A longtime local educator will serve as principal when school begins this fall.
Effective July 1, Kendall Fears will serve as the principal of Waverly Yowell Elementary School, replacing Pattie Rees who will take on the newly created role of the division’s director of instruction and grant writing.
Fears has been employed with Madison County Public Schools for her entire career. Her first teaching job was at Madison Primary School where she served as a kindergarten teacher from 2003 to 2023. She was a beloved member of the school community, even reading aloud to students via social media during the pandemic-related closures. In 2023, Fears was promoted to dean of students at Waverly Yowell Elementary School. Upon the completion of her master’s program in educational leadership, she transitioned to the school’s assistant principal under then principal Rees.
Through her different roles, Fears has maintained excellent relationships with students, families and her fellow staff members. She has twice been nominated as Educator of the Year during the annual Hometown Heroes awards. In a nomination from this year’s awards, Fears was said to be a “dedicated and inspiring leader who consistently supports students, staff and families with positivity, professionalism and unwavering commitment” and “works tirelessly to ensure every child has the guidance, encouragement and resources they need to succeed.”
“Relationships are at the heart of education,” Fears said in a release regarding her new position. “I believe every child deserves to feel known, valued, and supported. I look forward to building strong partnerships with our students, staff, families, and community while helping all students grow and achieve at high levels.”
Along with Fears and Rees, new positions have been announced for two other Madison school leaders. Carrie Sacra, currently assistant principal at Wetsel Middle School, will become assistant principal at Waverly Yowell Elementary School. Gail Temple, currently assistant principal at Madison County High School, will fill the position left vacant by Sacra.
