New principal named at Meadowthorpe Elementary School

Contact: Lisa Deffendall • First Posted: Thursday, June 21, 2007

Fayette County Schools Superintendent Stu Silberman is happy to announce the appointment of a new principal for Meadowthorpe Elementary School. Mike Stacy, who has six years of administrative experience, will assume his new post on July 2.

A former parole officer with the Kentucky Department of Corrections who decided to go back to school and get his teaching certificate, Stacy began his education career as a social studies teacher and head basketball coach at Powell County High School. After three years at Powell County, he worked for a year as a social studies teacher at Grant County High School before moving into administration as an assistant principal at Grant County Middle School. Also during that time, he was an assistant basketball coach at Georgetown College and the district-wide Assistant Athletic Director in Grant County. In 2004, he became assistant principal at Scott County High School and two years later, he accepted a position as Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel for the Scott County Schools. For the past three years, Stacy has also been an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown College. 

Stacy said he’s excited to be the new principal at Meadowthorpe Elementary.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity. Meadowthorpe is such a quality school with a rich tradition and history, strong community support and a great faculty and staff,” he said. “When I got the call this morning, my initial thought was that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to walk into such a nice establishment.”

Stacy said he’s looking forward to joining the work that’s being done in Fayette County. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to work in Fayette County, which is making such advancement in curriculum development and putting the focus on helping principals and the teachers in the building advance in curriculum and assessment,” he said. “It’s evident to me that district leaders are trying their best to support the principals and move forward and that’s an exciting thing for me coming into the district.”

Stacy will replace Principal Phyllis Ballard, who retired this spring. One of his first tasks will be to hire a Professional Staff Assistant – widely referred to as a PSA, which is basically a position similar to an assistant principal at the elementary level.

“That’s another exciting opportunity,” He explained. “I will be looking for someone who can compliment my leadership and hire someone who can be another valuable resource for the school. I’m looking forward to learning the community and really hope they see the excitement I have right now for this position and what an honor it is for me to be a teammate of theirs.”
 
District leaders had high praise for Stacy. 

“Mike is a natural leader who comes with an incredible passion for all kids and who has made a personal commitment to help Meadowthorpe become a top elementary school in Kentucky,” said Elementary School Director Fabio Zuluaga. “He understands the elementary school curriculum and has the leadership skills and ability to unite a team, which will serve the entire Meadowthorpe community.”

“We are excited to have Mr. Stacy join the Fayette County Schools. He is a strong leader with great people and listening skills,” said Fayette County Schools Superintendent Stu Silberman. “His strong leadership will help move Meadowthorpe to the next levels.”

Stacy, 35, is married to Melody, and has three kids – Tanner, 7, AnnMarie, 5, and Sam, 2. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College with a double major in communications and sociology and a master’s degree, teaching certification and Rank I from the University of Kentucky. He completed the Education Specialists program in Administration and Supervision from UK. Additionally, Stacy is certified as both a superintendent and a director of pupil personnel and is working toward his doctorate in Administration and Supervision.