by MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Olivia Dooley was named as the first full-time principal of the Barren Academy of Virtual and Expanded Learning, or BAVEL, during a short press conference at the Barren County Board of Education building early Thursday morning.
“There’s so many emotions,” Dooley said. “I am so honored and thrilled and excited about the opportunity. I’ve built my career here in Barren County and to continue to serve, not just our Barren County families who are choosing to study at home, but also to reach beyond Barren County lines and help people across the state reach their potential. I am very blessed to be part of this moving forward.”
BAVEL has served residents of Barren County as an accredited online alternative to in-person public education since its creation in 2004. It is the largest online school program in Kentucky, according to Heather Gardner, district grant writer and district communications officer.
Until Dooley, part-time and Barren County faculty serving in multiple roles served as a principal for the academy, Scott Harper, director of instruction, said.
“Today there’s no better announcement to make than the announcement of our first full-time principal,” Harper said.
Dooley earned a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from Western Kentucky University in 2004. From there she went to Alabama where she began her teaching career in Lee County. She returned to Kentucky in 2008, teaching at Barren County Middle School.
She went on to earn her master’s degree in teacher leadership in 2010 from Lindsey Wilson College. In 2016, she completed the principal preparation program at WKU before being named assistant principal of BCMS in 2017.
Dooley served the administration in whatever capacity she was asked to, Bo Matthews, superintendent of the district, said during the press conference, and “rose to the top from a qualified pool of applicants” to get this position.
Looking to the future, Dooley said she is interested in looking for partnerships both inside and outside the county
“Looking forward I want to continue the success they have had… continuing that legacy of excellence,” Dooley said. “Also continuing to reach out and maybe make some partnerships [to] provide new opportunities for students. So, things such as, providing new career pathways. I’d love to look at possible partnerships with ACT building or with Western (Kentucky University).”
She said she is excited to continue to work at the district where she “built her career” and is looking forward to the future at BAVEL.
“I’m honored to serve as the new BAVEL principal,” Dooley said. “I’m excited to be working with the wonderful staff of BAVEL.”
Dooley will officially start her duties as BAVEL principal on July 1, 2023.
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