More leadership changes coming to Central Kentucky school district

In the latest series of administrative shakeups in Woodford County Schools, Woodford Middle School Principal Clay Mattingly requested a demotion and a new principal has been named.

Mattingly will be assistant principal of Woodford County High School and current assistant principal Rebecca Preston will be the new principal of Woodford Middle School.

Clay and Assistant Woodford Superintendent Garet Wells confirmed the change to the Herald-Leader. It was first reported by the Woodford Sun.

It was the second big move of the week.

After Woodford County Public Schools officials announced Kristy Field would be the new principal of Woodford High School, she did not take the role.

The high school principal post has seen significant additional turnover recently.

Less than a year ago, Woodford County High principal Morgan Howell agreed to step down to a teaching position, amid a community protest demanding that he continue to lead Woodford County High School.

Howell’s fight to remain principal began in late April 2022, when Woodford Superintendent Danny Adkins told him he would be demoted. Students and others protested in front of the school in early May, saying Howell should remain as principal. Interim principal Jake Bell has had the position since.