New principals named at Boston, W’burg

Students at Boston Elementary School and Williamsburg Independent School will have new principals when they return to classes this fall.

The Whitley County School District announced Monday that Jordan McCumbers has been selected as the new principal at Boston.

He is a Whitley County High School graduate, who went on to teach at Whitley County Middle School.

“We know he will do a fantastic job and will work hard to do great things for the students of the Boston community,” the school district wrote in a release.

McCumbers will replace Heather Roaden, who has been named as the new principal at Whitley Central Intermediate School.

Ashley Partin took over as the new principal at Williamsburg Monday.

“We are confident that Mrs. Partin will hit the ground running by building positive relationships with staff, students and families. Students will always be first at Williamsburg, and our new principal is passionate about continuing our mission to ensure that tradition leads to excellence,” said Williamsburg Independent School District Superintendent Tabetha Housekeeper.

“I am excited to work with Mrs. Partin to create a dynamic, vibrant learning culture in our school. The sky is the limit for the Williamsburg Yellowjackets.”

Partin noted in a letter to the community that she has lived in the Williamsburg area for most of her adult life and is fully cognizant of both the rewards and challenges that are present here.

“I have made an unwavering commitment in my career to pour into the youth of our community and see our children grow up to be successful and well-rounded citizens who contribute to the betterment of our small town and the world as a whole. I look forward to pursuing this commitment together,” she wrote in a letter.

Partin has nine years of experience in the classroom where she taught primarily biology, anatomy and AP biology. She has also served as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coach, curriculum manager, and teacher mentor.

Besides her various roles in education, she is also a mother of three children and wife to her high school sweetheart.

“I pride myself on doing whatever it takes for students to be successful both academically and in their social/emotional development and I promise to care for your children just as I do my own,” she wrote.

Her vision for the 2024-2025 school year is to build a culture of excellence together focused on a positive and supportive school climate that fosters success in all areas.

“I am a firm believer that every student can excel in a positive and cultivating environment. I look forward to developing this environment together and fostering a lifelong love for learning in our students,” she wrote.

“As a community, I would love for us to work together to provide opportunities for our students to grow academically and socially. I look forward to your positive input and feedback, your insights and feedback as parents and caregivers are invaluable to shaping the future of WISD so please know that my door is always open to you. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education and I look forward to this journey of learning and growing together.”

Partin replaces Marc Taylor, who last month was named assistant superintendent of operations. Taylor had been principal since July 1, 2019.