Shelby County, KY – Shelby County Public Schools (SCPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leslie Springston as the new Director of Elementary Schools. Mrs. Springston will be stepping into her new role after a distinguished seven-year tenure as the Assistant Principal and Principal of Simpsonville Elementary School.
Ms. Springston's educational journey began earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Louisville. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). After spending 14 years as a classroom teacher in Oldham County Public Schools, she continued her academic growth by earning an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership (EdS) from Bellarmine University. Throughout her teaching career, she actively engaged in professional development programs such as the Bellarmine Reading Academy and the Louisville Writing Project, even becoming a model classroom for peer observation.
Her leadership journey in Shelby County Public Schools began when she joined Simpsonville Elementary, first as Assistant Principal and later as Principal. Under her leadership, Simpsonville Elementary flourished, with Ms. Springston leveraging community partnerships to create new opportunities for students through initiatives like the Pritchard Committee's Community Schools Grant. Additionally, she recently completed two years of specialized training in Language Essentials for Teaching of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), further enhancing her expertise in literacy.
Throughout her career, Ms. Springston has emphasized the importance of building teacher efficacy and creating a strong, guaranteed, and viable curriculum for all students. Her passion for teaching and learning drives her commitment to setting high, achievable goals for students while providing the resources they need to succeed. She firmly believes that collaboration among all stakeholders is key to making decisions in the best interest of children.
"Working in Shelby County Public Schools has truly been a highlight of my career," said Ms. Springston. "Shelby County has a rich history of excellence, and I am excited to work alongside such an extraordinary group of educators to continue to improve the educational experience for all students."
As Director of Elementary Schools, Ms. Springston will coordinate district-wide professional development opportunities, lead initiatives aimed at improving instructional leadership and student achievement, and manage professional budgets. She will also support elementary principals in the development and implementation of instructional programs and work to continuously improve curriculum planning, development, and implementation across all educational areas.
"Leslie’s deep commitment to student success, her passion for education, and her extensive leadership experience make her an excellent choice to lead our elementary schools," said SCPS Superintendent. "We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and schools."
Ms. Springston's transition into her new role will begin this summer for the 2025 - 2026 school year and she is eager to contribute her expertise to furthering the district’s educational goals.