Sheri Faulkner may
be a new face at Maurice Bowling Middle School, but she’s
no stranger to the educational system. Hired July 1 as the new
assistant principal, Faulkner brings more than 21 years of combined
teaching and administrative experience to MBMS.
Previously a half-day assistant principal at Williamstown Elementary
School, Faulkner said she wanted to pursue administration full-time
and jumped at the opportunity when she learned of a job opening
in Owen County.
“It’s close to where I live,” said the Grant
County resident, “and I’ve always heard good things
about Ms. Wallace and the school.”
Faulkner is quickly becoming a familiar face, attending professional
development training, sitting in board meetings or meeting with
teachers on an individual level.
“She’s already acclimating herself to Owen County
and our schools,” said Jo Ella Wallace, MBMS Principal.
“Now, I just have to start memorizing everyone’s
names,” Faulkner joked.
She will play a more active role than previous assistant principals,
Wallace said.
“I see her as an extension of me,” Wallace said.
“I don’t see us as two different positions, rather
two people sharing responsibility for the school.”
An assistant principal is usually considered more of a disciplinarian,
Wallace explained, but last year’s site-based decision-making
council voted to incorporate curriculum involvement into the
position.
As such, Faulkner will collect informal school data with classroom
walk-throughs, do certified evaluations and conference with
teachers.
“I’m going to work with the teachers and help plan
curriculum across the grade levels, supervise students and handle
some of the discipline issues,” Faulkner said.
In addition to her administrative role this fall, Faulkner will
take over as the middle school academic teach coach.
“She’ll be wearing a lot of hats just like the rest
of us around here,” Wallace said.
Faulkner received her undergraduate and master’s degrees
from Georgetown College, both in elementary education. She attained
her library science and principalship certification from the
University of Kentucky. Her teaching experience includes middle
school social studies and English.
Faulkner and her family live on the southwest border of Grant
County. Sheri is married to Jim Faulkner and has two sons, Steven,
13, and Matthew, 8. Both children will attend Owen County Schools
in the fall.
“I’m anxious to get to know the students, parents,
teachers and members of the community,” Faulkner said.
“I hope we can all work together for student achievement.”
