Contact: Lisa Deffendall • First Posted: Monday, May 2, 2011

The School-Based Decision Making Council at Picadome Elementary School has selected Jennifer Hutchison as the new principal, effective July 1. She has been Picadome's curriculum coach for the past three years.

Hutchison has a dozen years of experience in education, having taught special education at Harrison Elementary School, where she also served as the professional staff assistant before joining the leadership team at Picadome.

“I feel humbled and honored to remain a part of the Picadome family,” Hutchison said. “The students, staff and parents at Picadome all work in collaboration together to create a wonderful learning environment, and we’re going to continue to build on that sense of community as we reach for new levels of greatness.”

Hutchinson replaces Darla Simms, who retired this spring after 39 years with the school district. Longtime educator Cathy Bell is serving as interim principal.

Existing relationships and past successes will be a springboard for continuing to provide academic excellence and a welcoming school climate at Picadome, Hutchison said.

“The staff has already begun digging into the new state standards, which were written to prepare students for the future,” she said. “Our students are 21^st century learners, and we have to be able to challenge them at high levels and provide an engaging learning environment.”

Superintendent Stu Silberman welcomed Hutchison.

“We’re excited to have Jennifer stepping into her new role as principal of Picadome,” he said. “She has been a strong asset at the school, and her past performance is a strong indicator that she will be successful.”

Other district leaders echoed his praise.

“One of Jennifer’s strengths is her knowledge of curriculum and instruction, and her commitment to excellence and dedication to students will serve her well in her new role as principal,” said Elementary School Director Ketsy Fields. “I’m confident that she will help Picadome continue their tradition of academic excellence and continue to move the school forward.”

Hutchison, 34, is married to Josh Hutchison, and the couple has three daughters: Abigail, 5, who will start kindergarten at Picadome this fall, and 3-year-old twins Avery and Riley. 

She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education, her master’s degree and rank 1 in educational leadership, and principal’s certification all from the University of Kentucky.