A longtime JCPS educator and instructional powerhouse has been named the new principal at Noe Middle School.
Dr. Kate Grindon, who currently serves as an assistant principal and director of instruction at Southern High School, will assume her new role on July 1.
“I am honored to join Noe Middle School as principal,” Grindon said. “Noe has a strong history of excellence, and I am excited to join their team of talented teachers, staff, and administrators.”
Grindon joined JCPS in 2003 as an English/language arts teacher at Meyzeek Middle School until 2014, also serving as the department chair and literacy lead teacher. From 2014 to 2016, she served as a literacy goal clarity coach at Knight Middle School and as a grant coordinator at JCPS, where she oversaw the Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) as part of the Kentucky Department of Education Instructional Transformation Grant. In 2015, Grindon also worked as a curriculum developer for the Louisville Story Program.
In 2016, Grindon moved to KDE to serve as an academic program manager before returning to JCPS in 2018 to serve as assistant principal and director of instruction at Southern High School.
“Dr. Grindon is a dynamic leader and is passionate about serving students, staff, and families at Noe Middle School,” said Dr. Heather Benfield, assistant superintendent of middle schools. “I am confident that Principal Grindon will step into the role with enthusiasm and is ready to continue and build upon the rich traditions and history of excellence at Noe Middle School.”
Grindon earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, an Ed.S, and a Master’s degree in secondary English from the University of Louisville. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Vanderbilt University and is also a National Board Certified Teacher in early adolescent English/language arts. Since 2011, Grindon has worked as an adjunct faculty member in UofL’s College of Education and Human Development.
“I am dedicated to making Noe a place where every student can feel a strong sense of belonging and achieve to the best of their ability, and I am committed to developing strong partnerships with students, their families, and the greater Noe community,” Grindon added.