Beech Tree News Network

New Morgantown Elementary (M.E.S.) Principal Chad Flener announced on Friday evening, January 2, that Alicia McKinney will become the school's new assistant principal. Flener told Beech Tree News that he was "pleased and excited" to announce the hiring of McKinney, who is actually replacing Flener after he was named principal in December.

McKinney has been a teacher at M.E.S. since 2005.

"Mrs. McKinney has proven to be a great asset to Morgantown Elementary … she will bring passion, curricular knowledge, and fresh ideas to the position of assistant principal," said Flener.  "I look forward to working with her and all the faculty and staff of Morgantown Elementary as we continue to move our students toward proficiency."

Mr. Flener, who, as principal, was responsible for hiring the assistant principal, consulted with the school's Site-Based Decision Making Council (S.B.D.M.) during the process.  Flener  praised the council for their work over the past few weeks as two administrative changes have taken place at the school following the mid-year retirement of long-time principal Greg Woodcock.  

 "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our very dedicated S.B.D.M. members for their help in the interview process," said Flener.  "They have spent numerous hours over the last few months in trainings and meetings concerning the principal hiring process and they were gracious enough to come in during their break to conduct additional interviews."

Mrs. McKinney is excited about her new position and is eager to get started.

"I am very honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the assistant principal of Morgantown Elementary School. As a Butler County native and a current teacher at M.E.S, this school holds a major piece of my heart," said McKinney.  "I can't wait to work alongside Mr. Flener, our staff, and community in continuing our M.E.S. Pride. Together, we will all take M.E.S. to the highest level possible!"

McKinney taught 5th grade math at the school.  According to Flener, a substitute teacher will assume the position until a permanent replacement is hired.  Flener said the position will likely be posted next week.  

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Story by John Embry, Beech Tree News.