Chelsea Public Schools is proud to announce a leadership transition at Art Goad Elementary as longtime principal Zenda Willcut retires after 19 years of dedicated service in the role. At the same time, we are pleased to name Kimberly Morgan, current Assistant Principal, as the next principal of Art Goad Elementary.
For nearly two decades, Mrs. Willcut has led Art Goad with a steady hand and a clear focus on what matters most: students and relationships. Under her leadership, Art Goad has been a place where students are loved, teachers are supported, and families are welcomed.
“I am most proud of the culture we built together,” Willcut shared. “Art Goad has always been a place where students are loved, teachers are supported, and families are welcomed. We focused on doing what was best for kids, even when it required hard conversations and hard work.”
Her impact reaches far beyond daily operations. For 19 years, she has watched students enter as first graders and leave as confident, capable fifth graders. A full elementary journey shaped by consistency and care.
“I will miss the people the most,” she said. “Art Goad isn’t just a school; it’s a family.”
When asked what she hopes the school community remembers, her answer was simple and consistent with how she has led.
“I hope they remember that every decision I made came from a place of love and a belief in their potential. More than anything, I hope they remember that relationships came first.”
As she steps away from the principalship, Mrs. Willcut expressed confidence in the future of the school.
“What gives me the greatest confidence is the people. Art Goad has an incredible team of educators and staff who are deeply committed to students and to each other. The traditions, the pride, and the strong sense of community will continue.”
Because of the strong foundation built over the past 19 years, Art Goad Elementary is well positioned for its next chapter.
That next chapter will be led by Dr. Kimberly Morgan, who has served as Assistant Principal for the past two school years.
For Dr. Morgan, stepping into the principal role is both a professional milestone and a personal calling.
“Coming to Art Goad Elementary provided the answer to a search I didn’t fully understand at the time,” Dr. Morgan said. “When you find the right community, leadership isn’t just a role, it’s a calling.”
During her time as assistant principal, Morgan has immersed herself in the daily operations of the school, built strong relationships with staff and families, and developed a deep understanding of what makes Art Goad special.
“Leadership moves at the speed of trust,” she shared. “I have built relationships with our students, faculty, families, and community. These aren’t just names on a roster, they are partners I’ve worked alongside to solve problems and celebrate wins.”
Dr. Morgan describes the future of Art Goad in one word: Possibility.
“I see endless potential in our students, our faculty, and our community,” she said. “My vision isn’t about starting over. It’s about moving forward together.”
One of her early priorities will be elevating student voice, including the development of a Student Leadership Team that allows students to play an active role in shaping school culture.
At the same time, she is committed to protecting what has made Art Goad strong for generations.
“The feeling of family is the soul of this school,” Dr. Morgan said. “We will always remain a safe, nurturing, family-oriented environment where every student is known by name and every family feels they belong.”
Chelsea Public Schools is deeply grateful for Mrs. Willcut’s 19 years of faithful leadership and service to our students, staff, and community. We are equally excited for the energy, vision, and continuity Dr. Morgan brings as she assumes the role of principal.
Transitions in leadership are significant moments in the life of a school. At Art Goad Elementary, this transition reflects both appreciation for a remarkable legacy and confidence in a strong future.
Art Goad has been in good hands… and will continue to be.