(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) –Washington County Schools Director of Pupil Personnel and Commander Academy and Virtual School Principal Chad Willis has been named the 2026 Kentucky Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP) of the Year by the Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel. Willis received the statewide honor during the Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel Fall Institute in Lexington last week, honoring his years of service to students, families and the Washington County community.

 

Willis is a 1991 graduate of Taylor County High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history education from Berea College in 1995. He received a Master of Arts in Education in educational leadership/principal from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001, and a Rank 1 in instructional leadership and director of pupil personnel in 2004, also from EKU. He taught high school social studies from 1996 to 2001 in Marion County Public Schools before coming to Washington County, where he also taught high school social studies and later served as athletic director and assistant principal at Washington County High School. He became DPP in 2008 and currently also serves as principal of Commander Academy, WCS’s alternative school. He is in his 31^st year as an educator.

Chad Willis

 

“I’ve always enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and families," said Willis. "Education gives you the chance to build relationships, help students overcome challenges and celebrate their successes along the way. What I’ve enjoyed most is knowing that the work we do can have a lasting impact on a student’s life. Whether it’s in the classroom, as a principal, or in my role as DPP, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated educators who care deeply about helping students succeed. Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, especially knowing that it comes from my fellow DPPs across Kentucky. I’m very grateful for the recognition, but I also know this is not something you do alone. I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work with great people who have supported me and helped me grow. I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Robin Cochran and Mrs. Amanda Mattingly, and the team here in Washington County. Their leadership and support have allowed me to continue growing in this role and doing what I enjoy most, which is supporting students, families and staff. I’m proud of the work we’re doing in Washington County, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”

 

 

          “Chad has a genuine commitment to doing what is best for students, and that shows in the way he approaches his work every day,” said Amanda M. Mattingly, Director of Special Education and Director of Student and Staff Supports. “He is someone who listens, builds relationships and looks for solutions when students or families face challenges. I have really enjoyed working alongside Chad and seeing the care he brings to supporting students and families across our district. This recognition is very deserving and reflects the positive impact he has on our schools and the people he serves.”

Willis (left) was presented with the 2026 Kentucky Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP) Award by KDPP President Chad Butler at the KDPP Fall Summit last week.

(Photo, courtesy of KDPP)

“Chad brings a genuine passion for helping students succeed and a willingness to do whatever it takes to remove barriers and connect students and families with the support they need,” said Superintendent Dr. Robin Cochran. “He builds strong relationships, listens carefully to the concerns of students and families, and works collaboratively with staff and community partners to find meaningful solutions. His compassion, consistency and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of the students and families he serves. This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the care Chad brings to his work. It also highlights the importance of the relationships he has built and the meaningful difference he makes throughout our district. We are fortunate to have his leadership and service in Washington County Schools. I am proud to work with him and am grateful for all he does to support our students, strengthen our families and help our district continue moving forward.”

“It is an honor to celebrate Chad Willis of Washington County Schools as the 2026 Kentucky DPP of the Year,” said Chad Butler, president of KDPP. “Having had the privilege of working with Chad for the past six years, I know firsthand the positive impact he makes every day. This award is a well-deserved testament to his dedication to students, families, and the Washington County School District.”

 

Willis (center) is pictured with WCS Superintendent Dr. Robin Cochran and KDPP President Chad Butler. (Photo, courtesy of KDPP)

Willis (center) is pictured with WCS administrators. From left, Assistant Superintendent Jason Simpson, Superintendent Dr. Robin Cochran, Chief Finance Officer Judy Spalding and Chief Academic Officer Holly Elmore. (Photo, courtesy of KDPP)

 

Willis (third from left), surrounded by his family after accepting the 2026 Kentucky Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP) of the Year Award. (Photo, courtesy of KDPP)