JUNE 2026
A PUBLICATION OF THE KENTUCKY SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TAKE NOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PEOPLE ARE TALKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
BEYOND THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
EDUCATION BRIEFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
IN CONVERSATION WITH . . . . . . . . . 24-25
KSBA ANSWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 9
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Follow KSBA for education news, association updates, upcoming events and more
/company/ksba
ksba.org
8
Primary election results
Board members running for higher
office saw mixed results in the May
primary election. See who is moving on
to the general election. Also, check out
the General Assembly candidates with
education backgrounds.
11 Summer learning
Get ready for KSBA’s Summer Leadership
Institute being held July 10-11 in
Lexington. With more than 24 workshops,
30 vendors and the ability to earn up to 10
hours of state-mandate board training, SLI
has something for everyone.
12 New year, new hires
As districts prepare for the new
school year, several will have new
superintendents to lead the district. See
who has been hired.
13 Celebrate the Class of 2026
Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 and
the dedicated board members who helped
make their success possible. Read about
several board members who have special
connections with this year’s seniors and
see board members celebrating with their
own special graduates.
/KSBAnews
@KSBAnews
PG8
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 3
PG 13
PG 11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Pamela Morehead,
President
Eminence Ind.
Jeremy Luckett,
President-elect
Owensboro Ind.
Karen Byrd,
Immediate Past President
Boone Co.
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Chris Cook,
Crittenden Co.
Susan Duncan,
Scott Co.
Carmela Fletcher-Green,
Montgomery Co.
John Matt Fourshee,
Carlisle Co.
Joanna Freels,
Shelby Co.
Debbie Hammers,
Butler Co.
Angela Parsons-Woods,
Rockcastle Co.
Ricky Pennington,
Morgan Co.
Trey Pippen,
Daviess Co.
Brandon Rutherford,
Madison Co.
David Turner,
Walton-Verona Ind.
Nancy Uhls,
Simpson Co.
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Tom Bell,
Christian Co.
Jason Collins,
Anderson Co.
Pat Hall,
Campbellsville Ind.
Ruschelle Hamilton,
Breathitt Co.
Jimmy Hinkle,
Barbourville Ind.
Jesica Jehn,
Kenton Co.
Vanessa Lucas,
Breckinridge Co.
Brenda Mattox,
Nicholas Co.
Kathleen Price,
Martin Co.
Mark Rich,
Edmonson Co.
Christine Thompson,
Livingston Co.
Allie Wright,
Trimble Co.
On the cover: Shelby County High School graduate
Alexander Enriquez takes a selfie as he receives his
diploma. Provided by Victor Malone, digital media
specialist at Shelby County Schools.
4 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
For school board members,
graduation season is one of the
most rewarding times of the
year. It is the moment when
we see the results of years of
planning, advocacy, decision-
making and investment come to
life as students cross the stage
and step confidently into their
next chapter.
After 27 years of serving on my
local board of education, I have
attended numerous graduation ceremonies. Yet no matter
how many caps and gowns I see or how many diplomas
are handed across the stage, the feeling never changes.
Graduation still brings a deep sense of pride, hope and
reflection. It is a reminder of why we do this work and why
public education matters so deeply to our communities.
As board members, we spend much of our time focused
on policies, budgets, facilities, transportation, staffing and
long-range planning. Much of that work happens quietly and
behind the scenes. Graduation allows us to see the impact of
those efforts in the faces of students and families celebrating
a milestone years in the making.
Watching graduates walk across the stage is more than
a ceremonial tradition. It is a powerful reminder that
education is a carefully designed dress rehearsal for the
future. Schools help students build academic knowledge
and career skills, but they also help young people develop
confidence, resilience, character and purpose. Long before
diplomas are awarded, our students are learning how to
overcome challenges, build relationships, solve problems
and engage in their communities.
As board members, we have the privilege and
responsibility of helping create the conditions where that
growth can happen.
Graduation season also reminds us that student success is
never accomplished alone. Behind every graduate stands
a network of support – teachers, families, bus drivers,
cafeteria workers, counselors, administrators, coaches
and mentors who have invested time and care into helping
students succeed. Public education is truly a community
effort, and commencement ceremonies beautifully reflect
that shared commitment.
One of the greatest joys of serving in public education for
nearly three decades has been watching generations of
students grow and succeed. Over the years, I have seen
former graduates return to our communities as teachers,
business owners, parents, first responders and leaders. I
have watched generations of families crossing the same
stage years apart. It shows that the work we do creates
lasting impacts far beyond a single school year.
Graduation season should also be a time of renewed purpose
for board members. As one class leaves our schools, another
is already preparing to enter. The needs of students continue
to evolve, and the responsibility to provide opportunities for
every child remains as important as ever. Those little ones
entering our schools this fall are counting on us to prepare
them for a future we cannot fully predict, but one we know
will demand creativity, resilience, compassion and a lifelong
love of learning.
