Paducah Tilghman High School Principal Deatrik Kinney has been elected to the Kentucky Association of School Administrators Board of Directors as a representative of the Western Lakes Region, according to a release from KASA.
KASA said that through his new role, Kinney will assist in guiding the association’s work on behalf of academic leaders in Kentucky, while also serving as a voice for educational administrators throughout the region.
“Deatrik is a respected and accomplished school leader whose commitment to students is evident throughout his career,” said KASA Chief Executive Officer Rhonda Caldwell, Ed.D. “His experience, perspective and deep connection to western Kentucky and his years of service on KASA committees will make him a strong advocate for the leaders and school communities he represents.”
Kinney began his work in education in 2008 teaching health and physical education in Fulton County Schools before joining Todd County Central High School, where he would serve as assistant principal and later principal. He became the assistant principal and director of athletics at Paducah Tilghman High School in 2021, and was elected principal in 2023.
Kinney earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Murray State University before also completing a master’s degree in education as well as a Rank I certification in instructional leadership and an educational specialist degree with an endorsement in pupil personnel from the University of Cumberlands.
“I am honored to be elected to this position by my peers in order to represent the Western Lakes Region and the outstanding school leaders who serve its students and communities,” Kinney said. “I look forward to listening to their needs, sharing their perspectives and working with colleagues across Kentucky to strengthen educational leadership.”