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Joe Matthews will be the next principal of Scott County High School.  He currently serves as an educational recovery leader at the Kentucky Department of Education.  He previously served as principal at both Paris High School and Lexington Christian Academy and was an assistant principal at East Jessamine High School for 13 years.

"We are thrilled to have Joe Matthews join the Scott County team," said Superintendent Billy Parker.  “With more than two decades of leadership experience, I have no doubt his commitment to student success and his collaborative spirit will continue the tradition of excellence at Scott County High School."

“Scott County High School has a distinguished and historic legacy as an educational institution in Kentucky,” reflected Matthews.  “Our commitment will be to further this excellence in academics, extracurricular achievement, and dedicated service to our community. It is an honor to lead SCHS into its next chapter of success.”

Matthews holds bachelor of science degrees in telecommunications and biology as well as master of education degrees in secondary science education and administration and supervision, all from the University of Kentucky. 

Joe Matthews resides in Lexington with his wife Rene’, who teaches English at Jessie Clark Middle School. They are the proud parents of three daughters, Maggie, Millie, and Molly, all of whom are students at the University of Kentucky.

 

 

Damon Stefanic is the new director of elementary schools.  Stefanic, the long-time and well-loved principal at Garth Elementary School, previously served as director of human resources for Scott County Schools.  Under his leadership, Garth has focused on data to guide high quality instruction and was recognized as a green-rated school during last year’s Kentucky Summative Assessment.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside principals and teacher leaders to create a shared, standards-aligned approach that brings strong instruction, high expectations, and engaging learning to every elementary classroom,” Stefanic stated. “Together we’ll use data, what we see in classrooms, and our collective expertise to strengthen and align our practices so every student is consistently challenged, supported, and inspired each day."

“We are thrilled to have Damon Stefanic in this pivotal role for our district,” reflected Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker.  “He has a proven track record for success built on high expectations, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to student achievement.”

Stefanic previously served as administrative dean at Simmons Elementary in Woodford County and assistant principal at Painted Stone Elementary in Shelby County and was also a teacher at Georgetown Middle School.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and Master of Arts degrees from Eastern Kentucky University.

Damon and wife Stephanie have been married for 20 years and live on their family farm with their two active daughters, both students in Scott County.  

Stefanic will officially begin in this new role as director of elementary schools on July 1, but he will be the first in line to celebrate Garth’s 100th birthday this fall.

Check back for updates from each school as we prepare to honor the Class of 2026 from Great Crossing High School, Phoenix Horizon Community, and Scott County High School.

Ali Wright is the new principal of Scott County Middle School.  Wright brings more than 20 years of experience in education to her new role.  She currently serves as assistant principal at Leestown Middle School in Fayette County.  She was a math teacher for 15 years before beginning her tenure in administration serving as a professional growth and effectiveness coach before being named assistant principal.

“I am excited to join Scott County Middle School as principal and build upon the strong foundation already established,” Wright said.  Together, we will continue to strengthen a culture where students feel supported and motivated, teachers feel trusted and valued, and the entire community is proud of the work happening in our school each day.”

Superintendent Billy Parker shares in the excitement and is happy to welcome Wright to the Scott County family noting, "It’s an exciting time for Scott County Middle School, a place that has set such a high bar for academic excellence.”

“Ali Wright brings extensive classroom expertise and proven leadership that will help our students and staff reach even greater heights. I am thrilled to welcome her to the team and look forward to seeing what is next for this blue-rated school,” Parker said.

Wright earned a bachelor of arts in math education from Transylvania University and a master of science in secondary math education and professional certificate for instructional leadership, both from Eastern Kentucky University.  She is also recognized as a Nationally Board Certified Teacher.  

Ali Wright will officially begin as the next principal of Scott County Middle School on July 1, 2026 when Principal Kelly Beckett assumes a new role as Director of Secondary Education for Scott County Schools.

Amanda Burrows is the new principal of Elkhorn Crossing School (ECS).  Burrows is an educational leader with more than 20 years of experience currently serving as assistant principal at ECS.  She previously served as director of academics and deeper learning director for Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative and was an assistant principal and instructional leader at Scott County High School. She taught English at ECS for nine years.

"We are incredibly excited to announce Amanda Burrows as the new principal of Elkhorn Crossing School,” stated Superintendent Billy Parker.  “Her proven leadership and passion for student success have prepared her to lead in this innovative environment.”  

“Elkhorn Crossing School has shaped my career and my heart as an educator and I am honored and excited to serve as its next principal,” Burrows stated.  “Together with our incredible staff, families, and community partners, we will continue preparing students to discover their passions and build meaningful futures.”

Parker whole-heartedly agrees,  “Her deep commitment to career and technical education will ensure our students continue to receive the specialized skills and real-world experiences they need to thrive in a competitive workforce.”

Burrows holds education specialist and principal certifications from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Education and Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English, both from Eastern Kentucky University.

Amanda Burrows will officially begin in her new role on July 1, 2026 upon the retirement of Elkhorn Crossing Principal John Noll.  Amanda resides in Georgetown with her husband Chad and their two daughters.