Bell County High School recently welcomed a new principal in Brian Crawford, who officially took the position on July 16.

Crawford has been an educator for 22 years. He got his start at Bell County High School teaching social studies.

Over the course of his career he has worked as a coach, teacher, administrator and assistant principal in places such as Middlesboro and Lone Jack.

Crawford was principal at Lone Jack for five years before moving back to Bell County High.

“When I first started in education I wanted to coach football. When I was younger, I thought I would take the course of being a head football coach. But opportunity changed, the opportunity to become assistant principal and get myself in the door in that field has been the course my life has taken me,” he said.

“It’s kind of a dream job if you think about it — to be the principal of your alma mater.”

On what he plans to bring to Bell County High, Crawford mentioned that academically the school is in great shape as it tested in the top 20 high schools in the state.

“We’ve added several, I think about 14, different electives that were not offered here last year. We’re opening up some opportunities for kids to take higher level classes that they’ve not had in the past. We’re offering dual credit in every subject area. Kids can leave here with a good start on their degree towards colleges. With their duel credit, they can leave with an associate’s degree,” said Crawford.

The new principal highlighted some of the new courses available are criminal justice, psychology, forensic science, sociology and others.

There is also a co-op option where kids can go out to work in a field of study and get paid for it.

The philosophy Crawford is bringing to the position is to get the kids involved.

“The kids that you lose and that fall by the wayside never take part in any activity. My philosophy is that you get kids in, get them involved in things and they enjoy coming to school. It’s that you become part of something. It’s bigger than you,” he said.