Laura Cecil has been named principal of Sorgho Elementary School following a unanimous vote of the SES Site-Based Decision Making Council on April 12. 

Cecil, who has served as staff developer and Gifted/Talented coordinator at Sorgho Elementary School since 2004, will begin her responsibilities on July 1. She replaces Beverly Dawson, who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year.

As part of her application and interview process, Cecil demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of instruction and the Sorgho school community. 

She began her career as a teacher at Seven Hills Elementary School in Owensboro in 1994, and joined the DCPS district in 2001 as a P3 and fourth-grade teacher at Sorgho Elementary School. She has previous served the school as a textbook committee representative, and is currently a member of the state math committee for new standards and academic team coach. As staff developer, Cecil’s responsibilities have included assisting teachers through job-embedded professional development. As Gifted/Talented coordinator, she works closely with teachers as well as students to ensure a challenging and engaging education experience. 

She is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the Kentucky Education Association. Her professional development has included emphasis in areas of reading interventions, data analysis, integration of mathematics and science and writing portfolio cluster leader training. 

Cecil earned her Rank I in school administration from Western Kentucky University in 2009. She graduated from WKU with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1994 and a master’s degree in elementary education in 1997. She has also earned a provisional certificate for instructional leadership/principal. 

Cecil said, “Beverly Dawson’s legacy has led Sorgho to excellence and continuous growth, including designation as a National Blue Ribbon School. It is my goal to work with the Sorgho community to continue excellence and growth in preparing 21st century learners for success.” 

DCPS Interim Superintendent Mike Gray said, “Laura Cecil has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Sorgho Elementary School community. She will provide excellent support for her staff while setting high standards of academic success for students.”

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