Contact: Lisa Deffendall • First Posted: Monday, February 22, 2010

Superintendent Stu Silberman today announced the selection of three new principals for three elementary schools in the district. They will take the reins July 1:

 

• Dixie Elementary: Tara Isaacs
• Northern Elementary: Meredith Dunn
• Yates Elementary: Monica Eversole

 

“All three of these individuals are high fliers,” Silberman said. “All three of these are very successful schools, and we’re pleased to be able to get these three leaders to continue that success and also take it to the next levels.”

 

Tara Isaacs

Isaacs has nearly 16 years of experience in education, having been a classroom teacher, district language arts and literacy specialist, professional staff assistant and highly skilled educator with the Kentucky Department of Education.  She began her teaching career in the Knoxville Public Schools before joining the Fayette County Public Schools in 1995 as a teacher at Stonewall Elementary.

 

“Dixie is an extraordinary school community where they’ve already made substantial progress in closing achievement gaps,” Isaacs said. “They’re serious about meeting every child’s individual needs, and I’m excited about joining the team and moving forward with them to do even more.”

 

Silberman had high praise for Isaacs.

 

“Tara has served as a writing specialist, professional staff assistant, and as a highly skilled educator,” he said. “She will bring some outstanding experience to a school that is also very successful.”

 

Elementary School Director Ketsy Fields agreed.

 

“Tara will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Dixie Elementary Magnet,” Fields said. “Tara’s vision is to unite, build and further equip a school community with the tools necessary to inspire and produce success in every student.  She possesses the skills and passion needed to continue and build Dixie’s tradition of excellence.”

 

Isaacs, 37, is married to Aaron Isaacs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Tennessee. She also holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Eastern Kentucky University and certification in instructional supervision from the University of Kentucky. She is enrolled in a superintendent’s certification program at Eastern Kentucky University.

 

Meredith Dunn 

Dunn has nearly six years of experience in education, having been a classroom teacher, writing specialist, curriculum coach, academic dean and professional staff assistant.  She started her teaching career at Lansdowne Elementary and has been at Northern Elementary since 2008.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be able to continue being a part of the Northern family. Because of my experience here, we should have a seamless transition and continue to build on the success that we have worked so hard to achieve,” she said. “Above all, we have incredibly hard-working teachers that are always willing to try something new. They put forth so much effort and truly care about every student – that comes out in the culture of our school.”

Silberman had high praise for Dunn. 

“Meredith has been at Northern and has done a great job at a very successful school,” he said.  “We are excited that the great things at Northern will continue for our kids.”

 

Elementary School Director Loraye Jones agreed.

 

“Meredith is an excellent choice for Northern Elementary. She is a natural leader and will be an outstanding principal,” Jones said. “She brings with her a strong devotion to the school along with enthusiasm and passion for learning.  Under her leadership, Northern will continue its path to excellence.”

 

Dunn, 29, is married to Jared Dunn.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Kentucky University. She is enrolled in the educational leadership doctoral program at the University of Kentucky.

 

Monica Eversole 

Eversole has 15 years of experience in education, having been a classroom teacher and a guidance counselor.  Most of her years have been in the Madison County Public Schools, although she did spend one year as a counselor here at Julius Marks Elementary in 2002-2003.

 

“The faculty and staff at Yates have made such incredible gains with students. One of my main goals will be to cultivate and expand upon the existing climate and culture – just to build upon the hard work they have already been doing,” Eversole said. “I can see us continuing the success in the area of student achievement and building even stronger connections with our school community, embracing and utilizing our parents as the support partners that they are.”

 

Silberman had high praise for Eversole.

 

“Monica comes to us from a highly successful school in Madison County, and we are very happy that she will be joining our district,” he said.  “She has been instrumental in the success at White Hall Elementary, and we believe that will help Yates continue to be a highly successful school.”

 

Elementary School Director Loraye Jones agreed.

 

“Monica possesses an uncompromising view that all students can learn and will be a great addition to Yates and our district,” Jones said. “She is committed to developing students and staff while providing a stimulating, safe and motivating learning environment.  Yates is fortunate to have hired a leader that is committed to continuing the passion for excellence that is exemplified in the school.”

 

Eversole, 40, has a 13-year-old daughter named Brooke and a 10-year-old son named Justin.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, certificate in guidance and counseling, and certificate in instructional leadership all from Eastern Kentucky University.