Corbin Snardon has been named assistant principal of the Paducah Innovation Hub.

Snardon is currently interim assistant principal at Paducah Middle School. He began teaching at Paducah Middle in 2011 after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Western Kentucky University. While at Paducah Middle he taught sixth grade geography and eighth grade history.  He served on the School Based Decision Making Council for five years and was facilitator for the School Lighthouse Leadership Team for two years. He was a finalist for the Ashland Inc. Kentucky Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Paducah Tilghman’s Michael Sanders has secured a paid internship with A and K construction of Paducah. Mr. Joshua Kowalczik,Sr., Director of Field Operations/General Superintendent for A&K Construction, Inc. reported that Michael will complete his orientation today and begin working for the firm on Monday, February 24th. Michael will spend his morning at PTHS completing requirements for his senior year and his afternoons on the job applying the skills he learning in various CTE courses.

Michael aced multiple construction/carpentry courses such as Intro to Construction Technologies, Exterior and Interior Finish, and Intro to Engineering during his time at PTHS. He will begin as a carpenter’s assistant/laborer.

Earlier in the year, Joel Crider, Workforce Coordinator, and Chris Nelson, Executive Vice President of Associated General Contractors of Western Kentucky met with Michael to discuss a possible future in the field of construction technologies. It looks like Michael is on his way to a very successful career.

Paducah Middle educator Timothy Franklin has been named Director of the Paducah Innovation Hub Makerspace. As Makerspace Director, Franklin will manage and develop programs and services for K-12 students to encourage project-based learning, creative thinking, and the blending of art, academic disciplines, and career/technical education. Franklin will continue at Paducah Middle for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and will begin his duties July 1, 2020.

“We are excited to welcome Tim Franklin as Makerspace Director,” said Will Black, Assistant Superintendent.  “He not only brings a wealth of knowledge as a former engineer and science teacher, but he is also an expert at engaging students of all ages in creative, hands-on exploration and problem solving.  This is the heart of Makerspace—allowing students and adults opportunities to learn about science, art, design, and career and technical opportunities through hands-on activities.”

Here is a link to a panoramic view of the lobby interior of the Innovation Hub.  There's also a QR code included that you can scan with your phone for the same view.

 

Clark Elementary principal Steve Ybarzabal has been named principal of the Paducah Area Technical Center, which will move into the Paducah Innovation Hub in fall of 2020. Ybarzabal will begin work at the Paducah Area Technical Center on October 14.

Ybarzabal has been an educator for 25 years and has been an administrator for 14 years. He has taught grades 5 – 12 and has taught in private, parochial, and public school settings. He began working for Paducah Public Schools in 2000 at PTHS, where he was a biology teacher, science chair, and volleyball coach. Ybarzabal moved to Clark Elementary to become assistant principal in 2006. He was named principal at Clark Elementary in 2011.

Ybarzabal earned his B.S. degree from Louisiana State University. He earned his M.A. in school administration and a Superintendent’s certificate from Murray State University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in the MSU College of Education.

“While I’m sad to be leaving a tight-knit family of faculty and staff at Clark, I can leave knowing that they will continue building the solid foundation on which the educational future of our students rests,” said Ybarzabal. “I am eager to take on the challenge of leading the PATC and the Innovation Hub because I believe that it will provide me with the opportunity to have the greatest impact on students from our district and the region. I look forward to using my skills and experience to create an innovative learning experience for students.”

“We are pleased that Mr. Ybarzabal will be moving to the Paducah Area Technical Center to serve as principal,” said Superintendent Dr. Donald Shively. “Mr. Ybarzabal has a proven track record of student success at Clark and Paducah Tilghman as a teacher and an administrator, and we look forward to the positive impact that he will have on our regional students, the faculty, and the staff at the PATC.

“As we anticipate the opening of the Paducah Innovation Hub next year, the hiring committee is confident that Mr. Ybarzabal will lead the way as we seek to work with regional business leaders to align the offerings at the Innovation Hub with workforce needs to ensure the opportunity for success for each and every student.”