Wright is new RES principal

RUSSELLVILLE — Channing Wright, former Russellville Elementary assistant principal, will begin the new school year in a new role, that of principal.

Nearly nine years in the classroom shaped the philosophy she now brings to her first year as principal of RES after serving four years there as assistant principal.

“It was my dream to teach kindergarten,” Wright said. “I did that, and I absolutely loved it.”

Kindergarten, she said, lays the foundation for much more than academics. She said those early experiences often shape how children feel about school for years to come.

“This is a community that helped shape me,” Wright said of Russellville. “The people who influenced me are still around. It means a lot to give back in this way.”

She said she feels good about the direction the school is going.

“I just want to keep the momentum,” Wright said. “We’ve had a lot of great things going on at RES. I want to keep building on the foundation that’s already been laid.”

Russellville Elementary has earned recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School and a Spotlight School for Reading during Wright’s tenure at the school.

The school also added an accessible playground, playground improvements, murals, and water bottle filling stations.

She said she believes the school’s success begins with the people inside it.

“We have a great staff,” Wright said. “Everyone’s willing to jump in. No job is too big or too small. Everyone’s willing to help and do whatever’s needed.”

Supporting teachers, Wright said, is one of the most important responsibilities of a principal.

“When you’re in a leadership role, you have to serve first,” she said. “You have to be willing to do the hard things and meet the teachers wherever their needs need to be met.”

Administration wasn’t part of Wright’s original plan.

“It wasn’t something I thought about,” she said. “I felt like the Lord was leading me. I’ve always wanted to help people. I felt like this was how I could best serve.”

She said former principal Tiffany Warhurst became both a mentor and a friend.

“We graduated together,” Wright said. “We were already friends. I’m thankful for her guidance and everything I learned under her.”

Wright also credits several educators who influenced her as a student, including Carolyn Goss, Dr. Deanna Holloman, and Dr. Chris James.

Many of the students at Russellville Elementary are the children of individuals Wright graduated with. One of her own daughters also attends RES.

Looking ahead, Wright said she wants families to know every decision she makes will focus on students.

“I’ll always do what I think is in the best interest of their child,” she said. “Make sure their child is safe and loved. My door is always open.”