Administration

Karen Bingham, Principal

Ms. Karen Bingham was appointed the Founding Principal of Falls Run Elementary School (formerly Elementary School 18) to lead its creation and brand development.

Ms. Bingham has dedicated her entire professional career to serving Team Stafford, progressing through roles as a teacher and assistant principal before most recently serving as the Principal at Widewater Elementary School. During her tenure, Ms. Bingham collaborated with central office staff to successfully launch the first Dual Language Immersion Program for Stafford Schools, demonstrating her expertise in innovative programming and instructional leadership.

Ms. Bingham began her higher education journey by earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from James Madison University. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Music Education from George Mason University, and she received her Supervision and Administration endorsement from the University of Mary Washington.

Ms. Bingham is eager to bring her proven expertise in instructional leadership, community engagement, and school improvement to Falls Run Elementary. Her experience will be essential in building a foundation where every Foxhound is inspired to Chase Curiosity and equipped to Dream Big.

Jodi Odlum, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Jodi Odlum joins Falls Run Elementary School as Assistant Principal with extensive experience serving students and families in Stafford County Public Schools. She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher, teaching kindergarten, first grade, and second grade before transitioning into school administration. Most recently, she served as Assistant Principal at Grafton Village Elementary School.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Odlum has been dedicated to fostering high expectations for all students while creating supportive learning environments where every child can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes in partnering with staff and families to help students become independent problem solvers, lifelong learners, and future leaders.

Mrs. Odlum earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.

A proud member of the Stafford community, Mrs. Odlum has a personal connection to Stafford County Public Schools, where her three children attended school and graduated. She is excited to help build the Falls Run Elementary School community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff as every Foxhound is inspired to Chase Curiosity and equipped to Dream Big.

Allie Ward, Assistant Principal

Ms. Allie Ward joins the administrative team with a strong commitment to student success and a deep passion for serving school communities. She began her career in Stafford County Public Schools as a special education teacher at Dixon-Smith Middle School, supporting students with autism. Most recently, she served as Assistant Principal at Rocky Run Elementary School.

Throughout her career, Ms. Ward has been dedicated to ensuring that all students feel connected, supported, and challenged within their learning environment. She believes in the importance of fostering academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth for every child and is committed to helping students develop the skills they need for lifelong success.

Ms. Ward earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K–6) and Special Education (N–12) from Kutztown University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University.

Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Ms. Ward has called Stafford County home since 2011. She is excited to continue serving the Stafford community and to help lead Falls Run Elementary School, where she looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to ensure a welcoming and engaging environment where every Foxhound is inspired to Chase Curiosity and Dream Big.