By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow High School graduate Matt “Shep” Shepherd is the new South Green Elementary School principal.
Shepherd — whose announcement was made during a special-called site-based decision-making council on April 15 — takes over from Josh Turner, who plans to step down at the end of this current academic year.
Shepherd said that his pillar of focus is developing early childhood literacy and mathematics, and that he is eager to “listen and learn” during his first year as principal.
“I want [students]…to walk out the doors feeling inspired to succeed,” Shepherd said. “That’s what it all boils down to.”
Shepherd graduated from Glasgow High School in 2002 before earning his Bachelor of Music in 2014 from Western Kentucky University. Shortly thereafter, he began teaching as a K-5 general music teacher at Highland Elementary in the Glasgow district, expanding the school’s children’s’ choir to more than 72 fourth and fifth graders, named the KMEA third District Music Teacher of the Year in 2017, and leading the Beta Group Talent team to a 2017 and a 2018 national championship, according to a school press release.
In 2018 he taught general music, choir and strings at Glasgow Middle and launched the school’s Modern Band program. Shepherd transitioned to Assistant Principal and Preschool Coordinator at Allen County Primary Center in 2023, according to the press release.
“We are excited to welcome him back to South Green Elementary in this leadership role,” said Superintendent Chad Muhlenkamp. “His connection to our schools, dedication to students, and innovative mindset make him an outstanding choice to lead the Scotties forward.”
“Glasgow Independent Schools looks forward to the continued growth and success of South Green Elementary under Mr. Shepherd’s leadership,” the release stated.
An emotional Shepherd said he is excited to work at a place that has so much personal connection to him.
“I am absolutely thrilled…to come back and that’s where the emotions came from,” Shepherd said. “I’m very ecstatic and thrilled to be back where I started.”
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