Our School’s History

Founding History of Sara Belle Wellington Elementary School

Wellington Elementary was dedicated on Thursday, January 16, 1969. The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District superintendent at the time was Richard VanHoose. According to the dedication pamphlet, Wellington was a “school designed to provide the best possible physical environment for our young people as they prepare to assume the responsibilities of adult life … Wellington is designed for total, comprehensive learning. The physical facilities incorporate the best in educational incentive and atmosphere.” The dedication pamphlet concluded with, “The future of this school lies in the hands of those who use it. A fine building can be made an inspiration to the entire community when it is well used. We hope every school in Jefferson County is used often and well by those it is intended to serve.”

Wellington is named in honor of Sara Belle Wellington. Mrs. Wellington was born in Louisville in December 1909. She began her career as a music and art teacher at Ormsby Village in 1929. Mrs. Wellington devoted herself to the teaching profession until illness forced her retirement in November 1967.

In 1945, she was named principal of Cane Run and served 11 years in this capacity. She was principal of the Alex Kennedy Elementary School in 1956 and 1957. From 1957 to 1965, she was the director of teacher recruitment for the Jefferson County school system.

Mrs. Wellington was appointed supervisor of the OEO Program in 1965 and remained in charge of the Jefferson County Schools federally connected poverty program until her retirement.

She was a member of the National Education Association, the Kentucky Education Association, and the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA). She was president of the JCEA in 1949.

Mrs. Wellington rendered 38 years of service to the education of the boys and girls of this community. It is, therefore, with great respect and admiration that the Jefferson County Board of Education dedicates this school to Mrs. Wellington.

The first principal of Wellington was Marshall E. Trautwein.