The El Dorado School District would like to extend gratitude to Dr. Michael Odom for his dedication and leadership at Northwest Elementary. His impact on students, staff, and the school community has been invaluable, and we wish him the very best in his next endeavor.
As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Kristen Thomas as the next Principal of Northwest Elementary School, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. With a strong background in education and leadership, Thomas is dedicated to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for all students.
Thomas is a Pine Bluff Native who graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 2009. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University in 2014. She began her career in education as a first grade teacher at Crossett Elementary School, where she taught for three years before moving to El Dorado. She then became the Literacy Facilitator at Retta Brown Elementary, further expanding her expertise in early childhood education.
In 2019, Thomas earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University and transitioned into administration as the Assistant Principal at Northwest Elementary. She later moved to Yocum Primary in 2020 as Assistant Principal and was promoted to Principal in 2022. Now, she is set to return to Northwest Elementary as Principal, where she will continue her commitment to student success and academic excellence.
As a leader, Thomas prioritizes student-first decision-making and is dedicated to ensuring that every child receives the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
"When making decisions, my top priority is always doing what’s best for kids. I look forward to continuing in leadership at Northwest Elementary and fulfilling my mission of every child, every day, no matter what," added Thomas.
Thomas is actively involved in the community as an associate member of the El Dorado Service League. Her passion for serving students extends beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on the lives of children in the community.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, Clay, and their son, Tripp. They are excited to welcome their second son, Conrad, in early May. She also loves dancing, shopping, and enjoying the outdoors with Tripp.
Please join us in congratulating Kristen Thomas on her new role as Principal of Northwest Elementary School!