Warren County Public Schools congratulates new principal of Summit View Elementary School
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Warren County Public Schools has announced the appointment of Dr. Pauletha Butts as the new principal of Summit View Elementary School.
Butts brings more than 18 years of educational experience to the role, including extensive leadership in instructional improvement, school culture, special education and community engagement, the district says.
Throughout her career, WCPS says she has demonstrated “a strong commitment to student success by building high-performing teams, empowering student leaders, and creating learning environments where every child can thrive.”
Since March 2020, Butts has served as principal of Alvaton Elementary School, where the district says she led the school to earn a Blue Rating on the Kentucky Summative Assessment, the highest state accountability rating. Under her leadership, the district says Alvaton achieved Leader in Me Legacy School status in 2024, expanded student opportunities to more than 30 clubs, academic teams, performing arts programs and leadership initiatives and implemented data-driven Professional Learning Communities to strengthen instruction.
WCPS says she also deepened family and community engagement and built partnerships with Western Kentucky University, local businesses and civic leaders to support student mentorship and enrichment, while expanding student learning opportunities.
Before becoming principal, the district says she served as assistant principal at Alvaton Elementary, supporting instructional leadership, school safety and PBIS implementation.
Prior to entering educational administration, the district says Butts spent more than a decade as a special education teacher, where she was named Kentucky Special Education Teacher of the Year in 2018. From 2016 to 2023, she also served as an adjunct instructor in the Western Kentucky University School of Education, mentoring future educators and teacher candidates.
“Dr. Pauletha Butts is an exceptional leader whose impact at Alvaton Elementary has been nothing short of outstanding. Under her leadership, Alvaton has sustained a culture of high achievement while earning recognition as a Leader in Me Legacy School, reflecting her unwavering commitment to developing both academic excellence and leadership in every student,” said Superintendent Rob Clayton. “Dr. Butts is a servant leader who builds strong relationships, develops others and creates a culture where students and staff are empowered to reach their full potential. I am confident she will bring that same vision, energy and commitment to excellence to Summit View Elementary as she builds the foundation and culture of our newest school community.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as the founding principal of Summit View Elementary School,” said Dr. Butts. “I am grateful to Superintendent Clayton, our district leadership, and the hiring committee for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to help build a school community from the ground up. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of a successful school, and every child deserves to be known, valued, challenged, and empowered to lead. I look forward to partnering with our children, staff, families, and community to create a safe, welcoming, and academically strong school where relationships matter, meaningful traditions are established, exceptional learning opportunities are provided, and a lasting legacy is built for generations of children to come.”
Butts will assume her new responsibilities effective January 1, 2027.