And once they reach graduation, our hope is that they – just
like the Class of 2026 – leave our schools not only prepared
for careers or college, but confident in who they are, proud
of where they came from and ready to step boldly into
whatever future awaits them.
Whenever commencement ceremonies take place across
Kentucky, I hope fellow board members take a moment to
appreciate the role they play in these milestones. The work
is not always easy, and progress is not always immediate, but
graduation reminds us that what we do matters deeply.
Thank you for continuing to step forward in service to
students, schools and public education. The future is
brighter because of it.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Pamela Morehead,
KSBA President
Eminence Independent Schools board member
Witnessing the reason we serve
U.S. Census reports per pupil
spending nearing $1 trillion
nationally
Public per pupil spending across the
country rose by 6.6% during the 2024
fiscal year, the U.S. Census announced
in May, with total revenues for elemen
tary and secondary education nearing
$1 trillion.
According to the Annual Survey of
School System Finances report, Ken
tucky spent $14,596 per pupil that year,
below the $17,619 national average.
That ranked the Commonwealth 39th
among the states, but when adjusting
for income differences, Kentucky placed
17th.
Nationally, census figures show states
provided the largest share of school rev
enues in FY 24, at 45%. Local sources
were a close second at 43%, with the
federal government covering much of
the rest.
The same trend held in Kentucky,
although state spending accounted for
52% of public school spending. Local
taxes provided 28%, and the federal
government contributed 20%.
The U.S. Census report includes indi
vidual school district spending for all 50
states and Washington, D.C. For Ken
tucky, Anchorage Independent Schools
in Jefferson County was highest, with
per pupil expenses reaching $25,561 in
FY 24.
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 5
TAKE NOTE
KHSAA approves pickleball,
girls’ flag football as
sanctioned sports
The Kentucky High School Athletic
Association Board of Control voted
in May to sanction two new sports:
pickleball and girls’ flag football. Both
are set to begin during the 2027-28
school year.
The board established pickleball as a
fall sport, but KHSAA Commissioner Ju
lian Tackett told the Lexington Herald-
Leader that it has not been decided
whether it will be co-ed or have sepa
rate boys’ and girls’ championships. The
girls’ flag football season, meanwhile,
will take place during the spring.
Tackett said that Kentucky is among
the first states to sanction pickleball
and among “the middle of the pack” for
girls’ flag football.
According to the newspaper, more
colleges are picking up flag football,
which will be a sport featured at the
2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
and which the NFL is expected to estab
lish as a pro league for men and women.
Pickleball, meanwhile, has been the
nation’s fastest-growing sport for four
straight years. The newspaper said its
fall placement on school calendars will
complement the spring tennis season.
Tackett said it is not yet determined
whether pickleball and girls’ flag foot
ball will be classified as sports or sport
activities. The former has more specific
rules, especially regarding student
transfers, while the latter does not.
Sport activities include archery, bowling
and esports.
#KyGives26 raises nearly
$3,000 for scholarships
and grants
During Kentucky Gives Day 2026 on
May 12, the KSBA Educational Founda
tion raised nearly $3,000 toward KSBA's
college scholarships and CTE student
grant programs.
Those who missed the opportunity
to give on Kentucky Gives Day, but
still wish to support the association's
student aid programs, can make a gift
online anytime or can mail a check
made payable to the KSBA Educational
Foundation at 260 Democrat Drive,
Frankfort, KY 40601.
This year KSBA and the KSBA Edu
cational Foundation are celebrating
15 years of supporting student suc
cess through our First Degree College
Scholarship Program. In recent years,
KSBA has also awarded more than 230
CTE Student Grants to help Kentucky
high school students jump-start promis
ing careers through industry certifica
tions. These opportunities would not be
possible without the support of KSBA’s
members, alumni, staff and friends.
Kentucky School
Boards Association
260 Democrat Dr., Frankfort, KY 40601
800-372-2962 | ksba.org
The Kentucky School Advocate is published 10 times a year by
the Kentucky School Boards Association. Copies are mailed to
KSBA members as part of their association membership.
Executive Director: Kerri Schelling
Communications Director: Brenna Kelly
Communications Manager: Brian Wilkerson
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
“When that student
interest and that community
need meet each other, there's an
opportunity for them to go to work
immediately, if they want to. If they want
to go for additional training, they can do
that. It aligns with the needs of some of our
local unions that are constantly seeking
out hiring qualified student applicants.”
Josh Hunt, McCracken County Schools superintendent, on the district’s
work to add a welding area for students.
