Northside Early Childhood Center recently experienced an enormous loss when Ms. Emily Swindler, Principal of NECC, passed away unexpectedly. Her leadership and vision for Northside were inspirational. Ms. Swindler was actively involved in Shelby County. She was seen at the Shelby County Fair and other festivals sharing the good work and resources that Northside Early Childhood Center provides to the community. Moreover, her legacy of bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to the schools will impact the lives of our students and families for years to come.
Finding someone to step into the principal position at NECC was no small task. The job is currently shared by two retired SCPS leaders, Kerry Whitehouse and Nancy Page.
Mr. Whitehouse began teaching in Shelby County in 1988 - 1998 as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Shelby West Middle School. In 1998, he stepped into the role of principal at WMS. By 2002, Mr. Whitehouse had become Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Facilities for the district, helping build and maintain facilities in SCPS for sixteen years and beyond as a part-time project manager from 2020 to the present. Mr. Whitehouse has served as an interim assistant principal at Clear Creek, Heritage, Shelby County High School, and Marnel C. Moorman School. His experience and kind heart are at work at NECC. Kerry said,
“Northside Early Childhood Center has one of the most dedicated staff I have worked with in 35 years. The work this staff does daily is remarkable.”
Sharing the principal position with Mr. Whitehouse is Mrs. Nancy Page. Mrs. Page has worked for the district for twenty-eight years as a teacher, assistant principal, and district coordinator.
“The staff and students at Northside have always held a special place in my heart. The staff is dedicated to the growth and well-being of every child who walks in the door. It is a blessing and honor to work with all of them.”
Dr. Josh Matthews, Superintendent of Shelby County Public Schools, said, “We are both fortunate and enthusiastic to welcome Mr. Whitehouse and Mrs. Page as interim principals at Northside Elementary. Their extensive experience and depth of knowledge are tremendous assets to the school community. As principal, Ms. Emily Swindler established one of the premier preschool programs in the state of Kentucky, and I am confident that Mr. Whitehouse, Mrs. Page, and the dedicated staff at Northside will work collaboratively to honor and build upon her remarkable legacy."