The Winchester CUSD 1 Board of Education has selected Mr. Jeff Abell as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Abell who will begin his tenure on July 1, 2025, is currently the Superintendent of the Griggsville-Perry CUSD 4.
The selection of Mr. Abell is the result of a statewide search conducted by the Board of Education. For the past three months, the Board has conducted a thorough and thoughtful candidate selection process in selecting its next superintendent.
“We are pleased to welcome Jeff as the new superintendent of Winchester School District 1," said Board of Education President Steve Moore. "His experience as a superintendent makes him well-equipped to lead our district. He shares our commitment to continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students."
As a veteran educator, Mr. Abell has experience in improvement of student learning. Mr. Abell, a Bluffs native, has deep roots within Scott County - serving as a teacher, athletic director and coach at both Bluffs High School and Winchester High School.
He had served as teacher, coach and athletic director at Winchester High School from 2008 until 2017. At that time, he received his administrative licensure and went on to become Principal at Northwestern High School, and then at Meredosia-Chambersburg before becoming Superintendent at Griggsville-Perry in 2022.
“I am honored to have been selected as the next leader of the Winchester School District. I spent nineteen years teaching and coaching in Scott County and I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to a District in which I have such a deep personal connection” said Mr. Abell.
Mr. Abell will replace Dr. Kevin Blankenship, who has served as superintendent since 2019 and will retire in December 2025. Mr. Abell and Dr. Blankenship will work collectively together to allow for a smooth transition during a very busy and exciting time for the school district.