SEPTEMBER 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
EDUCATION BRIEFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
IN CONVERSATION WITH . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
IN MEMORIAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 2
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Follow KSBA for education news, association updates, upcoming events and more
/company/ksba
ksba.org
9
Inaugural innovation
Covington Independent Schools is the
first Kentucky district designated a
“School of Innovation” under a new state
pilot program. The Kentucky Board of
Education’s unanimous Aug. 25 vote
makes the district eligible for $2.5 million
in state funding and grants flexibility in
select areas.
11 Regional meetings
KSBA’s Regional Meetings continue across
the Commonwealth bringing board
members and superintendents together
with their colleagues closer to home.
Here’s a look at some of the faces and
conversations from this year’s gatherings.
12 Back to the books
A new school year brings fresh beginnings,
new opportunities and plenty of
excitement. Across Kentucky, school board
members and superintendents welcomed
back students for another year of learning.
14 SGO how to
A new federal scholarship tax credit
program is taking shape in Kentucky.
Beginning in 2027, taxpayers will be
able to receive a federal tax credit for
donations to qualified scholarship-
granting organizations. See how SGOs
could benefit public school students and
how to form one.
/KSBAnews
@KSBAnews
PG 9
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 3
PG 12
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.
Carmela Fletcher-Green,
Montgomery Co.
John Matt Fourshee,
Carlisle Co.
Joanna Freels,
Shelby Co.
Debbie Hammers,
Butler Co.
Venita Murphy,
Webster 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
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.
Jim Mullen,
Trigg Co.
Kathleen Price,
Martin Co.
Mark Rich,
Edmonson Co.
Christine Thompson,
Livingston Co.
Allie Wright,
Trimble Co.
4 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
There is always a sense of excitement when a new school year begins. Across Kentucky, all 171
school districts have now welcomed students back to their classrooms, although the first day
of school looked a little different on the calendar depending on where you live. The first district
began the year on Aug. 3, while the final district opened its doors Aug. 27. And in between, some
districts delayed the first day of school because of storms, while others had to cancel classes just
as soon as their year got started. Thankfully, in my district, everything started smoothly on Aug.
24.
But no matter when that first bell rang, a new school year represents a fresh opportunity – an
opportunity to learn, grow and build on the successes of the year before.
I am now in my 28th year of service on a local school board, and I continue to be amazed by
the dedication of the people who make our public schools work every day. From teachers and
principals to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, custodians, administrators and countless others, it takes
an entire community to create a successful school environment for our children. As school board members, we have the
privilege of supporting that work and helping ensure our schools have what they need to serve every student.
One area I am especially excited about this year is early childhood education. Several districts across Kentucky have
expanded their preschool opportunities, recognizing the importance of giving our youngest learners a strong start. The
experiences children have in those early years can help build the academic, social and emotional foundations they will carry
with them throughout their education.
Investing in our youngest students is an investment in the future of our schools and our communities. I am encouraged to
see districts looking for ways to expand these opportunities for children and families.
As we move into this new school year, I also hope we remember the importance of working together. School board service
is about more than making decisions at a board table. It is about listening to our communities, supporting our educators,
celebrating our students and building relationships that help our schools succeed.
Through KSBA, we have opportunities to learn from one another and share ideas with fellow board members from across
the Commonwealth. Whether it be at one of the 12 Regional Meetings across the state or one of KSBA’s conferences,
these gatherings remind us that we are part of something much bigger than our individual districts. They give us the
opportunity to learn from the experiences of others, celebrate successes and build relationships that make us better
school board members.
Our districts may differ in size, geography and the challenges they face, but we share a common purpose: doing what is best
for the students we serve.
There will undoubtedly be challenges this year. There always are. But there will also be countless moments worth
celebrating – a student discovering a love of reading, a teacher making a difference, a graduate reaching a goal or a school
community coming together to support its children.
As we begin this journey together, let’s focus on those opportunities. Let’s support one another, listen to our communities
and keep students at the center of every decision.
Most of all, let’s approach this school year with optimism, energy and a commitment to making a difference.
Let’s make this an amazing year.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Pamela Morehead,
KSBA President
Eminence Independent Schools board member
Let’s make it an amazing year
Call for proposals to present at
KSBA’s Annual Conference
KSBA will begin accepting workshop
proposals on Sept. 15 for its 2027 Annu
al Conference, scheduled for Feb. 19-21
in Louisville. Most workshop sessions
will be 75 minutes, with a limited num
ber of three-hour sessions available.
