Members of the Kentucky Department of Education's (KDE's) Commissioner’s Principal Advisory Council selected a new chairperson, Dr. Geco Ross, at their December meeting.
Geco E. Ross is a veteran educator and innovative instructional leader with more than 16 years of experience shaping learning environments across Kentucky. Currently serving as principal of Paducah Middle School (Paducah Independent), Ross is widely recognized for his “Educational Architect” philosophy. It is an approach that designs rigorous, experiential, student‑centered learning spaces where high expectations are balanced with accessibility, relevance and care. His leadership emphasizes learning by doing, critical thinking and the integration of cognitive, emotional and real‑world experiences, aligning directly with his HD instruction model.
Ross began his career in Paducah Independent Schools, where he served as an elementary teacher, interventionist, literacy advocate and community‑connected educator. His work in literacy development, student engagement and culturally responsive instruction earned him the 2015 Kentucky History Teacher of the Year award from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, among numerous additional recognitions for community impact, educational leadership and service.
Prior to becoming principal, Ross held district‑level leadership responsibilities as assistant principal at both Livingston Central High School and South Livingston Elementary School, where he also served as district literacy lead and coordinator for the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grant. His administrative work spans curriculum implementation, instructional coaching, project‑based learning and building-level systems that support equitable student outcomes.
Beyond the K–12 setting, Ross has served as a program facilitator for the University of Louisville’s For Your Child Fatherhood Initiative, an instructor for Murray State University’s Governor’s Minority Scholars Program, and a presenter at regional and multistate conferences on topics including classroom management, diversity education, student leadership and innovative youth programming.
Ross holds a specialist in education in instructional leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, a master's degree in education with a focus on literacy from Murray State University, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a mathematics emphasis. He maintains active certifications in instructional leadership and K-5 education.
A committed steward of public education, Ross has contributed to statewide leadership as an appointee to the KDE's Dyslexia Task Force and Diversification Task Force, and he has been recognized as a Next Generation Leaders Fellowship awardee.
Ross’s service extends into the community through church leadership, youth development and board roles with organizations including the River Discovery Center and the W.C. Young Community Center. His work reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education and the responsibility of schools to prepare students not only academically, but as thoughtful, engaged citizens.
As he assumes the role of chair of the Commissioner's Principals Advisory Council, Ross brings a visionary lens, a commitment to equity and innovation, and a proven track record of elevating student potential. His focus remains steadfast: designing learning experiences that honor every child’s strengths, challenge their thinking and prepare them for a future full of possibility.