HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel has announced Matt Francies will serve as the next principal at Indian Hills Elementary School in accordance with KRS 160.345. Mr. Francies will officially begin his tenure on July 1, 2026.

Francies most recently served as the school’s assistant principal for the past nine years.

“Mr. Francies has been a dedicated leader at Indian Hills for many years and has played an important role in supporting students, staff, and the overall success of the school,” said Superintendent Chris Bentzel. “His experience, consistency, and understanding of the Indian Hills community make him well prepared to step into this role. We are confident he will serve Indian Hills Elementary well and continue the important work already underway in the school.”

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Francies brings 18 years of experience in education to his role as principal of Indian Hills Elementary School. He began his career in Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent three years as a Health and Physical Education teacher. He later served for six years as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Christian County High School.

Since 2017, Francies has served as Assistant Principal at Indian Hills Elementary School, where he has helped support student achievement, school operations, and a positive school culture. Francies earned his bachelor’s degree from Murray State University and his master’s degree from University of Texas at Arlington.

“I am both honored and excited for the opportunity to become the next principal of Indian Hills Elementary,” said Francies. “Transitioning from assistant principal into this new role is incredibly meaningful because it allows me to continue serving a school and community I deeply care about. I look forward to building on the great work already happening at Indian Hills while continuing to support students, staff, and families through strong relationships, high expectations, and a shared vision for success.”

Francies resides in Hopkinsville with his wife, Lacey, and their two children, McKinley Jo and Baylor.

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