Officials with Christian County Public Schools announced Friday the promotion of Leslie Lancaster, who has been unanimously selected to serve as the district’s Director of Personnel.
Currently the principal at Freedom Elementary, she was part of a reportedly extensive and competitive process, and she will assume her new duties effective October 1.
CCPS Superintendent Chris Bentzel called Lancaster a “seasoned, accomplished principal” in the district, with extensive experience, proven success, and someone with the leadership and knowledge that will be an “invaluable asset” to the personnel department.
A 1993 graduate of Christian County High School, she began working as a special education instructional assistant in the district at the age of 18.
She later earned her bachelor’s degree in education and began teaching in 2002, spending 11 years as an elementary teacher at Pembroke and Millbrooke Elementary Schools.
In 2013, she transitioned to Sinking Fork Elementary, where she served as instruction & behavior coach and later assistant principal before becoming principal in 2018.
In the spring of 2022, Lancaster was chosen to lead Freedom Elementary, and initiated a comprehensive turnaround process used to significantly improve the school’s performance and culture.
Lancaster is a graduate of Murray State University and Walden University and holds a Rank 1 of instructional supervisor endorsement in education. She and her husband, Jim, reside in Hopkinsville and have two sons and a daughter.
Lancaster said she “firmly believes” people are the district’s greatest resource, and that she is committed to supporting educators, staff and administrators. This includes the fostering of an environment that encourages professional growth, collaboration, excellence, and employee retention.
Beth Unfried, retired elementary school administrator, will assume the role of interim principal until a new principal is named for Freedom Elementary.
