The Bell County school board picked Brian Crawford to be the next superintendent with a unanimous vote in April. Photo courtesy Brian Crawford
(PINEVILLE, KY) – Brian Crawford returned to his roots in Bell County to assume the superintendent position on May 1.
Crawford, a graduate of Bell County High School and previously the superintendent of McCreary County, has described his experience so far as being in the “honeymoon phase” where he has been welcomed with heartfelt messages by community members and colleagues.
He said he was inspired to pursue a career in education after being presented the opportunity to coach football at his alma mater, but also from his father’s encouragement to earn his degree.
Crawford earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Union College and his superintendent certification from the University of Cumberlands.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, he went on to become a social studies teacher at Bell County High School while coaching football for four years.
He then took a position at Middlesboro High School (Middlesboro Independent), also teaching social studies and coaching football, then taught special education at an intermediate school in the district for three years.
Crawford held his first administrative role as assistant principal at Middlesboro Middle School. After nine years, he took a principal role at Long Jack Elementary School for five years.
He later served as principal at Bell County High School for five years before becoming superintendent at McCreary County Schools.
Crawford expressed appreciation for the time he spent in McCreary County thanking the board, administration and teachers he worked alongside.
“Change has always been good for me,” he said, adding that he was inspired to become a superintendent to continue his legacy of leadership throughout his community.
He believes in always doing what’s right for students even if it may not always be the popular decision.
“I’ve always tried to live by the motto that if you always do what’s best for kids, I can always lay my head down and go to sleep at night,” he said.
He emphasized that it is important to treat all students equally.
“If you treat them and teach them like they’re your own children, you’ll never be wrong in what you’re doing,” he said.
Crawford mentioned that getting acquainted and frequently meeting with staff is among his top priorities in his first year so that he can understand the needs of the district and what direction to go in.
He also plans to successfully complete ongoing construction projects and aims to begin new ones where renovation is needed.
For the future, Crawford is focused on making improvements within the district ensuring it becomes the best it can be in all areas.
“An overall goal is to continue to grow the success of Bell County, and to try to lead this district to the top in the state,” he said.
Crawford said he is excited to begin this new chapter and thanked both McCreary County and Bell County for the impact they have had in his life, shaping him into the man he is today.
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