HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Christian County Public Schools has announced the upcoming retirement of Kim Lint, Principal at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early Learning Center. Ms. Lint announced her retirement earlier this week and will be effective April 1, 2026.
“We thank Principal Kim Lint for her dedicated service and her commitment to early learning,” said CCPS Superintendent Chris Bentzel. “Ms. Lint has had a lasting impact on so many of our youngest learners and their families. We appreciate her leadership and contributions to the district.”
Lint has 31 years of service in education with the last seven years being with CCPS. Upon Ms. Lint’s announcement, the district named Michelle Walden as the interim principal at MLK Early Learning Center. Ms. Walden has served as the Director of Elementary Education for the district since July 2025.
Interim principal experience
Walden is in her 25th year in education, all with Christian County Public Schools. She began her career in 2001 as a fifth-grade teacher at Pembroke Elementary, where she spent 10 years teaching fourth and fifth grade. She later taught fifth grade at Lacy Elementary before serving as a district instructional coach at Indian Hills Elementary. Walden went on to serve five years as assistant principal at Indian Hills and later as elementary instructional supervisor. In 2020 she joined the district staff as the Instructional Supervisor for Elementary Education.
“I am truly honored and excited to serve as the interim principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. Early Learning Center,” Interim Principal Walden said. “Our youngest learners are beginning an incredible journey, and it is a privilege to help guide them as they build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff and wonderful families to ensure every child feels supported, inspired, and ready to succeed as they start their educational path on the right track.”
“Mrs. Walden is a proven leader with a deep understanding of elementary and early instruction and a heart for students,” said Bentzel. “We are grateful she is willing to step into the role of interim principal at Martin Luther King, Jr. Early Learning Center. Her experience, steady leadership, and commitment to our youngest learners will ensure continued stability and support for students, staff, and families. We are confident the school is in excellent hands during this transition.”
The position will be posted on the district website and the district will begin the process of selecting a new principal soon.
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