Warren County Public Schools District recently announced Dr. Cody Rich as the first principal of the IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation.
Rich will assume his new responsibilities on July 1, 2024.
An Experienced Educator
Dr. Rich has held worked in the Warren County Public School system for many years.
Since July 2022 he served as the principal of Jennings Creek Elementary School. Prior to being hired as the principal, Dr. Rich was the assistant principal of Warren Central High School.
Photo from Dr. Cody Rich (@Codyrich_15) on Twitter.
He is a known culture builder; in his first two years as principal, Jennings Creek Elementary obtained FranklinCovey Leader in Me Lighthouse status, researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness, and cultivated positive relationships between community members, students and teachers.
During his time at Warren Central High School, he supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff, provided administrative support and leadership for school operations, and championed school-wide social-emotional learning initiatives.
Dr. Rich has also served as a high school biology teacher, varsity boys head and assistant basketball coach, varsity girls head basketball coach and varsity head track coach.
Since June 2020, through Western Kentucky University, Dr. Rich has also been a mentor for aspiring principal candidates.
“Dr. Rich’s experience as a school administrator, teacher and coach will serve him well as he transitions into the IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation principal position. His leadership experience at both the elementary and secondary level, as well as his success in building community and industry partnerships resulting in expanded student learning opportunities, provides him a unique lens to lead the IMPACT Center,” said Rob Clayton, Superintendent of Warren County Public Schools. “His passion and belief in all students is contagious and his tremendous work ethic will be instrumental in developing this state-of-the-art Center. Cody understands the importance of developing positive relationships and cultivating an inspiring culture for students, faculty and staff members and I am confident in his commitment to ensuring safety, achievement, and opportunities for all.”
Cutting-Edge Learning Center
While at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Rich earned his Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership (2022), a Rank 1 in Educational Administration (2019), a Masters of Arts in Secondary Education (2016), and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry (2014).
He is also expected to obtain his Superintendent Certification in August 2024.
“I am truly honored and thrilled to be named the first principal of the Impact Center for Leadership and Innovation. This unique opportunity allows me to bring my passion for transformative education and servant leadership to a pioneering institution dedicated to shaping future leaders. I look forward to working with a dynamic team as well as community partners to create an environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and leadership skills in our students,” said Rich. “Together, we will cultivate a community where every student is empowered to make a meaningful impact on the world. I am excited to embark on this journey and contribute to the groundbreaking work at the Impact Center. I would like to thank Mr. Rob Clayton and the hiring committee for believing in me as we continue to work with stakeholders to accomplish many great things to best serve our students.”
Rendering provided by Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects.
Warren County Public Schools broke ground on the IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation in October 2023.
The new facility will be built at the site of the old Cumberland Trace Elementary School.
The Impact Center for Leadership & Innovation is designed to be a cutting-edge teaching and learning center for middle and high school-aged students, as well as a community and school district resource.
The Academy offers a robust traditional curriculum coupled with an advanced college and career center giving students access to dynamic and industry-led career pathways.
For more information, visit warrencountyschools.org.
