Jennifer Russell has been selected to serve as the next principal for Glasscock Elementary School, MCPS Superintendent Chris Brady recently announced.
Russell takes the helm at GES after two years as the school’s assistant principal. Prior to that, she was the media specialist at Marion County Knight Academy (including when it was previously Lebanon Middle School) after stints in Danville Independent and Washington County.
“I just can’t imagine being anywhere else. I think Glasscock feels like home,” Russell said. “I’ve only been there two years, but it just feels like home to me. I love working there, I love the idea of getting up every day and going to work, and I’ve enjoyed being there for the past two years.
“I’m excited to start a new year as a servant leader at Glasscock.”
For MCPS Superintendent Chris Brady, Russell was the logical choice to take over at the elementary school.
“Glasscock Elementary has seen so much growth and improvement over the past several years, so we wanted a leader who could continue that success,” Brady said. “With her serving as the assistant principal the past two years, I’m confident that Mrs. Russell is the right person to lead GES and follow in the footsteps of other very successful principals at that school.”
Russell admitted that for much of her career, she didn’t see herself seeking the principal’s seat. But that began to change after she was given the opportunity to work with teachers during her time at Lebanon Middle School.
“I never dreamed I would be a principal,” she said. “I never really saw myself as an administrator. But I had the opportunity when I was at Lebanon Middle School to work with teachers, mostly newer teachers, that were new to education or new to our building. And I began to have a passion for helping teachers. It was something that grew out of that opportunity, so when this opportunity opened up I thought this was a way I can really help teachers grow and be their best.”
Russell noted that she’s inheriting a school that already has a strong, positive culture.
“I think the culture is very positive; I think people can feel it when you walk in the door, “ Russell said. “I’ve heard multiple people say it’s a very friendly place and that the people are inviting and kind.”
Along with that positive culture, Russell is hoping to find ways to help Glasscock continue to improve.
“I’m just excited to get there and get a fresh start for a new year,” she said. “It’s a little overwhelming right now, but I’m excited about doing some new things at Glasscock to make it the best place it can be. We have a great staff and great kids, but we can always improve, we can always grow, so we’re going to be looking to see how we can do that.”
Russell will officially begin as the GES principal on July 1.