Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Kim Lippert will be the new principal at Arlington Elementary, and Kari Kirchner will take over at Mary Todd Elementary, effective July 1. Both are veteran educators in Fayette County Public Schools.  

“I never thought I’d want to leave the classroom. I loved being a teacher,” Lippert said, but “I think my years in Fayette County have truly prepared me to be a leader.” 

“This is a career goal that I’ve had for a long time, and Mary Todd is an excellent group of educators and parents with a very familial atmosphere,” Kirchner said. “It’s a strong, caring neighborhood. They all work really hard, and I’m ready to work with them to help Mary Todd become the best school it can be for our kids.” 

Lippert taught at James Lane Allen and Clays Mill elementary schools for 14 years. For the past four years, she was the professional staff assistant at Linlee and Sandersville. 

“Kim brings a wealth of experience to the position and will do a great job for our kids. Having served as a PSA, she has a broad understanding of the big picture and helping all kids,” said Superintendent Stu Silberman.

Lippert said she’s looking forward to bringing in programs that motivate the kids at Arlington. She’s also optimistic about the school renovations, expected to be complete in summer 2010. 

“It’s going to bring a whole new excitement. The children will have a sense of pride for their community and their school,” Lippert said. “A new building opens up new opportunities.” 

A native of Bardstown, Lippert earned her B.A. in education from Eastern Kentucky, her master’s in education at the University of Kentucky and her Rank 1 in administration from UK. She served on School-Based Decision Making councils for several years, helped with the districtwide Academic Challenge and headed the curriculum and instruction teams at her schools.  

“Every time I was able to take a leadership role, I did,” Lippert said. 

She and her husband, John, have two children: Ryan, a rising freshman at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, and Elizabeth, who will be in fourth grade at Clays Mill Elementary. Lippert, 40, is a member of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Church and enjoys reading and running. 

“If you are fortunate enough to know Kim, you know what passion and enthusiasm she brings to her work. Kim is a perfect reflection of our ‘It’s About Kids!’ motto,” said Carmen Coleman, an elementary schools director. 

Kirchner has taught elementary school and gifted and talented students in FCPS off and on since 1986, with stints at Southern, Millcreek, Meadowthorpe, Julia R. Ewan and Veterans Park. She also served four years as PSA at Veterans Park and last year was the district’s math content specialist for elementaries. 

“Kari’s diversified experience in FCPS will be a tremendous asset to Mary Todd Elementary.  We are very fortunate to have her as the new principal,” Silberman said. 

In addition, Kirchner has been a member of the school board’s Local Planning Committee for two years and has been co-leader of the county’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards mentor candidate cohort since 2006.  

A native of Webster City, Iowa, she has lived in Lexington since 1985. She received a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Iowa, her M.S. and Rank 1 from the University of Kentucky and Level I & II leadership certificates from UK. She earned National Board certification in 2005.  

A member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, Kirchner has two children: Chris, 21, a rising senior at UK; and Jenny, 18, who will be a freshman at UK this fall. Kirchner, 51, is active in her church and community and enjoys reading and exercise. 

“Kari, a National Board Certified teacher, brings with her a distinguished record of teaching excellence and a broad knowledge of teaching FOR learning strategies,” said Fabio Zuluaga, an elementary schools director. “We are thrilled to have Kari at the helm of Mary Todd Elementary.”