News Summary
Wes Downing has been appointed as the new principal of Brenda Cowan Elementary School, effective July 1. With over 15 years of experience in education, including his role as assistant principal at Wellington Elementary, Downing is known for fostering a nurturing learning environment. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins and Fayette Chief School Leadership Officer Matt Marsh praised Downing’s strengths in instructional leadership and social-emotional learning. He holds multiple degrees in education and is committed to enhancing the school community as he transitions to his new role.
Lexington, KY — Wes Downing has been appointed as the new principal of Brenda Cowan Elementary School, effective July 1. Downing, who has served as the assistant principal at Wellington Elementary in Fayette County Public Schools since 2019, brings over 15 years of educational experience to his new role.
In his tenure at Wellington Elementary, Downing has been recognized for his ability to create a safe and nurturing learning environment, emphasizing academic excellence. He succeeds Josh Williams, who resigned last August to take a position in another state. Brenda Cowan’s new principal has expressed a strong commitment to lifelong learning and the empowerment of both students and staff.
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins commended Downing’s educational philosophy and track record, which align well with the vision for Brenda Cowan Elementary. Fayette Chief School Leadership Officer Matt Marsh noted Downing’s strengths in instructional leadership, his dedication to social-emotional learning, and his passion for the arts, stating that these qualities complement the school’s existing strengths.
Wes Downing started his career with Fayette County Public Schools in 2013 as a fourth-grade teacher at Cassidy Elementary, where he spent five years honing his teaching skills. In 2018, he transitioned to an administrative role as the assistant principal at Lemons Mills Elementary in Georgetown. After a year, he returned to Fayette County Public Schools as the assistant principal at Wellington Elementary, contributing to its educational advancement.
Downing holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in education from the University of the Cumberlands. Additionally, he earned an education specialist degree from the University of Kentucky, further establishing his qualifications for his new role.
As he prepares to step into the leadership position at Brenda Cowan Elementary, Downing’s extensive background and proactive educational approach are set to benefit the school’s community, students, and future initiatives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Elementary School Planned for Lexington
Major Traffic Changes Planned for Lexington Roads
Major Roadwork Project set for Richmond Road Corridor
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Brenda Cowan Elementary Principal Steps Down
- Wikipedia: Elementary School
- WKYT: Brenda Cowan Elementary Principal Steps Down
- Google Search: Brenda Cowan Elementary School
- LEX18: Back to School Fayette County Students Return
- Google Scholar: Brenda Cowan Elementary School
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Education News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- WTVQ: New Fayette Co Elementary School Named After Slain Firefighter
- Google News: Fayette County Schools
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
