(Shelbyville, KY) Shelby County High School teachers, staff, and even some students gathered on Monday, July 10th in the new media center of SCHS to meet and greet their newly named principal. 

Dr. Carla Kent was serving as an assistant principal at Eastern High School in Jefferson County when she decided to apply for the head principal position at SCHS. She feels that Eastern helped her to refine her leadership skills. Dr. Kent has a strong commitment to student and teacher success and believes that schools should foster a culture of academic excellence and socio-emotional support. 

Dr. Kent served in the United States Army, worked in finance and accounting, and excelled as a Human Resource Manager/Director. She feels that her diverse real-world experience has given her invaluable skills as a leader. She has experience with Freshman Academy and oversaw the Career and Technical Education, Humanities, and Foreign Language departments. 

One of the outstanding achievements was formulating the current JCPS new teacher mentoring used to train over 500 veteran teachers within JCPS. Dr. Sugg, who is working with a statewide group to develop ways to “sustain the profession,” was impressed with this particular achievement. 

Moreover, at Iroquois High School, Dr. Kent created an Annual Minority Student Mentoring Program pairing one hundred African American students with community African American male mentors. 

Dr. Kent stated, “I am truly impressed by the positive and inclusive learning environment fostered at Shelby County High School.  I firmly believe that my experience and expertise align perfectly with the school’s values and goals.”

Dr. Carla Kent received her Doctorate at the University of Louisville and her Ed.S at Northern Kentucky University.