Workshop proposals should focus on
sharing successful district programs,
innovative practices, research, lessons
learned or topics of importance to
school board members and education
leaders. The goal is to provide attend
ees with practical insights, strategies
and information they can apply in their
own districts.
"One of the greatest strengths of
KSBA’s Annual Conference is the
opportunity to learn directly from
educators, board members and school
leaders across Kentucky," said Matt
McCarty, KSBA director of Board
Team Development. "Every district
has experiences and successes that
can benefit others. By inviting propos
als from a wide range of voices and
perspectives, we create learning op
portunities that are practical, relevant
and reflective of the challenges and
innovations taking place in districts
throughout the Commonwealth."
All proposals must be submitted
by Oct. 15. A link to submit proposals
online will be available at ksba.org
beginning Sept. 15.
Questions may be directed to
training@ksba.org.
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 5
TAKE NOTE
Young elected KBE chair,
Bloodworth vice chair
The Kentucky Board of
Education voted unani
mously on Aug. 5 to elect
Lu S. Young as chair, a
role she has previously
held, and Holly Blood
worth as vice chair.
Young replaced former
chair Sharon Porter
Robinson, who remains
on the board and who
Young said “is selflessly
committed to the best
interest of the 650,000
students we serve across
the Commonwealth of
Kentucky.” Under a new
law, Young’s role as chair is subject to
Senate confirmation.
Both Young and Bloodworth have
served on KBE since 2019. Young has
spent more than 30 years in public
education, including as superintendent
of Jessamine County Schools from
2004 to 2013 and now as a professor
with the University of Kentucky’s
College of Education.
Bloodworth has also worked more
than 30 years in public education and
was the 2014 Kentucky Teacher of the
Year. In her remarks, she praised her
fellow board members, who included
two newly appointed members and two
others recently chosen to represent
teachers and students.
“Just looking around at the new
members of this board, it’s exciting to
see the gifts and talents that you’re go
ing to be bringing to this team,” Blood
worth said.
Jefferson County school board
sues over SB1
In mid-July, the Jefferson County
Schools Board of Education sued to
stop provisions of Senate Bill 1, a
new law enacted to limit the board’s
authority over the district. The lawsuit
says the law is “virtually identical” to a
2022 law struck down by the Kentucky
Supreme Court.
WDRB-TV reported that a judge
granted a temporary injunction of the
contested portions of SB 1 the day after
the board sued. Attorney General Rus
sell Coleman and Education Commis
sioner Robbie Fletcher are defendants.
Under the law, the JCPS superinten
dent would have the ability to approve
purchases up to $250,000 without
board approval, and it would take a
two-thirds vote to override the superin
tendent on many other administrative
actions. That threshold would be four
votes, because another new law this
year reduced the board from seven to
five members.
In a statement to the Louisville sta
tion, chair Corrie Shull said Jefferson
County voters should have the right to
elect board members with the same
authority as in every other public
school district.
“These constant power grabs by
the state legislature don’t help our
classrooms,” he added. “They are just
a distraction from our real work of
supporting students and closing the
achievement gap.”
Attorney General Coleman said in a
statement that his office “will vigorously
defend the General Assembly’s leader
ship structure for Jefferson County Pub
lic Schools to promote quality education
for all Kentucky students.”
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
Young
Bloodworth
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
“We are grateful to the
WHAS Crusade for Children
for their continued commitment to
improving educational opportunities
for students with special needs. This
funding will provide valuable tools that
help ensure every student has access
to the resources they need to learn,
communicate and thrive.”
Kevin Stephens, Marshall County Schools director of Special Education, on the
district receiving a $6,000 grant from WHAS Crusade for Children that will
be used to purchase equipment to help students with disabilities.
From Facebook
Courtney
Quire
“Surpassing
100,000 meals is
a major milestone
for our district,
and it directly
reflects our team’s effort to meet
families where they are. Over the
last couple of years, we recognized
that traditional, on-site dining
wasn’t always accessible for every
family due to work schedules,
childcare or transportation
challenges.”
Courtney Quire, Woodford County Schools
director of Food Service, on the district’s free
summer meal program, which nearly doubled
2025’s total.
From Facebook
Amy Irwin
“Our students
continue to show
what is possible
when they are
challenged
to pursue
excellence. We are incredibly
proud of each of them and grateful
to the teachers, Beta sponsors and
families who helped make these
achievements possible.”
Amy Irwin, Barren County Schools
superintendent, praising district students
who attended the 2026 National Beta
Convention in Nashville.
From WBKO-TV
Brian
Yearwood
“This is a special
moment for our
district. To now
open a unified
campus that
strengthens belonging, pride and
academic excellence for these
young men is deeply meaningful.”
