Hillary Wright-Kaufman
Dec 18 2025 4:00 PM

(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Washington County Schools is providing an update regarding leadership transition at Washington County High School. After three and a half years as school principal, Charlie Cox will be transitioning from that role, after accepting a position with Scholastic. The district thanks Mr. Cox for his leadership and service to the WCHS school community and wishes him the best in his next chapter.

To ensure continuity and stability for students and staff, former WCHS principal Malissa Hutchins, who served as principal from 2017-2022, has been hired to serve as Interim Principal at WCHS beginning January 5, 2026. Hutchins who retired from her career as an educator after 33 years of service in May 2022, is a 1984 graduate of WCHS, where she was a member of the Commanderette basketball team. She received a Bachelor of Science in secondary physical education and health from Union College in 1988 and a master’s degree in physical education from Eastern Kentucky University in 1990. She also received her Rank I in special education in 2000 and an instructional leadership certification in 2005 from Eastern Kentucky University.

Hutchins previously taught health and physical education and served as a basketball coach at Saint Catherine College, was a special education teacher at WCHS, a special education teacher and later dean of students for Harrodsburg Middle/High School, as well as assistant principal and principal at Mercer County Senior High School.

Malissa Hutchins

“We appreciate Mr. Cox’s dedication and service to Washington County High School over the past three years,” says WCS Superintendent Dr. J. Robin Cochran. “He has been offered an opportunity outside of education that aligns closely with his career goals and the needs of his family, and we are truly happy for him as he takes this next step. As we move through this transition, we are fortunate to welcome back Malissa Hutchins, who knows this school, its culture, and its community well. Having previously served as principal at WCHS, she brings valuable experience and a strong understanding of the needs of our students and staff. We remain focused on supporting our students, staff, and families during this transition, and I am confident her knowledge and familiarity will allow her to lead effectively while we begin the process of selecting the next principal.”

The district has already begun a formal search for WCHS’s next principal and hopes to fill the position before the end of the next semester.