GLASGOW, Ky. — Dozens of teachers, staff, friends and family gathered Thursday morning at Eastern Elementary School as Barren County Schools announced Susan Pace as the school’s new principal.

Pace brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served students in a variety of teaching and leadership roles throughout the region.

“I am honored and blessed to begin this school year as one of the newest members of the Eastern Elementary Wildcat family,” Pace said.

She began her career as a teacher and math interventionist at LeGrande Elementary School in Hart County before joining Temple Hill Elementary. Since 2011, she has served as an intermediate math teacher at Hiseville Elementary, according to Barren County Schools.

“We were looking for a leader who is student-centered, relationship-driven, and committed to helping both students and staff reach their full potential,” Superintendent Amy Irwin said.

A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Pace later earned a master’s degree from the University of the Cumberlands.

“Susan's passion for children, her instructional knowledge, and her heart for serving others made her the right choice to lead Eastern Elementary. We are excited to welcome her into this new role,” Irwin said.

Pace said she looks forward to partnering with students, staff, families and the Eastern community. She succeeds Erika DeVore, who was recently named to a district-level role.

The school site-based decision making council who helped hire Pace was Amanda Meadows, Melissa Barbour, Gabby Martin, Marcus Thurman and Samantha Wilson.

Eastern Elementary is one of seven elementary schools in the Barren County school system. The school opened in 1962 and underwent a major renovation several years ago.