Crawford is eager to be part of County

Brian Crawford is ready to begin his stint as Superintendent of McCreary County School District.  Crawford, who is currently principal of Bell County High School, takes the reigns as local school superintendent on July 1, 2023.  Eager to be involved with the district and community, Crawford attended Friday’s McCreary Central Senior Breakfast and plans to spend time in June in the district consulting with the current local interim superintendent, Larry Hammond.  Having found a temporary place to rent, Crawford is already planning his relocation to McCreary County.

Crawford was impressed with the students and staff during Central’s Senior Breakfast.

“The kids were so well behaved,” Crawford commented.  “That tells me a lot.  I was impressed.  That tells me the kids have respect.”

Crawford, who has approximately thirty years of experience as an educator, began his career as a Social Studies teacher and coach at Bell County.  He later became an assistant principal in Middlesboro.  Later, returning to his childhood home of Bell County, he taught and then became principal at Lone Jack Elementary.  During his five year stint as principal at Lone Jack, the school went from a struggling school to being in the top 25% of the state.

“I had a good staff at Lone Jack,” Crawford remarked.  “They bought in with me, and we did some good things.”

Crawford views the McCreary County School District as a perfect fit for both himself and the District.

“Right now, it seems to be the perfect marriage,” Crawford noted.  “I can relate to McCreary County since I am from a rural Kentucky school district.  Personally, it’s also a good opportunity for me.  I spend a lot of time with my mom and dad.  Living in McCreary County will let me be close enough to get to them if they need me.  It just seems like a good fit.”

Crawford’s educational philosophy is direct and to the point.

“I make decisions, including the tough ones, based on what is best for the kids and the school district,” Crawford stated.  “That is how I’ve always made decisions and the only way I know how to do it.  Parents and members of the community want the schools to turn out kids who can step into careers or go on to college.  Parents want their kids to have an education that will serve well in life.  If I make decisions based on what is best for the students, I can go to bed at night and sleep.  We are in this business for kids.  That isn’t always popular, but I can live with that.”

Crawford wants members of the community to know he plans to be transparent and wants to keep the public informed.

When asked what the community can do to assist him as he steps into his new role, Crawford’s answer was straightforward.

“Be patient and supportive,” Crawford replied.  “Understand the board members have their hearts in the right place, to make every decision based on what they feel is best for the district and kids.  Trust us and come out and see what we are doing, during board meetings and other events.”

During his first ninety days as Superintendent of McCreary County schools, Crawford first wants to meet with administrators and staff to see what they need.

“I want to get people on board, see what I can do to help, and see what can be fixed,” Crawford explained.  “I want to find at least a couple of things that we can work on and have almost immediate success.  I think it is important to get a couple of “wins” right at the beginning.”

Crawford sees his greatest strength as being a “people” person.

“I like people,” Crawford said with a smile.  “I get along well with others.”

Crawford also has a plan to assist him with what he considers to be his greatest weakness going into a new role.

“Obviously, I don’t have Central Office experience,” Crawford said.  “I’m a new superintendent, and there is a learning curve.  However, I have several good friends who have been or are currently superintendents.  They will be valuable assets when I need advice.”

Crawford, who is divorced, has two grown sons.  His son, Lucas, is an educator in Bell County, and his son, Adam, is the morning news editor at WATE TV 6 in Knoxville, TN.  Crawford cherishes having his mother and father in his life and spends a lot of time with them.  In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time on Norris Lake.

Crawford seems undaunted by the fact that he will be McCreary County’s twentieth superintendent in the past three decades.

“I want to unify the district and the community,” he noted.  “I’m headed that way (to McCreary County) as soon as I wrap up my contract days in Bell County.  I’m eager to get started and to be part of the community.”