From WPSD-TV, Paducah
Alvin Garrison
“When I arrived
in 2013, I
was humbled
to become
the district's
first African-
American superintendent. To retire
now as the longest-serving African-
American superintendent in
Kentucky history is a milestone I
share with every student who ever
wondered if their own dreams
were possible.”
Alvin Garrison, Covington Independent Schools
superintendent, during his farewell address at
the April 16 school board meeting. He will retire
at the end of June.
From the Northern Kentucky Tribune,
Covington
Carolyn
Hankins Wolfe
“The outcome of
the student is the
most rewarding,
that's the most
rewarding reason
why we do it. The most difficult
thing is the state statutes, trying
to make those work, when they’re
mandated, and we try to make it
work, and we get blamed for it.”
Carolyn Hankins Wolfe, Boone County
Schools board member, speaking during the
7th annual Ignite Institute event in which 9th
grade students interviewed locally elected
officials about their work.
From Northern Kentucky Tribune, Covington
Teresa Morgan
“Our partnership
with Central
Kentucky Head
Start is strong.
We're honored to
host them for the
rest of the school year. The Radcliff
Elementary School classrooms
will provide a wonderful and
safe environment for Head Start
students and staff to learn, play
and grow.”
Teresa Morgan, Hardin County Schools
superintendent, at an event honoring the
district for helping Radcliff Head Start after its
facility was severely damaged during the winter.
From the News-Enterprise
Sarah Anthony
“Some of our
families have
the same needs
that our students
have, so without
having somebody
to help guide them through the
process, it's overwhelming. It was
easy for them to just throw up their
hands and walk away, and then that
left our precious students without
needed services to keep going.”
Sarah Anthony, Paducah Independent
Schools director of special programs, on the
district hosting a night to share information
and resources for parents of children with
individualized education plans.
From WPSD-TV, Paducah
6 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
“This is not ordinary. This is
significant. This group is happy,
hard-working and dependable, and
it shows. None of this happens without
the time and incredible dedication from
the coaches.”
Dave Caniff, principal at Russell High School, Russell Independent Schools,
praising academic team students and coaches for winning their division
at the National Academic Quiz Tournament in Chicago.
From The Daily Independent, Ashland
Brandi Litteral
“They start
pounding those
hammers and
get to work. It’s
a fun day to
give back to the
community.”
Brandi Litteral, Greenup County School of
Innovation’s principal, highlighting the work of
more than 90 middle and high school students
constructing wall frames for Habitat for
Humanity. This is the district’s fifth year helping
the nonprofit organization.
From The Daily Independent, Ashland
Randy Neeley
“This means that
each school has
trained staff
on a team that
can respond to
a cardiac event
on campus. The nurses have a big
job all day every day. They have
gone above and beyond to do
what this is.”
Randy Neeley, Madison County Schools
superintendent, announcing that each of the
district’s 21 schools are now designated a Heart
Safe School through Project Adam.
From the Richmond Register
Chris Meadows
“I am so proud of
these students
and the work that
the schools are
doing … to honor
those that have
gone before them.”
Chris Meadows, Magoffin County Schools
superintendent, praising middle school students
for their “Treasury Trees” project, which
features apple trees at the school planted next
to plaques memorializing community leaders.
From WYMT-TV, Hazard
Matthew
Madding
“We're very
thankful and
honored to have
received this
award. We do
have many people in our district
that are doing a lot of work to
make that successful, so I want to
thank everyone that has played a
role in that work for our district.”
Matthew Madding, Graves County Schools
superintendent, on the district winning the
West Kentucky Educational Cooperative’s
inaugural model district award for student
intervention and outcome prevention.
From The Mayfield Messenger
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 7
8 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
Board members see mixed results in
primary, several educators move on to
general election
STAFF REPORT
Several current and former board
members saw mixed results in the
May primary election as they sought
higher office.
Marion County
Schools board member
Carrie Truitt won the
Democratic primary
for the state’s 14th
Senate district with
73% of the vote. In that
district’s Republican
primary, Spencer
County Schools board
member Lynn Shelburne lost her bid
to advance to the general election in
the seven-person race. Truitt, who has
served on the Marion Co. board for nine
years, will now face Republican Ben
Mudd in November.
With 58% of the vote, former
Jefferson County
Schools board
member Sarah Cole
McIntosh defeated
Luke Whitehead
in the Democratic
primary for the 36th
Senate District, which
is located in eastern
Jefferson County.
McIntosh, whose career includes
16 years as a teacher, will now face
Republican incumbent Julie Raque
Adams in November.
LaRue County Schools board member
Farrah Pruitt did not succeed in her bid
to become the Republican nominee for
that county’s race for judge/executive.
Pruitt, who has served on the LaRue
County board for 12 years, was defeated
by current Judge/Executive Blake
Durrett, who received 58% of the vote
in the four-person race.
