(DANVILLE, KY) –The Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) is excited to announce Justin Padgett as its new principal. A familiar face and dedicated leader in the KSD community, Padgett has served as the school’s director of student life for the past three years and brings 18 years of experience in education to his new position.
During his time at KSD, Padgett has worked closely with students, families and staff while developing a deep understanding of Deaf education, Deaf culture, and the unique role KSD plays for students across the Commonwealth. As principal, he looks forward to building on the school’s strengths and continuing its growth to ensure Deaf and hard of hearing students have the linguistic, academic, social and transition skills they need to reach their full potential.
Padgett has been an educator for 18 years. Prior to joining KSD, Padgett served as an instructional coach at Lincoln County Middle School from 2021 to 2023. He also served as an elementary teacher for 12 years in the Lincoln County district.
“It is an honor and privilege to step into the principal role here at Kentucky School for the Deaf,” Padgett said. “As the director of student life at KSD, I have learned so much about Deaf education and Deaf culture. I truly believe this role has prepared me for the role of principal.”
Padgett has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Midway College, a master’s in educational administration from Campbellsville University and a master’s in education: Teacher as Leader from the University of the Cumberlands.
Jeff Kassinger, who was chair of the KSD Advisory Board during the hiring process, congratulated Padgett on his selection as principal and said he’s excited to see what he will bring to the role.
“Having seen his commitment to KSD and his dedication to students and staff firsthand, I believe he brings a valuable perspective to this role,” Kassinger said. “Justin has demonstrated strong leadership throughout his career, and his experience as an educator, instructional coach and member of the KSD leadership team has prepared him well for this opportunity. I look forward to seeing KSD continue to grow under his leadership and am confident that he will keep students at the heart of the decisions he makes.”
KDE Associate Commissioner Gretta Hylton said Padgett’s experience, leadership and connection to the KSD community make him well positioned to lead the school into its next chapter.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Justin into this role,” Hylton said. “He knows KSD, he knows our students and staff, and he understands both the strengths of this school and the opportunities ahead. Over the past three years, Justin has demonstrated his commitment to KSD and, most importantly, to the students we serve. He brings experience, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to see every student succeed. I look forward to seeing KSD continue to grow and thrive under his leadership.”
Padgett also has been honored with a variety of awards related to education, including a Department of the Year Award from KSD in the spring of 2026, a Student Life Staff of the Year Award from KSD in the spring of 2024, an Elementary Excellence in Teaching Award from Campbellsville University, and a #TeamLincoln Award from the Lincoln County Board of Education, among other awards.
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