Brian Yearwood, Jefferson County Schools
superintendent, on the new $62 million W.E.B.
DuBois Academy building, the first new high
school facility in the district since 1968.
From WDRB-TV
Will Black
“We’re engaging
teachers across
the K-12
spectrum on
this. We have a
team working
on developing project-based
learning units related to solar
energy. Some of those projects
would involve kids actually going
out, visiting the site (and) maybe
doing a scavenger hunt on the site
based on what they see there.”
Will Black, Paducah Independent Schools
assistant superintendent, on the district’s
new solar field, which was built on the site
of a former high school with a $875,000
federal grant and which will supply
electricity to the community.
From WPSD-TV
6 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
“We’re all really excited.
We think this is a huge thing
– that this alternate diploma will
give so many more opportunities
for students and really recognize the
work that they have done.”
Jeni Ward, Fayette County Schools special education teacher, on a new
law that will provide an alternative high school diploma for special-
needs students.
From WKYT-TV
Russell
Thompson
“We have had
children drink an
energy drink at
lunch or breakfast
and begin showing
symptoms like chest pain, a very fast
heartbeat, or trouble breathing.
We want our students to be safe
and healthy as possible at Pineville
Independent.”
Russell Thompson, Pineville Independent
Schools superintendent, on the district
banning energy drinks on school property
during school days.
From the Lexington Herald-Leader
Tim Hall
“The facilities
plan shows that
schools across
the district have
important needs.
We are thankful
for the support Logan County
has always shown our students
and schools, and we encourage
everyone to learn more and vote.”
Tim Hall, Logan County Schools board chair,
on a nickel-levy vote set for November, which
would provide funding to help address more
than $60 million in facility needs.
From Franklin Favorite
Tim Schlosser
“I really believe
it will be a great
addition to our
community
and something
that everyone in
Franklin and Simpson County will
be proud of.”
Tim Schlosser, Simpson County Schools
superintendent, announcing a $45 million high
school and central office project that will take
four years to build.
From the Franklin Favorite
Barry Lee
“Around mid-
June, we realized
that we were in
a pretty severe
water crisis. So
looking at our
school schedule and conservation
efforts within the county, we
decided that it would be best to
push back a week.”
Barry Lee, Casey County Schools
superintendent, on drought conditions
causing the district to schedule a later
opening date.
From WLEX-TV
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 7
8 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
LEADERS IN
FUTURE FOCUSED
DESIGN
INNOVATE
ADVOCATE
INSPIRE
3205 SUMMIT SQUARE PLACE, LEXINGTON, KY
859-264-9860
SNOEL@SUMMIT-AE.COM
WWW.SUMMIT-AE.COM
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 9
Covington Independent first district
approved under ‘Schools of Innovation’ law
By Brian Wilkerson | Staff writer
After a two-and-a-half hour special
meeting, the Kentucky Board of
Education (KBE) voted unanimously
on Aug. 25 to designate Covington
Independent Schools as the
Commonwealth’s first district with
“Schools of Innovation.”
The vote will allow the district to
obtain $2.5 million in state funding,
which under a new state law is to be
distributed to EducateNKY Inc. to be
used for the “support and operation
of schools of innovation” in Covington
Independent. EducateNKy is a Northern
Kentucky nonprofit that, according
to its website, is “looking to build
collaboration that will lead to robust
public/private partnerships.”
The General Assembly first enacted
the “Schools of Innovation” law in 2025
to give public schools a chance to seek
waivers of laws and regulations in order
to boost learning outcomes. Covington
Independent applied this past year, but
KBE denied the request.
This year’s Senate Bill 263 –
sponsored by Senate Education
Committee Chair Stephen West, R-Paris
– created a three-year pilot program,
specifying that Covington Independent
must apply by Aug 1. Other districts can
apply for two additional pilot programs
set for the 2027-28 school year.
Under the law, KBE has 30 days either
to approve or deny the waiver requests.
At the Aug. 5-6 meeting, KBE members
chose to hold a special meeting so
they would have more time to review
Covington’s application, submitted on
July 31.
The district’s application covered its
eight schools and sought seven waivers
- two involving school calendars
and five others affecting school-
based decision making councils, the
single-salary schedule for teachers,
assessment/accountability, truancy
referral and teacher certification.
KBE Chair Lu Young
remarked that the
application contained
few specifics,
but Covington
Independent board
chair Tom Haggard
pointed to the law’s
strict timelines and the
fact that Superintendent Cortnei Flucas
was hired on July 1, making it difficult
to have a detailed plan in place.