Mitra Subedi, a
high school teacher
for Jefferson County
Schools, also won
a three-person
Democratic primary
race in Jefferson
County and will
face no Republican
opposition to serve the
30th House District. Subedi received
45% of the primary vote, which was
enough to defeat embattled incumbent
Daniel Grossberg.
Robert LeVertis
Bell won the open
43rd House District
on primary night
with 55% of the vote,
and will not face
Republican opposition
in November. The
Jefferson County
Schools teacher, who
is a member of the Democratic Socialist
party, sought the Jefferson County seat
when incumbent Pamela Stevenson
chose to run for the U.S. Senate.
More educators could join
General Assembly after
November election
At least five others educators will be
on the ballot for the General Assembly
in November. Those
include:
Killian Timoney,
who previously
served two terms as
state representative
for the 45th House
District, which includes
portions of Fayette and
Jessamine counties. He
Former Pendleton
County Schools
and Campbell
County Schools
superintendent
Anthony Strong will
become Pendleton
County judge/
executive. Strong
received 41% of the
vote in the four-person Republican
primary. There are no Democratic
candidates in the general election.
Another longtime
educator and current
state representative
lost her Republican
primary by only 13
votes in a three-person
race. State Rep. Kim
Banta of the 63rd
House District in
Northern Kentucky
was first elected in 2019 and is current
chair of the House Budget Review
Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary
Education and Workforce Development.
Her career includes time spent as a
teacher, principal and Kenton County
Schools’ assistant superintendent.
Beverly Chester Burton, whose career
includes working as a
teacher for Jefferson
County Schools and
serving as Shively’s
mayor, lost the chance
to serve the 44th House
District for a third term
by five votes to Kenya
Wade in a three-person
Democratic primary
race. Wade is set to be the Jefferson
County district’s next representative,
because no Republican filed to run.
Strong
Truitt
McIntosh
Timoney
Banta
Wade
Subedi
Bell
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 9
859.273.3700
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lost in 2024 in the Republican primary,
but had no primary opposition this year.
He will face state Representative Adam
Moore in the fall.
Timoney has spent much of his
career as a teacher, assistant principal,
director of plant operations and
special projects coordinator for Fayette
County Schools, and he also was an
elementary school associate principal
for Jefferson County Schools.
Katrina Sexton, a
Mercer County Schools
high school teacher,
will face state Rep.
Kim King to serve the
55th House District,
which includes Mercer,
Washington and a
portion of Jessamine
counties. Sexton won
her Democratic primary race with 58%
of the vote.
Stephanie White,
a teacher at North
Oldham County High
School who has also
taught for Jefferson
County Schools,
won her Democratic
primary for Oldham
County’s 59th House
District with 81%
of the vote. She will now face House
Speaker David Osborne in November.
Wilanne Stangel
won her race to be the
Democratic nominee
for the 69th House
District with 53%
of the vote. She will
face current state
Rep. Steven Doan
in November to
determine who will
serve the seat that is split between
Boone and Kenton counties. Stangel is
a lifelong Erlanger resident who has
spent 18 years working in public and
private schools.
Pamela Lewis,
who has spent 15
years as a public
school teacher, was
unopposed in her race
to be the Democratic
nominee for the 96th
House District, which
includes all of Carter
and Lewis counties
and a portion of Boyd County. It is
represented by Republican Rep. Patrick
Flannery, who had no Republican
opposition in the primary.
Sexton
White
Stangel
Lewis
Matt Gumm | 270.651.8848 | mgumm@alliancecorporation.com
How can we help?
Kentucky Public School Districts Served
Kentucky Public School Projects Completed
Years of Construction Management Experience
Kentucky Public School Construction Management Projects
178
50
303
75
BOWLING GREEN HIGH SCHOOL, BOWLING GREEN, KY
SCHOOLS
KENTUCKY
BUILDING
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 11
SLI offers summer learning,
connection with colleagues
STAFF REPORT
KSBA will host the 2026 Summer
Leadership Institute (SLI) on July 10-11
at Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington,
giving school board members
an opportunity to meet training
requirements, learn more about
issues affecting public education and
reconnect with their colleagues from
across the Commonwealth.
SLI is one of KSBA’s three yearly
conferences and will be the first since
the end of a consequential legislative
session that made changes to board
training, district tax policy, education
accountability and resulted in a new
state spending plan for the next two
school years.
“The summer conference offers
a perfect balance of professional
development and meaningful
connections with colleagues and
education leaders from across the
Commonwealth,” said Matt McCarty,
KSBA director of Board Team
Development. “This year’s SLI once
again features a wide variety of
workshop sessions, while the relaxed
setting creates valuable opportunities
to network, share ideas and learn
from peers.”
The two-day event will include 22
workshops and two general sessions.
