Chris Collins, a Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) administrator known for his shared vision of success for all students and positive relationships, will be the next Executive Principal at Eastern High School.
Collins currently serves as the Academy Principal of the Health Sciences Academy at Jeffersontown High School and will begin his new role at Eastern on Nov. 25th.
“Eastern High School caught my attention when I first became an assistant principal, 10 years ago, due to the high enrollment of students and the tradition of academic excellence along with the numerous athletic and extracurricular opportunities for students to be involved in the school community,” Collins said. “My interest in Eastern High School grew once they became part of the Academies of Louisville because I know the impact the Academy model can have on student achievement."
Collins began his education career in 2006 and taught in Fayette County, JCPS, Trimble County, and Oldham County. In 2014, he shifted to a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coach and Exceptional Child Education (ECE) coach role at King Elementary School. In 2015, Collins became an Academy Principal at Iroquois High before moving to Jeffersontown High in 2019. He has also served as a site lead for the JCPS Summer Backpack League, where he helped oversee five community sites, and participated in the Jefferson County Leadership Academy Principal Intern Program and Equity Cadre.
Both as a PBIS/Behavior Coach in JCPS and an Academy Principal at Jeffersontown High School, Collins has developed critical skills in supporting all students and helping them realize success both in school and in life after high school, said Dr. Joseph Ellison, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools. Collins “believes that all students are capable of learning at high levels when provided appropriate support,” Ellison said.
“This core belief has driven his work at Jeffersontown High School where he has been instrumental in implementing the Academies of Louisville (AofL) Model, improving the graduation rate, and increasing the postsecondary readiness rate,” Ellison said. “He is committed to building healthy relationships with staff, students, and families; supporting and building effective systems to ensure student success; and supporting all aspects of student life at Eastern.”
Collins earned a Masters in Education in Instructional Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, a Masters in Teaching in Learning and Behavior Disorders from Georgetown College, and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). He also holds a Superintendent of Schools license endorsement and a Director of Special Education license endorsement, both from EKU.
“My core values involve school family, going above and beyond to change student life outcomes, and building and cultivating relationships with the school community,” Collins said. “I am very excited about joining the Eastern High School family.”