OPS Superintendent, Dr. Wendy Duvall has named Natalie Ellis the next principal of Cravens Elementary School. Ellis will officially move into the new role effective July 1, 2025. Current principal Cortney Cliff is taking a new role within the district in order to spend more time with her family.
“Being chosen as the instructional leader of Cravens Elementary is an honor and a dream come true,” said Ellis. “I believe in the power of strong relationships, high expectations, and student-centered learning. I look forward to working closely with our students, staff, and families to continue building a school where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.”
Ellis has been a part of the Owensboro Public Schools district for the last three years. She has served as a math and language arts teacher at Owensboro Middle and Owensboro High School and currently serves as the transition specialist at OHS, helping juniors and seniors transition into college and careers after high school. Prior to her time at OPS, Ellis spent two years as the dean of students at Livermore Elementary and 15 years as a special education and 8th grade social studies teacher at McLean County Middle School.
Ellis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Brescia University and a Master’s degree in K-12 reading and writing from University of the Cumberlands. She also earned her principal endorsement for K-12 education from Western Kentucky University.
The experience Ellis brings of having been at every level of K-12 education is something that Superintendent Dr. Wendy Duvall believes set Ellis apart from an extremely competitive selection process.
“We are thrilled to have Natalie Ellis lead the next era at Cravens Elementary School,” said Dr. Duvall. “Her innovative approach to leadership, passion for the students, and experience across a wide scope of grade levels helped her stand out among several highly qualified applicants. We look forward to watching her continue to build on the momentum the school has gained over the past few years and we know she will do a phenomenal job.”