Scheduled presenters include Michelle
Gross, the 2026 Kentucky Teacher
of the Year; Kentucky Education
Commissioner Robbie Fletcher and
Associate Commissioner Jennifer
Stafford; local school leaders; KSBA
staff; and representatives from
businesses and civic organizations
focused on school safety, mental health
and school facilities.
Board members could earn up to
10 hours of state-mandated training
requirements, while learning more
about changes to those requirements
that will take effect when a new state
law becomes official on July 15. (Learn
more about the new requirements on
page 26.)
This year’s trade show will feature
more than 30 vendors that offer
services in such areas as construction,
energy, insurance and finance.
General sessions spotlight
SLI will begin with a
7 a.m. ET continental
breakfast on Friday
and wrap up at 12:30
p.m. on Saturday.
Friday’s opening
session will feature
Gross discussing
the impact of House Bill 257, a major
update the General Assembly made this
year to Kentucky’s school accountability
and assessment system.
Saturday’s plenary session will
feature a panel discussion on the
school board’s role in overseeing the
district’s finances.
The workshops will cover a variety
of topics, including ethics and finance
training; a legislative update; artificial
intelligence’s multi-faceted impact on
education; school safety; and the open
meetings and open records laws.
In addition to serving school
board members, SLI will also host
the Kentucky Organization of
Superintendents’ Administrative
Assistants’ summer conference
on Friday.
For a complete conference schedule
and to register online, please scan the
QR code or visit ksba.org.
Gross
For a complete conference
schedule and to register
online.
12 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
New superintendent hires
STAFF REPORT
Garrard County
Schools
Garrard County
Schools Board of
Education has selected
Kalem Grasham to
be the district’s next
superintendent, beginning July 1. He
replaces Kevin Stull, who is retiring.
“The board selected Dr. Grasham
because of his extensive familiarity
with Garrard County Schools and
his demonstrated leadership within
the district,” said board chair Jerry
Browning. “We are confident that
his experience, relationships, and
understanding of our system position
him as the ideal choice to lead a smooth
transition and ensure continued
consistency as we move forward.”
Grasham currently serves as
director of federal programs and
previously has been a teacher,
assistant principal and principal in
the district for 27 years.
“This opportunity is deeply personal
to me,” Grasham said. “I am incredibly
proud of this community and grateful
for the trust that has been placed in me
to lead our school district forward.”
Green County
Schools
Citing his 25-year
career serving the
district, the Green
County Schools Board
of Education recently
hired Ben Davenport to be its next
superintendent, beginning July 1. He
succeeds Will Hodges, who is retiring.
“Mr. Davenport has dedicated his
career to serving Green County Schools
and has consistently demonstrated
strong leadership, integrity, and a deep
commitment to our students and staff,”
board chair Marcy Goff said. “The board
of education is excited about the future
of our district under his leadership and
believes his experience, relationships
and vision will continue moving Green
County Schools in a positive direction.”
Davenport said he is honored by the
opportunity to serve as superintendent.
“Green County has always been home
to me, and I am incredibly grateful for
the trust placed in me by the board of
education,” he said.
Davenport currently is assistant
superintendent, and prior to that
was a teacher, director, assistant
principal and principal at several
Green County schools.
Monroe County
Schools
In mid-April, the
Monroe County
Schools board hired
Kevin Cloyd to be its
next superintendent.
He replaces Amy Thompson, who is
retiring this summer.
Cloyd previously worked for the
district, serving as its director for
transportation and school safety.
“Mr. Cloyd comes to us with many
years of valuable experience in
leadership and education,” the district
stated in a release. “His commitment
to student success is well-known, and
we’re so excited to see the impact he’ll
have here. We can’t wait to see what the
future holds under his guidance.”
Muhlenberg County
Schools
The Muhlenberg
County Schools board
has hired Brian
Lile as the district’s
superintendent, effective
July 1. He replaces Contessa Orr, who
has led the district since 2022.
Lile is a Muhlenberg South High
School graduate and has dedicated
his career to working for the
district, beginning as a math teacher
25 years ago and later serving
as assistant principal, principal,
instructional supervisor and human
resource director.
“I am deeply honored and
humbled to have been named the
next superintendent of our school
district,” Lile said. “This is an incredible
opportunity, and I am grateful to the
board of education for their trust and
confidence in me to serve our students,
staff, and community in this role. …
Education changes lives, and I am
committed to doing everything I can
to help create opportunities for every
student to succeed. I cannot wait to
get started and begin this next chapter
together with our community.”
Walton-Verona
Independent
Schools
The Walton-Verona
Independent Schools
board has hired Dylan
Smith to be the district’s
new superintendent. He begins his
tenure on July 1, succeeding Matt Baker,
who is retiring.
Smith has spent more than 20
years in education, most recently as
assistant superintendent for student
learning at Oldham County Schools.