Superintendent Flucas told KBE that
“meaningful innovation calls for all of
our staff and our students, our families
and our community to engage in a
design process that allows their voices
and the vision that they have for our
students to be evident in that plan.”
“We want the flexibility to try
something different, and then we expect
to be held accountable by you and our
community for those results,” added
Haggard, who is also EducateNKY’s vice
president for Community Engagement
and Advocacy. “If something works,
we’re going to build on it. If something
shows promise, we’re going to refine
it. And if the evidence tells us that
something is not working, we should be
willing to change it or stop doing it.”
The two waivers partially approved
will give the district the ability to add
instructional time and to have more
flexibility regarding SBDM timeline
requirements.
KBE denied a waiver involving the
school calendar committee and another
that would have loosened the single-
salary schedule, noting that the latter
could jeopardize SEEK funding.
KBE also rejected a waiver that
would have allowed up to one-fourth
of teachers to be non-certified. That
agreed with a vote on Aug. 18 by the
Education Professional Standards
Board, which said there are multiple
ways to get prospective teachers
certified. Certification also ensures
candidates pass a character and fitness
review, while some laws, such as those
in special education, require it.
KBE did not have enough votes
to approve or deny a waiver giving
the district more leeway in handling
truancy cases involving the courts. The
district sought leniency to help families
whose children may be chronically
absent due to concerns about
immigration enforcement.
KBE did not vote on the waiver
affecting local accountability
assessments, since members said the
district already has the authority it
requests.
KBE’s vote to allow
Covington’s “Schools
of Innovation”
also included a
requirement that it
update KBE regularly.
“This is a huge
initiative for our state
and the legislators
are investing $2.5 million, with the
potential of $5 million with two more
schools,” KBE member Julie Pile said.
“We have to get this right on this one.”
Young
Pile
Haggard
“We want the
flexibility to try
something different,
and then we expect to
be held accountable
by you and our
community for those
results. If something
works, we’re going
to build on it. If something shows
promise, we’re going to refine it. And
if the evidence tells us that something
is not working, we should be willing to
change it or stop doing it.” – Tom Haggard
10 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
Groce
For more than 15 years, KSBA and the KSBA Educational Foundation have
helped high school students jumpstart promising careers and postsecondary
pathways through the association’s college scholarship and CTE student grant
programs. Through the generous support of our members, friends and fellow
public education advocates, thousands in scholarships and grants are made
available to students across Kentucky each year.
The nomination only requires the district to complete a simple online nomina
tion form. Student nominees must meet basic criteria to be eligible.
KY School Board Member
of the Year
KSBA’s School Board Member of the
Year Award (BMOY) was established
in 2021 to honor those who have
made significant contributions to
public education through service on
their local boards; advocacy, commit
ment to public service, governance
best practices and exemplary leader
ship. The BMOY is the association’s highest individual honor.
Previous BMOY winners:
2026 – Shelly Groce, Barren Co.
2025 – Jina Greathouse, Frankfort Ind.
2024 – Mike Waller, Henderson Co.
2023 – Dr. Chandra Varia, Floyd Co.
2022 – Dr. Carl LeBuhn, Paducah Ind.
KOSAA KUP honors superintendents’
administrative assistants
The annual KOSAA KUP (Knowledge, Understanding, and Pas
sion) award was established in 2022 to honor the exemplary
service of Kentucky Organization of Superintendents’ Admin
istrative Assistants (KOSAA) members and to celebrate the
critical roles they play in the advancement of public education.
Previous KUP winner
2026 – Maggie Allen, Floyd Co.
2025 – Robin Newton, Henderson Co.
2024 – Valarie Blair, Johnson Co.
2023 – Stephanie Spence, Barren Co.
PEAK Award honors outstanding
learning initiatives
Established in 1997, the PEAK Award (Public Education
Achieves in Kentucky) recognizes outstanding public school
initiatives that enhance student learning skills and, in doing so,
promote the positive impact of public elementary and second
ary education in the Commonwealth.
2026 – Shelby Co. alternative education program
2024 – Woodford Co. inclusive workspace project
2023 – Franklin Co. alternative education program
2021 – Boone Co. and Kenton Co. collaborative high school
Deadline for all awards is Dec. 14
2027
STUDENT AID | AWARDS
Student scholarship
and grant opportunities
Awards overview
Each fall, KSBA collects nominations for the association’s
awards programs. Winners are announced during the associa
tion’s Annual Conference (February 19-21). Nominations are
now open for the 2027 awards
Visit ksba.org/KSBAAwardsPrograms.aspx
or scan the QR code for more award info
and nomination instructions.
