By Lauren Johnson

Kendrick Britford, the previous director of At-Risk and Attendance at the Russell County school district, has accepted a job as the new principal at Goshen High School.

Britford is highly qualified, with 19 years of experience in all three levels of a school including teacher, assistant principle, and principle.

“My full 19 years of experience will definitely help me in this new role at Goshen. Being able to take those experiences and really put them into play here is exciting,” said Britford.

Britford is looking forward to getting involved in what is currently going on, learning more about the programs and taking his experience from different areas that he has been responsible for and adding them to these programs.

“I’m just excited to be a part of what’s going on here and to be able to bring my experience and help enhance it,” he said.

Meeting with Dr. Bazzell, superintendent, and learning about all the innovative things going on in the system is what attracted Britford to Goshen. Bazzell’s vision for the future, as well as the many different programs available for students, amazed Britford.

“That’s something that’s amazing that is going on here. All the academies and innovative things are really an eye-opener,” said Britford. He plans to embrace this vision and learn how he can enhance the programs that are already in place.

There are several different programs available for the students, such as different academies that include agricultural science and the flight academy. Students also have an opportunity to receive an associate’s degree before they graduate high school.

“I am most looking forward to being a part of this innovation and being able to include my ideas and experience as well as getting out to meet the community members, faculty, staff, and students,” Britford said.

At this time, Britford’s goal is to learn what he can about what’s currently going on before he makes any changes. “I first want to learn what’s already taking place and what is in place and build from there,” he said.

Students, teachers, and parents can expect someone who has an open-door policy who is willing to listen. “I’m not just willing for them to come in to talk to me, but for me as well to go out into the community and learn about the people and the activities going on.”

Britford said he is a community-oriented person who wants to learn and listen and be a part of what’s going on.

“I’m excited for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting to meet everyone and being a part of the great things that are going on here in Pike County schools,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it and seeing what I can do to continue to grow and add to the program.”