(by Don Meador, The Citizen-Times, August 6, 2020, used with permission)
When students return to the hallways at the Allen County-Scottsville High School (AC-SHS) and the Allen County Career and Technical Center on August 25, a new face will be enthusiastically waiting to greet them. Last week, the ACSH School-Based Decision-Making Council selected Aaron Etherington as the school’s new principal. Etherington replaces Joseph Cosby who has moved to the Center Office as the new transportation director for the school district.
The 1995 Providence High School graduate attended college at Murray State University where he earned his Bachelor Degree in History. Etherington later earned his Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership
from Murray State University in 2004 and Rank I in Instructional Leadership
from Murray State University in 2009. The new principals also has certifications
in 8-12 Social Studies, K-12 Level 2 Principal, K-12 Instructional Supervisor, and
Superintendent.
Etherington brings 21 years of educational experience to AC-S. For the past 15 years, he has worked in central Kentucky, gradually transitioning from the classroom to administration.
“I came to Danville High School in 2005 and spent 10 years,” Etherington explained. “I taught (Social Studies) for six, was an assistant principal, and then principal. In 2015, I went to East Jessamine High School and spent four years there as principal. Most recently, I spent a year at the Nelson County Area Technology Center in Bardstown.”
His administrative background in both the regular high school setting and in career and technical education (CTE) has given the Webster County native a unique prospective on the importance if both core academic education as well as the growing CTE field. Etherington admits that it was AC-S’s strong commitment to CTE that peaks his interest in seeking a move to Scottsville.
“One of the things that really attracted me to AC-S was their commitment to career and technical education,” Etherington noted. “I think that is very evident by the investment that the school and community has made in the last few years.”
Etherington adds that CTE is a branch of the educational process that can be used by every student in one way or another.
“Being in a Career and Technical school has given me a different lens to look through,” Etherington explained. “The experience that a Career and Technical school can provide is impactive whether the student is going to college or a vocational school or going into the workforce. The skills a kid can acquire in a career and technical school is essential in them becoming a well-rounded person. For me, I value CTE as much as I do the core education that is going on in the high school.”
The new principal sees a place for every student and a way in which every student could benefit from CTE programs.
“One of the things I have shared with students is that you might not go on to be an electrician or a mechanic but some of the skills you acquire will help in everyday life,” Etherington said. “Being in CTE has allowed me to look at the importance of developing the whole student. As principal at A-S, I am going to encourage all of our students to be a part of a career pathway.”
Still, Etherington also acknowledges that core academics is just as vital.
“One of my priorities as principal will be to continue the tradition of excellent at AC-S and work to ensure that our diploma has an intentional value,” Etherington noted, adding, “We want our students to have a plan and also have the skills necessary to carry them forward for a successful adulthood. I think it’s vital that our diploma is the ticket to a successful adulthood whether its through a college experience or a technical experience or into the work force. I want our students to be able to to communicate the skills that they have obtained at AC-S and have a plan for post-secondary success That vital to be successful in the 21st century.”
Etherington stresses that he will be looking to build strong relationships with the parents of every student at the high school.
“Another priority of mine is to build a strong partnership with our parents,” Etherington said. “I want our parents to know that we are working together at AC-S for the very best for their students. I value all the facets of the high school experience. Academics are important, athletics are important. The Arts are very important. I want our students to be able to participate in our school community and be a part of our school family. I want our school to be a top school in the state. That goes beyond just the academic side of school. I am looking forward to being a partner with our families and to be a part of the community. It’s important for the principal to be a part of the community. I’m looking forward to my family being a part of the community. Partnerships with families is the cornerstone of developing our students.”
To parents, Etherington is quick to note that parents will be welcomed at AC-SH.
“I want our parents to know that I have an open door policy” Etherington explained. “When parents come into ACS, I want them to come into a welcoming and warm environment. I want our parents to feel valued when they come into our school. I look forward to working with parents and I hope to build relationships with our parents and I’m looking forward to meeting parents outside the school day.”
The first group that Etherington will get to know will be the teachers in the building. Earlier this week, the new principal met with his new faculty----in small groups with social distancing guidelines observed.
“I want my teachers to know that I’m a teacher first,” Etherington explained. “It’s important that our administrative team and our school leaders are good teachers. I want to empower our teachers. I want them to be creative and be empowered to take risks for our kids. I want to work alongside our teachers.”
The new principal---Danville’s Teacher of the Year for the 2008-09 school yesr----feels strongly that each teacher has something to offer to their students.
“I believe that everyone in our school is a leader and I also believe that all of our teachers bring talents and gifts,” Etherington stated. “I want to help our teachers to excavate their talents and gifts to set our kids up for success.”
Etherington also knows that this school year will bring many challenges and he is poised to help his teachers meet overcome obstacle in order to help each child succeed.
“I want to build strong relationships with our teachers.,” Etherington pointed out. “I believe teaching is the toughest job in the school and it has become even tougher because of COVID-19. Our teachers are in uncharted waters. I want to partner with our teachers to help provide quality education for our kids whether its virtual or in-person. I want our teachers to lead the way in our high school. I want them to call on me for wherever they might need. I see myself as a teacher and a father. I want to ensure that teachers are successful. I also think its vital that we take good care of our teachers. One of my priorities is care taking. I want our teachers to know that I’m a teammate and that I’m there beside of them. I will support them as we try and create some type of normalcy out of the environment we are dealing with now.”
Despite the COVID-19 circumstances and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, the new principal is very optimistic about his first year as a Patriot.
“I’m looking forward to a great year,” Etherington said.
Etherington and his wife, Chasity, have three children---Bralyn, Bradyen, and Reese.
In the days ahead, Etherington will be working with his assistant principals and guidance counselors to finalize rosters and plans for the start of the school year. Key information will be announced as warranted. Parents can also expect more information on the start of school in the coming weeks.