Paducah Public Schools announced Wednesday that their hiring committee selected Paducah Tilghman Assistant Principal Deatrik Kinney as the next principal of of the school.

Kinney will replace current principal Allison Steig, after she announced her plan to retire in December. Kinney will take over as principal on July 1. 

Kinney has been an educator and school administrator for 15 years. His career began at Fulton County Middle School, where he taught Health Education and Physical Education from 2008 – 2016. 

He then went to Todd County Central High School, where he was assistant principal from 2016-18 and then principal from 2018- 2021. He joined the administration at Tilghman in 2021, serving as assistant principal and director of athletics. 

Kinney earned his B.S. in Education from Murray State University. He earned his M.A.E., Rank 1 in Instructional Leadership, and Ed.S. with an endorsement in Pupil Personnel from University of the Cumberlands. 

“Mr. Kinney brings significant knowledge and experience to his new role as Paducah Tilghman principal,” said Assistant Superintendent Will Black. “He loves PTHS, and he is committed to continuing Paducah Tilghman’s tradition of excellence.” 

The hiring committee included representatives from diverse groups including teachers, parents, classified staff, school and district administrators, students, and community leaders.