Heather Newman has been named principal at Burns Elementary School. The announcement was made at 2:45 p.m. today (Tuesday, Aug. 16) at a reception in the BES media center, following a special meeting of the School-Based Decision Making Council.
Newman is currently serving as assistant principal at Burns Elementary School, a position she has held since 2007. Prior to that, she was the school’s staff developer. Her responsibilities and contributions at BES have included serving as a member of the school’s leadership and assessment teams, instructional initiatives and programming, and supporting intern teachers. At the district level, Newman has served on numerous committees, including those focusing on writing instruction, customer service and redesigning the English Language Learners program.
She began her education career in 2000 as teacher at College View Middle School. She earned a master of arts degree in education, majoring in school counseling, from Western Kentucky University in 2001 and earned her Rank I in educational administration from WKU in 2009. She also earned a bachelor of science degree in middle grades education from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1999. Newman’s professional certifications include those for superintendent (2013), principal (2009), instructional leadership (2003), guidance counselor/grades K-8 (2001) and middle school education (1999).
DCPS assistant superintendent for teaching and learning Jana Beth Francis said, “I’m excited that the Site Based Council selected Mrs. Newman. Her experience at Burns Elementary will give her a jumpstart in moving an incredible school forward. She brings an amazing background in curriculum grounded in providing engaging activities for students. She has a heart for everyone at Burns Elementary.”
“I look forward to continuing the positive school culture and shared vision for the success of our entire school community,” Newman said. “I plan to embrace every opportunity to empower, nurture and instill confidence and the love of learning in all students. I applaud the work of the teachers and staff at Burns Elementary School. They go above and beyond to ensure all student needs are met. They work as a team and build positive relationships with all our students and families. I am honored to be chosen to lead, as principal, at Burns Elementary, where my heart has been for the last nine and a half years. It is my priority and responsibility to continue the success of the school, the students, staff and families, where Believing in Every Student is our mission.”
Newman replaces Dr. Amy Shutt, who was recently selected as the DCPS director of personnel.
