Green Pines Elementary School Principal Paul Godwin has been named the Rockwood School District’s next assistant superintendent for supervision of elementary education.
He will replace Dave Cobb, who will retire in June.
The Board of Education voted 6-0 during a Feb. 22 closed session to approve Godwin’s new position. Board member Kary Bachert was absent for the vote.
“Paul has cultivated deep and meaningful relationships across Rockwood and is truly a student-centered educator,” Superintendent Curtis Cain said. “We look forward to him continuing to serve students in his new role next school year.”
Godwin, 48, will begin his new position July 1.
Godwin’s salary for next school year has not been set, and his salary this school year is $150,597.
Godwin said this is his 24th year in education and 13th year at Green Pines Elementary.
“I’m more than excited and honored,” Godwin said. “I am excited to serve in a different role, in a different capacity.
“(My goal) is continuing to move Rockwood forward. Rockwood is going to continue to do great things to support our students.”
In his role as assistant superintendent, Godwin said he will focus on supporting the district’s 19 elementary schools and three early childhood centers, along with keeping school safety and security in mind.
He said it’s important to create a sense of belonging for students and staff.
“Everything is about the kids and the relationships you have with the students, their families and staff,” Godwin said. “Curriculum and learning are important – that’s why I’m here – but at the end of the day, if the kiddos don’t want to come to school, then we’re wasting our time with the teaching aspect of it. We need to create those environments where the students want to come in and perform their best for teachers and create an environment where teachers want to come in and give their best for the students.
“I’ve been fortunate where I’ve got an amazing group of teachers here (at Green Pines Elementary) who have done that and an amazing community that has supported the work we’ve done over the years.”
Before he was named principal at Green Pines Elementary in 2011, Godwin was an assistant principal at Babler Elementary for two years.
His teaching experience includes two years at Kehrs Mill Elementary, a year at Chesterfield Elementary and two years at Imagine School. Godwin also taught world history and law at the high school level in the Fox C-6 School District for four years.
He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Harris-Stowe State University.
He also earned a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lindenwood University.
“I grew up with education in the family,” Godwin said. “I have a younger brother by 10 years whom I helped with coaching. When I was in college trying to figure out the path I was going to take, it kind of resonated with me – I can connect with these kids pretty darn well.
“It is 24 years later and I’m still loving what I do. I always kind of joke that I’m the biggest kid in school.”
Godwin lives in Ballwin with his wife, Kristin, and four daughters.
Godwin currently serves as vice president of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. According to its website, MAESP serves the needs of elementary and middle school principals across Missouri and also assists teachers interested in becoming principals.
“(Godwin) has a wealth of experience in a number of St. Louis area school districts and is recognized as a leader in the region and the state as well,” Cain said.
Godwin said MAESP allows him to network with principals across the state.
“(MAESP) has been a great avenue to learn more about other districts, other schools and other people,” Godwin said.
“Rockwood still sits there at the top when I’m talking to others. It’s still viewed as a very great district, and I’m proud of that. I want to continue to serve and make Rockwood an amazing place for our kids.”