Biography:

Uriah A. Tolbert Sr.: A Leader Dedicated to Educational Excellence

A highly motivated and results-oriented educational leader with 15 years of experience, Uriah A. Tolbert Sr. has a proven track record of improving student achievement, fostering positive school climates, and building strong community relationships. He is serving as the new Principal of Indian Trail Elementary MicroSociety Magnet School. Prior to this new role, he served as Assistant Principal at Fred J. Hartstern Elementary School in Jefferson County Public Schools.

Principal Tolbert began his career in Fayette County Public Schools in 2010 as a K-5 Music Specialist/Interventionist at Yates Elementary School. He also served as a music club sponsor/instructor at Deep Springs Elementary School, leading to the creation of a full-time music teacher position the following year. At Yates, he revitalized the music program, raising nearly $10,000 for supplies and festival trips where his groups earned "exceptional" ratings.

In 2015, Mr. Tolbert transitioned to Mary Todd Elementary School as the newly created "Professional Growth and Effectiveness Systems Coach" (PGES Coach), focusing on behavior and discipline. Over three years, he spearheaded initiatives that significantly reduced office discipline referrals by 78% (from 301 to 68) and suspensions by 93% (from 83 to 6).

Transformative Leadership at Dr. John G. Crabbe Elementary School

From 2018 to 2024, Mr. Tolbert served as Principal of Dr. John G. Crabbe Elementary School in Ashland, KY, becoming the first African American principal of both the school and the non-segregated school district. During his tenure, he achieved notable successes, including:

• Implementing a common curriculum district-wide for elementary schools.

• Establishing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive PBIS system at all three tiers.

• Increasing student enrollment.

• Significantly increasing parental and community involvement.

• Securing funding for a new playground and perimeter security fence.

• Improving school safety through new camera installations and enhanced internal door locks.

• Raising Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) scores by 21 points, leading to the school exiting federal Target Support and Improvement (TSI) status and moving from the "orange zone" to the "yellow zone."

• Improving district-wide state assessment ranking from last to 3rd overall.

• Achieving the top ranking in the district for state assessment scores in writing.

Education, Community, and Personal Commitments

Mr. Tolbert holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Music Education, an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in Educational Administration and Supervision, and Supervisor of Instruction Level 2 certification from Eastern Kentucky University. He also earned a National Institute for School Leaders (NISL) certificate through Harvard University, sponsored by Fayette County Public Schools. He is a first-generation college graduate.

A dedicated advocate for student success, Mr. Tolbert firmly believes that "High Expectations for ALL" are essential. His commitment to fostering positive environments extends beyond the school walls. He serves as Assistant Pastor at his church, actively engages in community initiatives such as coaching youth sports, and officiates basketball and baseball games. He also shares his passion for martial arts by teaching and holds a Shodan Blackbelt. Family is a priority for Mr. Tolbert, and he enjoys spending time with his son, Uriah A. Tolbert II, and other loved ones. His dedication to children is further exemplified by his service as a Kentucky foster parent to over 35 children.