Contact: Lisa Deffendall • First Posted: Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Fayette County Schools Superintendent Stu Silberman is happy to announce the selection of Fayette County's two newest principals.  Leigh Ann Finley McLaughlin, who has 16 years of experience in education, has been named principal at Southern Elementary School. Joy “Alison” Hayes, who has been in education for 11 years, will become principal at Lexington Traditional Magnet School. Both will assume their new posts on July 1.

McLaughlin is thrilled to return as principal to Southern Elementary, where she began her teaching career as an intermediate teacher in 1995. Since then, she has worked at Rosa Parks, Maxwell and Harrison elementaries: first as a teacher, then a literacy coach and most recently a professional staff assistant.

“I am both honored and humbled to again serve the Southern Elementary community,” McLaughlin said. “I am excited to begin working with the staff, students and families to continue the journey of fulfilling Southern’s mission of being a school of excellence.”

Silberman had high praise for McLaughlin.

“Leigh Ann is moving into the principalship from the professional staff assistant position at Harrison where they have made huge strides in academics,” he said. “The knowledge she will bring to Southern will be very beneficial to all of our kids and staff.”

Elementary school director Loraye Jones agreed.

“Southern Elementary is fortunate to have hired a leader that is committed to providing an environment of academic and cultural excellence. Leigh Ann is a natural leader and will be an outstanding principal,” Jones said.  “Leigh Ann believes in developing effective communication systems that will positively contribute to teaching, learning and strong parental involvement.”

McLaughlin, 37, said her first focus will be on building relationships.

“My goal is for our school to be a welcoming, safe and academically challenging place where students take center stage,” she said. “Together with all members of the school community, we will maintain a focus on academic achievement, family and community involvement and school climate.”

Leigh Ann is married to Michael McLaughlin. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Transylvania University and her master’s degree in elementary education from Georgetown College. She holds national board certification and received her principal certification from the University of Kentucky.

Hayes joins the Fayette County Public Schools from Oklahoma City, OK, where she has served as the district curriculum coordinator for Moore Public Schools since 2008. She has also been a principal intern and teacher in the Millwood (OK) and Columbus (OH) Public School systems and has worked with state education departments on school improvement and curriculum alignment efforts, and the federal department of education and Congress on educational reform in middle schools.

Born and raised in Kentucky and recruited out-of-state to work with schools in need of improvement, Hayes is glad to be moving back closer to family and friends.

“LTMS is exactly the type of school I want to serve because it has a broad array of student abilities and needs, and it’s a setting that I'm excited about,” she said, noting that in the other states she’s worked in, Kentucky schools are often considered models for reform efforts.

"Kentucky schools are very progressive and innovative, and Fayette County seems to be on top of that. I look forward to working with the creative abilities of teachers, students and their families to achieve the mission of the school and prepare our students for success in life.”

Silberman was pleased to welcome her to Lexington.

“Alison comes to us very highly recommended, and I look forward to having her join the team of leaders in our school district,” he said. “She has excelled in many different areas, and everything she has touched has moved on toward excellence.”

Middle school director Kelley Crain agreed.

“Alison brings with her a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, versatility, care and concern for students that will benefit the entire LTMS school community,” Crain said. “I extend her my sincere congratulations and look forward to working with her during the upcoming school year.”

Hayes said she’ll begin by building relationships on campus and in the community.

“One of my first steps will be to get to know my new school family,” she said. “To get to know the students and parents and teachers, to celebrate their successes and then to collaboratively set new goals and develop a vision to take us above and beyond where we currently stand.”

Hayes, 39, has a son who will be a senior at Scott County High School this fall. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, master’s degree in education administration and certificate endorsements in art education and science education from the University of Central Oklahoma.  Hayes has been a school and district-level Teacher of the Year.