Assistant principal is promoted to Principal
By Mark Hebert
July 3, 2023 - The “number two” is now number one at Kenwood Elementary School. Assistant Principal Jameelah Henderson has been named principal at the school she loves - Kenwood.
“I am thrilled to be the next principal of Kenwood and continue the legacy that Dr. Jill Handley leaves behind,” Henderson said. “As a compassionate leader dedicated to the growth and development of the students and staff of Kenwood, it is my honor and privilege to continue my journey as the principal.”
Henderson has spent more than eight years in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) as a teacher at Greenwood Elementary, an instructional coach at Semple Elementary and an assistant principal at Kenwood since 2021. She also spent two years as an instructional, curriculum and intervention coach and leader at Promise Schools in Detroit.
In 2015, Henderson’s teaching was recognized with a Hilliard Lyons Teacher Excellence Award.
“Ms. Henderson is a collaborative leader who is committed to students, their families, and the staff at Kenwood,” said Dr. LaMesa Marks-Johns, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools in Zone 1. “She is an equity focused leader who believes in providing learning opportunities for all students so that they feel a sense of belonging, are valued, and that their voices are heard. She leads with compassion, responsibility, and integrity and will ensure that the entire school community has the needed support and resources for student success.”
Henderson is taking over for Handley who has been named Assistant Superintendent for English Language Learning (ELL). Kenwood has a significant number of ELL students and Henderson says she will continue the work being done to ensure ALL students reach their potential at the award-winning school.
“Kenwood has a strong community of staff that go above and beyond to meet every student's needs who enters the building,” Henderson said. “I am committed to maintaining the safe, equitable and inclusive learning community that Kenwood students and families are accustomed to. By educating the whole child, we will ensure each student's academic and social emotional needs are met daily. As the principal, I am dedicated to fostering a community of care and support for our students, families and staff.”
Henderson is working toward a Doctorate of Education in Leadership from Spalding University. She has degrees in education from Bellarmine University and the University of Kentucky.
“We are excited Ms. Henderson has been selected as the next principal of Kenwood Elementary,” Marks-Johns said.