Visit ksbaef.org/studentaid or scan the QR code for more
information and online nominations.
2026 First Degree College Scholarship recipients Gracie Morris (Hickman
Co.), Cayden Hancock (Paducah Ind.) and Destiny Goins (Mercer Co.)
Nominations are now open for KSBA’s First Degree college scholarships and
CTE student grants. Winners will be drawn from pools of eligible nominees and
awarded in spring 2027.
First Degree College Scholarship
Each Kentucky public school district may nominate one male and one female high
school senior for this scholarship. KSBA will award at least four $2,500 scholar
ships, payable to selected students’ two- or four-year undergraduate programs
upon their enrollment. Scholarships are awarded to students who intend to be
the first in their immediate families to complete post-secondary degrees. (Non-
renewable for 2027-28 school year only.)
CTE Student Grants support industry certification
Districts may also nominate one male and one female high school student
(Sophomore, Junior or Senior) for this grant. KSBA will award up to 48 grants
statewide. Grants will be paid directly to selected students to offset costs associ
ated with completion of CTE industry certification (supplies, equipment, books,
assessment fees, etc.).
In the past four years alone, more than 230 high school students from across the
state have been awarded KSBA CTE Student Grants.
Deadline for both scholarships is Nov. 24.
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 11
Regional meetings continue across the state
STAFF REPORT
KSBA’s 2026 Regional Meetings
are underway, bringing school board
members and superintendents
together for an evening of connection,
conversation and professional
learning. The gatherings also provide
an opportunity for school leaders to
interact with state lawmakers, Kentucky
Board of Education members and KSBA
affiliates who join the meetings across
the Commonwealth.
With 12 meetings – one in each KSBA
region – the meetings offer a chance
for board members to share ideas,
strengthen relationships and discuss
the issues affecting Kentucky’s public
schools. This year’s program focuses
on how board members engage in
their communities. Several meetings
remain on the calendar, with the final
gathering scheduled for Sept. 24 in
Barbourville.
Scan the QR code the see the
regional meetings schedule and
find more information.
12 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
Shelby County Schools board member Joanna Freels cuts the ribbon on the newly renovated
Simpsonville Elementary School as board members Brenda Jackson and Sarah Reed look on.
Back to School
On the cover;
Students walk the red carpet on
the first day of school at Boone
County Schools’ North Pointe
Elementary School.
Campbell County Schools Superintendent Adam Ritter greets young
students on track to be seniors in 2039.
Harlan Independent Schools board members Will Miller, Cindy Allison and
Joe Burkhart participate in the district’s Back-to-School Block Party on Aug.
10 along with Superintendent Jennifer Parsons.
Murray Independent Schools Superintendent David Meinschein welcomes
back students on their first day of the new school year.
Bowling Green Independent Schools board chair
Deborah Williams with her grandson Jackson, a
kindergartener and third generation Purple.
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 13
Daviess County Schools Superintendent Charles
Broughton shakes hands with a student on the
district’s first day of school.
Elizabethtown Independent Schools board
member Kim Iman speaks to families at the
district’s PantherFest just before the start of the
new school year.
Metcalfe County board member Daniel Glass
and his son Liam at the Metcalfe County Middle
School Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 17.
Berea Independent Schools Superintendent Ryan Neaves gets a closer look
at a student’s lunchbox.
Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael
A. Ford, left, poses with board of education
members Brenda Higginbotham and Richard
Kazsuk during Russell Springs Elementary
School’s Open House.
Bellevue Independent Schools board member
Jenny Hazeres, left, and Jenn Owens, board chair,
center, along with her daughter Zoe Owens,
serve food at the district’s Back to School Bash
where board members grill hot dogs and serve
them free to the community.
Madison County Schools board member Samantha Burford colors with
students on the first day of school.
Fayette County Schools board member Amy
Green participating in the district’s Stuff the Bus
event.
14 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
Incorporate a
nonprofit in
Kentucky
Earn IRS 501(c)(3)
public charity
status
Earn IRS
501(c)(3)
public charity
status
Become
certified on
Kentucky's SGO
list in Sec. of
State office
Solicit donations to
provide funds for
education expenses
for public school
students
Solicit
applications for
scholarships
Grant
scholarships to
10+ students at
more than one
school
Verify incomes
of recipients are
at/below 300%
of area median
income
Submit yearly
audit to
secretary of
state’s office
Commit 90% of
income to
scholarships
How to start an SGO
During the 2026 session of the General Assembly, lawmakers passed House Bill 1, which enrolled Kentucky
into the new federal scholarship tax credit program created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by
Congress in 2025.