Prior to that, he was principal of North
Oldham Middle School and served
in several other educational roles in
New Orleans, Washington State and
California. His career began as a Teach
For America corps member in New
York City public schools.
In a video introducing himself to the
district, Smith said the community drew
him to Walton-Verona Independent.
“This was a place I wanted to be with
people I wanted to work alongside,” he
said. “So, my commitment to you is this:
I will be present, I will listen, and I will
do everything I can to make our schools
places where your children thrive.”
KSBA’s Superintendent Search Service
assisted the board in the hiring of its
new superintendent.
Grasham
Davenport
Cloyd
Lile
Smith
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 13
For school board members, few
moments are more rewarding than
graduation day.
The ceremonies mark the cul
mination of years of work, plan
ning and commitment to ensuring
students have the opportunities
and support they need to succeed.
While board members’ focus is
typically on the future, graduation
offers a chance to pause and cele
brate what has been accomplished.
It’s a reminder of the impact that
strong schools, dedicated educa
tors and supportive communities
have on young people’s lives.
For many board members, the
connection to graduating seniors
extends beyond participation in
commencements. Throughout the
year, they have volunteered at senior
celebrations, helped organize Proj
ect Graduation events, participated
in defenses of learning – where
students showcase the knowledge,
skills and growth they have devel
oped – and, in at least one case,
hosted a senior foreign exchange
student. Their involvement demon
strates the deep commitment board
members have to the schools, stu
dents and communities they serve.
This year, graduation carries an
even deeper meaning for some
board members. Along with cel
ebrating the accomplishments of
an entire graduating class, they are
also cheering for their own sons,
daughters and grandchildren as they
cross the stage.
Join us in celebrating the Class
of 2026 and the dedicated board
members who helped make their
success possible.
A season of pride and possibility
G R A D UAT I O N
Todd County High School students celebrate graduation.
Franklin County Schools superintendent Mark Kopp with board members Natalie Lile, Chuck Fletcher and
Jennifer Kantner in a downpour during the Western Hills High School graduation.
14 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
Walton-Verona Independent Schools Superintendent Matt Baker (back middle), and board members Aubrey
Ryan, Megan Jones Dames, James Dixon, Heather Stewart and David Turner take a selfie at graduation.
Madison County Schools graduates toss their caps in the air.
Hart County Schools Superintendent Bo Chenoweth, board members
Thomas Hockensmith, Wesley Hodges, Tina Rutledge, Leslie Jeffries and
Andrea Robertson.
Warren County Schools Board of Education members Jennifer Kashm, Adam
Jackson, Thomas Manco, Amy Duvall, and Gary Chaffin and Superintendent Rob
Clayton prepare for the district’s five graduation ceremonies.
Todd County Schools board members Eric Harris, Joshua Mosby, Greg Russell,
Andrea Jones and Todd Thomas at the district’s graduation ceremony.
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 15
Angela Parsons-Woods: Reviving a graduation tradition
Rockcastle County Schools board
member Angela Parsons-Woods
has fond memories of spending
her high school graduation night
locked in the school’s gym with
most of her classmates.
For many years, Rockcastle County
High School held a Project Graduation
event. The all-night lock-ins began
in the 1980s as a way to keep teens
safe on graduation night. But about
15 years ago, the Rockcastle’s event
petered out.
When her daughter, Sydney, started
high school four years ago, Parsons-
Woods vowed to bring it back by her
senior year.
“I had tried to talk other parents
into doing it before my daughter’s
year, but you know, nobody really
wanted to pick it up, so as soon as she
became a senior, I’m like, here we go,”
she said.
For the past year, Parsons-Woods
and other parents planned, raised
money, and sought out donated prizes
to revive the event and make it a night
students won’t forget.
But after the many-years hiatus,
one of the biggest challenges was
convincing the seniors to attend.
“We’ve had to hype it up because
they’ve not known of a Project
Grad,” said Parson-Woods, who
pitched the event during an
assembly. Other parents made a
promo video touting the event’s
silent disco, mechanical bull, photo
booth, golf simulator and the prizes,
including $100 cash per student.
Eventually, about 80% of the class
agreed to attend.
Project Graduation wasn’t the first
time Woods went above and beyond
for her district’s seniors. During
the COVID-19 pandemic, before she
joined the board, Parsons-Woods
organized Quaranteens, a community
effort to give cash and other gifts to
seniors who were not able to have
a typical graduation. Then in 2021,
she helped lead a similar effort called
“Masked Seniors.”
“I guess I have a special place in my
heart for the seniors,” she said. “I just
wanted to make sure that they all are
recognized, and that’s why I wanted
to really do Project Graduation again.
It’s such a fun thing for them.”
When the moment finally came on
May 26, Parsons-Woods spent the
entire night volunteering at the event.
