PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Education is a family tradition for new Pikeville Elementary Principal Glenda Adkins.

Her father, Chester Bailey, was a longtime principal at the school, and her mother, Sylvia Bailey, was a longtime educator as well.

Now following in her father’s footsteps, Adkins has been hired by the school’s site-based council to be the new principal, following the retirement for former principal Bobby Jones after 15 years.

“What an honor to lead the school I love and to do this work with the amazing staff and students along the path to excellence and success,” Adkins said. “It is one of the greatest honors of my life for many reasons. I am SO thankful for this opportunity and will give it my all as we work together to lead PES to continued growth and success.”

Adkins is no stranger to the school, having spent her entire career there.

“Mrs. Adkins has a great love for Pikeville Independent Schools, and she has clearly demonstrated this love over her years of service to the district,” Pikeville Supt. David Trimble said about the hiring. “Mrs. Adkins has spent her entire career successfully teaching and mentoring the students of Pikeville Elementary. She is passionate about the continued growth and success of the school she loves, and I know we are going to see great things happening at PES as she uses this passion to lead the outstanding staff and students. I am excited for Mrs. Adkins and the opportunity set before her, and look forward to working with her in this new role.”

Adkins began as a teacher in 1990 and has more recently served as assistant principal. She graduated Pikeville College in 1989 and later received a master’s degree and Rank I from Morehead State University. She also received a reading recovery certification from Kentucky Valley Education Cooperative.

She was inducted into the University of Pikeville Distinguished Educators Hall of Fame in 2019, an honor also shared by her father, who was a member of the Hall’s first class in 2010.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Pike County Central High School has a new principal, and the school didn’t have to look too far to find him.

Dr. Timothy Cline was hired as principal by the school’s site-based council Tuesday night.

Cline has been the school’s vice principal since last year. Before that, he was an English teacher, first in Floyd County for a year, and then in Pike County.

Cline is the fifth principal in the school’s history, and the first who once was a student at the school.

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Area school systems are moving to fill some recent departures.

At Pikeville High School, Brandon Blackburn has been named the school’s new principal, after former principal Jason Booher left to become superintendent of Mercer County Schools.

Blackburn has degrees from Pikeville College, Eastern Kentucky University and Georgetown College, and has spent his entire career at Pikeville High School.

Over in Floyd County, Anna Whitaker Shepherd has been named interim superintendent, after former Supt. Danny Adkins accepted a position as superintendent of Woodford County Schools.

Shepherd is a 29-year educational veteran, mostly in Floyd County Schools, with degrees from Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky. She most recently has served as chief early childhood officer.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Pikeville High School is looking for a new principal, after current principal Jason Booher was named the next superintendent of Mercer County Schools.

The Mercer County Board of Education announced its selection on Wednesday.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Mr. Jason Booher as Mercer County’s next superintendent.” said Mercer County Board of Education Chairman Randy Phillips. “Mr. Booher’s experience in teaching, administration and coaching made him a top candidate in our search. His accomplishments over the last several years are impressive and I cannot wait to serve alongside him as we look to take Mercer County schools to the next level. On behalf of the board, I also want to thank the members of the selection committee on a job well done.”

Booher will take over from current Mercer County Superintendent Dennis Davis on Aug. 1. He will work alongside Davis during the month of July to ensure a smooth transition.

Booher has been principal at PHS since 2018, having served as assistant principal and athletic director from 2014 to 2018.

“It is an honor to be selected as the next superintendent of Mercer County Schools,” Booher said in a news release. “I would like to thank all those involved in the selection process. Mercer County has a rich tradition of excellence, and I look forward to the challenge of leading them to even greater heights.” 

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