Under the new law, taxpayers in 2027 and beyond will be able to donate up $1,700 annually to qualified
scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit when filing their
tax returns in 2028. Scholarships distributed by SGOs could directly help students with school-related costs
that could include tutoring, academic programs, home internet access and other educational expenses.
In July, Secretary of State Michael Adams filed an administrative regulation to allow nonprofit entities and
foreign nonprofit entities with confirmed tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity status to file an SGO
declaration form. The state will then send a list of SGOs to the federal government by Jan 1, 2027.
The deadline to become an SGO for the 2027 tax year is Nov. 1, 2026.
More federal guidance is expected soon, but for now, here are steps to take to qualify as an SGO:
For the benefit of public school students
Source: Ky. Sec. of State, HB1
The decisions made by school boards influence nearly every aspect of a school district, from how resources
are allocated to the priorities that guide student success. They establish local policies, oversee budgets, hire
and evaluate the superintendent and set the direction for the district. The individuals elected to these
positions play an important role in shaping the future of public education in their communities. That role
should also include raising awareness about the process from the ballot box to the board room.
Do your community members truly understand what school boards do?
Do your voters have the information they need to make informed decisions?
Have they considered the questions they should be asking their candidates?
KSBA has compiled resources for voters who wish to be informed about school board service and the
democratic process by which candidates are elected, statutory responsibilities of school boards,
qualifications for office, campaign rules, qualities to look for in a candidate, ballot FAQs and much more!
KSBA rolls out resources for
school board voters, candidates
Scan the QR code or visit
ksba.org/voterresources.aspx
to access KSBA’s 2026 School
Board Election Voter Resources.
SCHOOL
BOARD
ELECTION
VOTER
RESOURCES
SCHOOL
BOARD
ELECTION
VOTER
RESOURCES
2026
Proudly building schools across the Commonwealth
The New Harrison County High School
Construction Manager | General Contractor | Design/Build Services
Rendering provided by Summit Architects + Engineers
The New Mercer County Elementary School
Rendering provided by RossTarrant Architects
The New Carter County High School
Rendering provided by RossTarrant Architects
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 17
Across
2.) Peak
5.) Teachers
8.) Twelve
10.) Lexington
11.) Radio
12.) Blue
13.) Sum
16.) MerryAnn (Marshall)
17.) COSSBA
18.) Journal
19.) Quorum
Down
1.) Meece
3.) Meetings
4.) Super
6.) Five
7.) Kentucky
9.) Vendors
14.) Owensboro
15.) Pen
Built to Last: 90 Years of KSBA
How well do you know KSBA? Take a trip through nine decades of history, traditions and memorable moments with this
anniversary crossword. Grab a pencil, test your KSBA knowledge and see how many clues you can solve!
Across
2.
The name of the award KSBA
provides annually to the
nominated winner of highly
regarded district programs
5.
There are more than 40,000
of these educators in public
classrooms
8.
Annual number of required
training hours for a first-term
board member
10. Original city that was home to
KSBA's first office
11. KSBA's first door prize, which
made “waves” at the 1957
conference
12. The most prominent primary
color in KSBA's logo
13. What you get when adding two
numbers
16. The "cheerful" first name of the
employee who has worked at
KSBA for nearly 50 years
17. KSBA's national counterpart
18. Name of KSBA's monthly
publication before changing to
Advocate
19. Needed before school boards can
vote on agenda items
Down
1.
Last name of KSBA's first
employee, who was hired in 1937.
3.
Fill in the blank: Open Records,
Open ____ Law
4.
The first five letters of each
school district's "CEO"
6.
Number of elected members on
most Kentucky school boards
7.
The 15th state added to the
union, but just one of four
commonwealths
9.
In 1962, these important
professionals began attending
annual KSBA meetings
14. The Western Kentucky city that
hosted KSBA's first regional
meeting, in 1936
15. KSBA’s first branded swag
KEY:
Q. You were getting a little choked
up there.
A. Oh, yeah. You work with so many
kids that have that financial struggle and
you see those children succeed in life –
and you know it’s because their parents
have tried to work hard and they’ve been
surrounded by a school district and a
community that are trying to support
them and trying to help them thrive.
Q. You just started a new school
year. What’s something about the
new school year in your district that
excites you?
A. We have a five-year plan for our
district. We’re at the very beginning still
of that, but there are things in place for
things like building facilities and for
educational opportunities for our kids,
different programs and things to help our
children flourish. So it’s
exciting to see how
that’s going
to help our
district and
help our
students
and staff
grow.