Now that the students, parents and
community are re-acquainted with
the event, she expects it will carry on.
“It’s such a good thing. The
community has done so well that it
can sustain, and I think they’ll do it
again,” said Parsons-Woods, whose
son will be a freshman in the fall.
“I’m super hopeful that it will, and it
definitely will in four years, because
I’ll be back.”
Shelby County Schools district administrators (back row) Andy Moore, Jill Tingle, and Adam Hicks
with board members Brenda Jackson, Sarah Reed, (front row) Sonya Blackburn, Joanna Freels,
Andrew Cline and Superintendent Josh Matthews.
Rowan County Schools Superintendent Michael Rowe,
Assistant Superintendent Brandy Carver and board
members Gabe Brown, Brenda Stamm, Megan Boone and
Brad Raines.
16 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
When Franklin County Schools
board member Natalie Lile was
first asked if her family would be
interested in hosting an exchange
student, the timing wasn’t right. With
young children at home there just
wasn’t room.
She didn’t hesitate when asked
again five years ago, though.
“Our kids had just graduated, and
we thought, ‘heck, yeah, let’s try this
out,’” she said.
That experience was so rewarding,
she and her family didn’t stop
there. They have welcomed nine
international students, and now she’s
the one doing the calling as a program
coordinator. Lile estimated she’s
helped make 20 placements.
For her family, the most recent was
Alessandro Orsi, who calls Milan,
Italy, home but spent the past school
year learning at Western Hills High
School. In a recent interview with
Frankfort’s State-Journal, he said that
while he experienced some expected
cultural differences, “the people are
very similar. It’s just the language that
changes.”
Lile encouraged Orsi to try a variety
of extracurricular activities, leading
him to baseball briefly and then
volleyball, tennis and band, where
he learned the trombone and rose to
second chair. She said he proved to
be especially good on the quick recall
team, only struggling at the start
when he used Italian, rather than
English, pronunciations for proper
nouns.
At home, she tries to maintain the
same type of rules any teenager could
expect, such as knowing more about
their close friends.
“My goal isn’t to change their basic
values or anything like that,” she said.
“If I have an opportunity to give a
basic life lesson nicely, you know, I
will.”
Franklin County Schools hosted
six exchange students this year,
and seven are lined up for 2026-27.
The benefit, she said, is a two-way
street. Not only are their American
counterparts eager to meet them,
“the teachers really love them, too.
They want them in their classes.
They go out of their way to make sure
they know about all of the different
activities and clubs and everything,”
she said.
While Orsi didn’t officially graduate
from Western Hills, he did take part
in the ceremony and received a
certificate that commemorates his
year as a student. His parents came
from Italy to see him in his cap and
gown, and Lile said his mother talked
“about when I come visit them, not if I
come visit them.”
Orsi told the State-Journal that he
and his fellow exchange students got
to be very close.
“We all miss our home, we all miss
our parents, obviously our families,
but at the same time, all the friends,
all the things we’ve done here, they
matter,” he said.
Lile said she would be happy to help
other school board members across
Kentucky learn more about hosting an
exchange student.
Those interested can email her at
Natalie.Lile@franklin.kyschools.us.
Natalie Lile: Expanding horizons by hosting exchange students
Woodford County Schools Superintendent Lori Jones (front left) walks with
board chair Adam Brickler and board members Sarah McCoun and K.T. Gould to
the district’s gradation.
Livingston Central High School Principal Randy Layne addresses students while
Livingston County Schools board members Tony Sanders, Christine Thompson,
Tammy Sayle, Terry Watson and David Kitchens look on.
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 17
For Peggy Schultz, chair of Campbell
County Schools Board of Education,
the final weeks of the school year
are about more than getting ready
for graduation; it’s also when she
volunteers to assess how well seniors
– as well as 5th and 8th graders – are
meeting the district’s learning goals.
Students give their “transition
defenses” when they complete
elementary, middle and high
school, highlighting not just their
academic gains, but how that
experience has prepared them for
the challenges ahead.
The focus for seniors this year
was on the traits that will serve
them well for the rest of their lives:
communication, collaboration,
resiliency and thinking critically.
“Through these presentations,” the
district posted online in late April,
“our seniors didn’t just check a box…
they told their story.”
Since joining the school board in
2019, Schultz has seen many of this
year’s graduates speak before. The
change from nervous 5th graders to
more confident seniors “makes your
heart full. … It’s just so phenomenal to
watch them,” she said.
The district offers more than 30
pathways to graduate, with some
featuring AP and dual-credit courses
and others providing technical
training that can often lead directly to
a career.
“I think Campbell County
totally prepares every student,
so that everybody has the equal
opportunity to be successful,”
Schultz said. “I think the talent
across the board is phenomenal.”
