Needham Saylor has been named principal at Rosspoint Elementary School.
In an announcement today by Superintendent Brett Johnson, Saylor was selected to lead the school following the promotion of former Principal Bryan Howard to the position of District Pupil Personnel director. Howard has served as principal for the past 18 years.
Saylor is an 18-year educator. He has taught at mathematics at Evarts and Rosspoint and has coached in football and basketball.
“Over the last two years at Evarts Elementary, I feel I created an environment that includes the staff, students, families and the community where people can come in an openly express concerns,” said Saylor. “This is something I am very proud of while here at Evarts. As a result, I have created a bond with the people. The decision to apply at another school weighed on me very heavily. Inevitably, things change and due to some personal decisions, I decided the new position is in the best of my family. I am grateful for the opportunity at Evarts and the support I have received from everyone here.”
Saylor, who will begin at Rosspoint this week, noted that he is looking forward to the new position.
“I don’t think there would be another school I would want to go to other than Evarts or Rosspoint. So, when the opportunity came open I decided to apply. I am very pleased to receive the offer of the job,” he said.
Saylor previously taught mathematics for grades three to five at Rosspoint for eight years.
“During that time, I got to know the staff, many of the parents and the students still attending there. I always felt we had a good relationship and I want to take the experiences I had at Evarts and continue to build on them. Rosspoint has always been a highly successful academic and athletic school. This is a trend I want to whole heartedly continue.”
Saylor said he is appreciative of Superintendent Brett Johnson and the Rosspoint Site Base Decision Making Council for selecting him for the next leader at Rosspoint Elementary
“I look forward to working for everyone as we continue to grow the school and community,” he said.
Saylor complimented Howard for the tremendous work he did at Rosspoint, adding “I worked for Mr. Howard for eight years at Rosspoint. During his long tenure at the school he established the high academic and athletic standards. He has left big shoes to fill. I strive to continue on that record.”
Superintendent Johnson said, “We are incredibly proud of Mr. Saylor and the outstanding leadership shown during his tenure at Evarts Elementary. His dedication to students, staff, and the broader school community has left a lasting legacy. While we will miss his presence here, we are excited to see him bring his passion and vision to Evarts Elementary School. He is not just changing schools—he is continuing to change lives for our Harlan County students."
Johnson added that “I am confident Mr. Saylor will continue to be a strong advocate not only for Rosspoint students, but all those across our district. “
Saylor is a co-founder of the Harlan County Schools e-sports program which has recorded excellent success.
He earned his associate’s degree at Southeast Community College, bachelor’s in early childhood development at Lincoln Memorial University, master’s at Union College in educational leadership and Rank I at the University of the Cumberlands in administration/supervision.
He is a third-generation educator, coming from a strong line of teachers and administrators.
His grandfather and uncle served as superintendents in the district. His father was a teacher, coach and administrator. Numerous other family members have taught in the district.
Saylor and his wife, Heather, have one daughter, Ariea, age nine. She is a fourth grader at Rosspoint Elementary.