and beyond their job requirements, demonstrating a commitment to their job, district, students, and fellow employees. 

The winners of the Golden Apple Awards receive a unique, handmade award created by glass artist William VanTassel. The program is possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, as well as Tim Kanaly and Gary Force Honda.

The Golden Apple Awards program is made possible by the support of the following corporate sponsors: Gary Force Honda, Rafferty's, Double Dogs, and Montana Grille.