BEYOND THE BOARD
Q. You’re on your fourth year of
board service. Why did you want
to serve?
A. When my son started school at Jones
Fork Elementary in his 1st grade year, I
became part of the site-based council and
I was on the PTO – I eventually became
president of the PTO – and I spent
several years on site-based. So I felt like
it was the next step – my son was in his
7th-grade year when I decided to run. I
knew he was going to be going on to high
school and I thought, if I take this step,
then I can continue to help my kids and
then I can help all the kids in the county.
Q. What’s been your toughest
decision so far?
A. We have hired a superintendent.
That was probably the toughest decision
because we had a vast amount of
people who were very qualified and
knowledgeable.
Q. One of your ideas was to allow
students to attend district athletic
events for free. Why was that
important to you?
A. I had always been very active
at Jones Fork – that is a very small
school in our district – there are a
lot of families there that struggle. My
husband is a basketball coach. We had
been in positions before where mom
and dad have one kid that’s playing a
sport but then have three other kids
that are not; they’re students but
they’re not playing, so then you have
to pay their admission to get in. Or
we’ve been in positions where we saw
students that wanted to come to the
games, but didn’t have the funds to
get into the game. So my first year as
board member I was like, let’s really
try to do this and see if we can almost
reimburse the schools for what they
would lose in funding for that.
Q. Your area of the state is very
often stereotyped. What would you
like readers to know about the people
and the students that you serve?
A. I would like them to know that we
have some very intelligent students, we
have high-achieving students, we have
very high test scores in our district.
The people in the community are very
bought-in to the schools here. They’re
very supportive; they’re very present at
athletic and extracurricular activities.
They support their kids. So you want to
support those families because they are
ultimately who’s supporting our children.
I just want people to know that,
because I think sometimes that, like
you said, we’re stereotyped and they
think often that we’re lazy and that kind
of thing. And that’s definitely not the
case here. Everyone works hard and
pulls together; everyone supports each
other and you can definitely see it in the
children’s lives.
Dana Hall
KNOTT COUNTY SCHOOLS
Hometown: Hindman
Family: Husband, Ronnie Hall (married for 24 years)
and children, Peyton, 16, and Kylie, 17.
Favorite subjects: In school my favorite subjects
were history and English.
Hobbies: All of my spare time currently is dedicated
to my children, who are very active in extracurricular
activities. Kylie is a cheerleader for Knott County
Central High School. Peyton is on the soccer team,
track and cross-country team at KCC.
Book recommendation: I am currently reading
“Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About” by
Isabel Klee. I follow Isabel on TikTok; she has given
a great deal of her life to fostering and caring for
shelter dogs.
Interesting fact: I love the movie “It's A
Wonderful Life.” It has been my favorite
since I was a child. My son's middle name is
actually Bailey, after George Bailey (the central
character, played by James Stewart).
Getting to know
18 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
Education Calendar:
Oct. 6: Interim Joint Education
Committee
Oct. 6: Education Assessment
and Accountability Review
Subcommittee
Oct. 7: Budget Review
Subcommittee on Education
Oct. 7-8: Kentucky Board of
Education meeting
Pre-K expansion continues
across the state
With the addition of Dawson Springs
Independent Schools in early August,
five school districts are now enrolled in
Gov. Andy Beshear’s “Pre-K for All Pilot
Program,” which he announced on May
7. The others participating are Franklin,
Rockcastle and Robertson county schools
and Glasgow Independent Schools.
In addition to the new universal
preschool programs, Beshear also
established the Team Kentucky
Early Learning Center, a discounted
childcare program opening this fall
for children one to five years of age
whose parents are executive branch
employees in the Frankfort area. In
May, his administration also provided
$850,000 to expand daycare services
in Daviess County.
According to his office, these
preschool/childcare services will
collectively benefit nearly 3,000
children, with the state’s funding
coming from economic and community
development programs.
Other districts are also establishing or
expanding full-day preschool services or
childcare services on their own. WLEX-
TV reported in early June that Clark
County Schools was planning to offer
universal preschool to all four-year-olds
in the county this fall.
Woodford County Schools has also
announced plans to add extended
childcare to its current half-day
preschool program. Families will cover
that additional cost.
In February, Henderson County
Schools announced that it was extending
preschool, offered since 2012 at the
district’s early learning center, to four
elementary schools this fall, with some
schools offering childcare four to five
days a week.
Lincoln County Schools
superintendent to retire
Lincoln
County Schools’
Superintendent Bruce
Smith announced on
Aug. 6 that he would be
retiring on Jan. 1, 2027,
ending more than three
decades of working for
the district.