Her own children’s education made
it clear to Schultz how important it
is for schools to take a multi-faceted
approach to learning. One child
struggled early in reading before
ultimately getting her Ph.D., while
another made it through school easily
and the third pursued classes that led
to his becoming an electrician.
Schultz’s own involvement in
the schools began as a parent
volunteer, but after attending several
school board meetings and getting
encouragement from family and
friends, she ran for and won a seat on
the board, eventually becoming chair
two years ago. Taking on this new
role, though, didn’t mean an end to
volunteering.
“I try to get out in the community
as much as I can,” she said, with
Superintendent Shelli Wilson
adding that Schultz is “a constant
presence at athletic events,
student and staff recognitions, and
graduation ceremonies.”
Schultz said this hands-on
approach has “helped me become
a better school board member,”
because seeing how decisions on
paper become reality “just brings
everything to light.”
Few things do that better than the
transition-defense projects, which
encapsulate everything the district
is trying to achieve for the students
they serve.
“I will say that they all are ready
for their pathways,” she said.
“Whatever life throws at them, (they)
are going to be able to succeed or get
over the hurdle.”
Peggy Schultz: Assessing the outcomes
Murray Independent Schools Superintendent David Meinschein, (third from left)
at graduation with board members Robyn Pizzo, Shawn Smee and Richard Crouch.
18 Kentucky School Advocate | June 2026
Members
celebrate
their own
graduates
Henry County Schools board
member Lori Abney awards a high
school diploma to her son Isaac.
Ludlow Independent Schools
board member Shelly Mays hands a
diploma to her son Jackson.
Bullitt County Schools board
member Marci Hodges with her
daughter Hannah Faircloth as she
graduates from Bullitt Central High
School.
Ludlow Independent Schools board
member Melanie Hazlewood with
her son Colin Anicka.
Henry County Schools board
member Danney Chisholm awards
a high school diploma to his
granddaughter Amber.
Ludlow Independent Schools board
member Wes Dorger with his
daughter Ruby.
Breathitt County Schools board
chair Ruschelle Hamilton presents
her daughter, Audrynn, with her
diploma at Breathitt County High
School’s graduation.
Morgan County Schools board
member Michael Gevedon with his
son Aidan.
Ft. Thomas Independent Schools
board chair Julie Kuhnhe presents
a diploma to her daughter Annie
during the Highlands High School
graduation ceremony.
Muhlenberg County Schools
board member Rajiv Johar proudly
presents his son Eashan with his
diploma.
Crittenden County Schools
board member Tim Grau hugs
his daughter Aubrey during
commencement exercises.
Morgan County Schools board
member Ricky Pennington with his
daughter Danielle.
Crittenden County Schools
board member Ryan McDaniel
with his daughter Elle during
commencement exercises.
Richard Crouch, Murray
Independent Schools Board of
Education chair, and grandson,
Kellen, at the 2026 Murray High
School commencement ceremony.
Leslie County Schools Board of
Education chair Lonnie Napier
presents a diploma to his
granddaughter Ava.
June 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 19
Casey County Schools board
member Tim Childers preparing for
the graduation walk with his son Eli.
Rockcastle County Schools board
member Angela Parsons-Woods
presents her daughter Sydney with
her diploma.
Marion County Schools Board of
Education member Carrie Truitt
with her son Jackson at the Marion
County High School graduation.
Whitley County Schools board
member Paula Grubb presents her
son Lucas with his diploma.
Casey County Schools board chair
Terry Price with her granddaughter
Elizabeth Forbes (in front) and
friends at graduation.
Shelby County Schools board
member Andrew Cline with his son
Andrew at Martha Layne Collins
High School graduation.
Williamsburg Independent
Schools Superintendent Tabetha
Housekeeper, with her twin sons,
(left) Zaden, co-valedictorian and
(right) Zyler, Kentucky State Pole
Vault winner.
Madison County Schools board
chair Lori Cobb hands her daughter
Marlee her diploma.
Oldham County Schools board
member Adam Springer presents his
son Aeson with his diploma.
Somerset Independent Schools
board member Paula J. Wheeler
with her son Braxton at the district’s
graduation.
Mason County Schools board
member Vicky Lowe presents a
diploma to her grandson Hunter.
Paducah Tilghman High School
salutatorian Lucy LeBuhn receives
her diploma from her father, Carl
LeBuhn, chair of the Paducah
Independent Schools Board of
Education.
Hickman County Schools board
member Stephanie Grubbs hands
a diploma to her stepson Kaden
at Hickman County High School’s
graduation.
Mayfield Independent Schools Board of Education members, including member
Joe Green, look on as graduates, including Green’s daughter, Olivia, enter the
commencement ceremony.
Whitley County Schools board
member Paula Grubb presents her
son Logan with his diploma.
ALIGNED
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