Rich Named Principal of WCPS IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation

Bowling Green, KY

Last fall, the Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) took a significant step towards the education of the future, breaking ground on their new IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation. Today, the district has further cemented its commitment to innovation and progressive learning, appointing Dr. Cody Rich the first principal of the center.

A Leader for an Innovative Future

Choosing the leader for such a vital and innovative initiative was no easy task. WCPS superintendent, Rob Clayton, said the search was focused on finding someone with extensive secondary education experience who was also capable of engaging with the larger community and forging industry partnerships.

Since July 2022, Rich has been influencing improving education as the principal of Jennings Creek Elementary School. There, he cultivated a known culture builder and fostered positive relationships among the community, students, and teachers. He also incorporated new education trends and instructional strategies to enhance education effectiveness.

A Legacy of Leadership

Before heading Jennings Creek Elemantary, Rich served as assistant principal at Warren Central High School. His responsibilities included supervising teaching and support staff, providing administrative support and leadership for school operations, and championing school-wide social-emotional learning initiatives.

In addition to his administrative roles, Rich has also had a rich history of mentoring young minds. As a high school biology teacher and through various coaching positions like the varsity boys and girls’ basketball teams and the varsity head track coach, he has been shaping futures for years.

Looking Forward

Rich described the move to the IMPACT Center as bittersweet, but he’s eager for the new opportunities that the center presents.
“I’m excited to learn more about what’s going on with all the planning. They’ve been doing two years of planning, so I have a lot to catch up on. Then I’ll just work with people. I’ve considered myself a boss. I like working with people. So, I’m excited to work with a new group of people, to start up something that’s going to be awesome.”

Next Steps

Rich is due to take up his new role on July 1, 2024. WCPS’s center is slated to open its doors in the fall of 2026. In the interim, he and Clayton will tour various IMPACT centers across the nation to gather insights and ensure the WCPS center is the best it can be.

Rich is expected to obtain his Superintendent Certification in August 2024.