Deatrik Kinney, recipient of the 2026 Kentucky High School Principal of the Year honor by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, has been with Paducah Tilghman High School since 2021. Photo courtesy Paducah Independent
Deatrik Kinney entered his third year as principal of Paducah Tilghman High School by being recognized as the 2026 Kentucky High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
Kinney started his career in 2008 teaching health and physical education at Fulton County High School. He moved to Todd County Central High School in 2016 to serve as assistant principal, then transitioned to serve as principal for three years.
Kinney joined Paducah Tilghman High School as assistant principal and athletic director in 2021 before becoming principal in 2023.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Murray State University in 2008 and later completed his master’s degree and various administrative certifications at the University of the Cumberlands.
He is currently working toward his superintendent certification at Western Kentucky University.
Kinney said the importance of education has been instilled in him by his parents since he was a child.
“My mom and dad always told me, stand on the values and belief of doing what’s best in order to be a great human being and to be successful in the world so, I just carry that mind set because that’s how I was raised.”
A value that guides Kinney’s leadership style is “standing on what you believe in.”
“If you are providing your students with the resources to be successful and also giving your teachers what they need in order to deliver the content that’s needed and the resources that’s needed in order to make sure kids are reaching proficient, distinguished, you’re doing your job,” he said. “It starts at the top.”
He believes that setting the standard and providing a strong example will encourage others to follow.
“Our core values here are academic excellence, tradition and pride. That’s our mission and that’s what we pride ourselves on here at Paducah.”
Kinney said the school’s vision, along with a strong academic foundation, is essential for student success.
“Paducah Tilghman allows so many different opportunities for our students to grasp a hold of and become something.” he said.
Students have the ability to take various courses of their choice, regardless of barriers.
“It’s what fits you the best. All our kids are provided with the equal opportunity to do those things,” he said.
Kinney says his biggest accomplishment since becoming principal is the rise in test scores over the last few years.
Chelsea Saladino, who has been at Paducah Tilghman for 18 years as a business teacher and currently a credit recovery teacher, explained that one of the biggest goals for the school within the last year was raising test scores and the school made great strides during the 2024-2025 school year.
“I’ve known Mr. Kinney for almost five years, and I just find him to be a very valuable and tireless leader,” she said. “As a teacher and (school-based decision making council) member, I found him to be very responsive to our needs and ideas in order to improve our outcomes, our school culture, but most importantly meet the needs of the students.”
Senior Blair Sains said Kinney has always been supportive of the students and their interests in and out of the classroom.
“Sports-wise, he’s always had our back. Just seeing his support through being at every game; I’ve seen him at every basketball game, at every volleyball game, every sports event, he’ll always be there. He’s a big sports guy for sure, so having support from him with the team it’s just a big help,” said Sains.
Kinney said he makes sure to make himself visible and approachable, taking the time to connect with students and create a climate where open communication isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.
“They can come up to talk to me; they can set up a meeting with me. They don’t shy away from talking to me and voicing their opinion. I love that about this school,” he said.
He extends that same openness to his staff.
“You have to get inside the classrooms, you have to be out in the hallways, you have to open the door if a teacher comes and knocks on it and have that time to talk to them and see what’s going on,” he said. “My teachers know that if they come to me and they have a problem, I’m going to be their solution.”
For the future, Kinney said he is set on achieving new goals for the school, focusing on continuous improvement in test scores and overall growth with students and staff.
“My biggest goal is to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make sure students are successful inside the classroom and outside the classroom because it is ultimately a reflection of us,” he said. “I’m just excited to see the growth in our kids, in our teachers, and in my administrative staff. As long as they’re happy, I’m happy.”
Kinney described the recognition of Kentucky High School Principal of the Year as both exciting and surreal. Kinney expressed his thankfulness for his parents, community and his faith.
“I’m very blessed, I’m thankful and I’m excited and ready to see what this next chapter takes me to.”
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