“Some other, very qualified candidates made the decision a difficult one, but ultimately Amanda Henson kept coming to the forefront in the selection process,” Harrison said. “She has dedicated herself so much to instruction, curriculum, and research-based success in teaching that she emerged as the ideal candidate to lead our elementary instructional efforts, working with principals, teachers, and students.”

Henson had served as lead teacher at Cuba Elementary School in southern Graves County since 2011. She also served there as a guidance counselor for four years and as a teacher, starting in 2000.

The Lowes Elementary School’s site-based decision-making council in late March voted to hire Henson as the school’s principal, replacing Cheryl Goodman, who has retired after 32 years as a Graves County educator, the last nine as principal of Lowes.

The Graves County Board of Education promoted Harrison in late April, following an exhaustive search for a new superintendent to replace Pete Galloway, who retires June 30 after 41 years as a Graves County educator, the last five as superintendent.

“I apologize to Lowes’ site-based council for altering their plans and thank them for their diligence,” Harrison said. “I know the members of that group have contributed great time and effort in their selection process. I also am confident they want what’s best for all our schools and I believe Amanda’s positive influence will result in the progress we all aspire to achieve.”

“The only unfortunate part of this, from my perspective, is that I also would have loved to be at Lowes every day,” Henson said. “I greatly appreciate the trust the Lowes site-based council placed in me and hope they understand. This is a position that fulfills my ultimate career goal because I believe it’s the area of my greatest strength. I see myself as an instructional leader. In this position, I can help all eight elementary schools progress and each student find success. So, in that sense, I still will be able to interact with the great people at Lowes and help an already distinguished school become even better!”

Henson earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, and a second master’s degree in school administration. She recently completed an endorsement in instructional leadership, all from Murray State University. She has served as a member of the District Instructional Leadership Team since 2006.

Henson grew up and lives in Graves County. She has two children of her own. Daughter Bella Rose is 3 years old and son Bo is 2 years old.