He wrote that it was not an easy
decision, calling his time with the school
system “far more than a job; it has been a
calling and one of the greatest privileges
in my life.”
Smith did not give a reason for
the mid-school year retirement, but
said he was “committed to working
closely with the board and district
leadership to ensure a smooth and
successful transition.”
Smith, a Lincoln County High School
graduate, became superintendent in
July 2023. A profile that month by the
Kentucky Department of Education said
he retired from the district in 2017 after
spending nearly 30 years as a teacher
and administrator in various roles.
Before becoming superintendent, he
was also a member of Lincoln County
Schools’ board and served as chair.
New board appointments:
• Jefferson County: Keith Look
• Calloway County: Kelly Overby
• Washington County: Jennifer
Chesser
• Clinton County: Kevin Marcum
September 2026 | Kentucky School Advocate 19
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Tier 1 Affiliates
Alliance Corporation
American Fidelity Educational Services
ClotfelterSamokar Architects
Houchens Insurance Group – Education
Performance Services
RossTarrant Architects
Schmidt Associates
Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects
Summit Architects + Engineers
Trace Creek Construction
Trane U.S. Inc.
Tier 2 Affiliates
Ascendant Facility Partners
BFW/Marcum Engineering
BHP/Thermal Equipment Sales
CMTA, Inc.
Compass Municipal Advisors
Deco Architects, Inc.
Elevate Academy KY Rank Change
JRA Architects
RBS Design Group Architecture
RSA Advisors
R.W. Baird
Tier 3 Affiliates
Brown + Kubican, PSC
G. Scott & Associates, Architects
Visit www.ksba.org/Affiliates.aspx if you would
like to learn more about our affiliates.
Affiliate Members
Smith
20 Kentucky School Advocate | September 2026
Q. Over the past two years, limiting
screen time in the classroom has become
a major topic nationally in education.
Fleming County Schools is piloting a
policy this year that limits screen time.
How did it come about?
A. Back in May, Simons Middle School made a
social media post about returning to paper and
pencil. What the district was worried about,
and the board, was that we would have one
school doing one thing and another school
doing another, and it could be a little crazy. So
the board asked that we develop a districtwide
screen time policy, to see if there was a way
we could start limiting screen time. It’s not
that we’re anti-technology or that we’re trying
to keep kids from using technology. All the
board wanted to do was try to somehow find
a balance, standardize it across the board. So
elementary is at 30 minutes a day; middle
school is at 45 minutes a day; and then the high
school is 90 minutes a day. That includes the
school day and homework.
We’ve gotten a lot of praise from the teachers
on this; a lot of parents have really supported
this. We are a local accountability school
district, so we have a local accountability
advisory committee that meets every month.
We’ve got students on that local accountability
advisory committee. And one of the things
they really started talking about was the fact
that they were looking at the computers too
much. We also really value student voice; we’ve
really empowered student voice in Fleming
since around 2017. So we have to respond to
that – students are asking us to cut down on
technology uses, especially those Chromebooks.
I think we had an obligation to try to do that.
It was almost like all the stars aligned for us to
tackle that.
Q. Getting back to those time limits
that you set per day that encompass
both in-school and out-of-school work,
how do you monitor that once they
leave the school building or do you get
parents to help?
A. I think they’re going to hold us accountable if
we assign things that go over that amount. Now
there are certain exceptions, like state testing
… and there are some courses, like computer
programming – there’s no way not to look at a
computer screen with that. Then there’s virtual
learning, dual enrollment, so there are certain
exceptions. If a teacher needs to go over those
limits, they’ve got to work through their site-
based council, because that’s where teachers
and parents work together to manage that
school level.
Q. I’m wondering how teachers are
responding to this in terms of is this
going to create more work for them?
A. I think it all goes back to that balance. I
think for the most part here - and again, every
district is going to be different - we haven’t
heard teachers say it’s going to put more work
on them. I think they actually want to try to
cut loose some of this technology. … What
I do hope this leads to in terms of teaching
is where teachers and PLCs (professional
learning communities) are really talking about
collaborating among teachers across the board
where they’re having to plan together. We need
to make sure that kids walk out of Fleming
County High School when they graduate and see
the connections between all the subjects and
that subjects don’t exist in silos.
Q. What happens when students’ screen
time is limited in high school and they
get to college or the workforce – will it
be harder for them to adjust when they
have to use maybe more technology?
A. We could be wrong on this, but I think
colleges are also hearing the same thing. When
you’re hearing screen time, it’s not just at the
K-12 level; it’s also at postsecondary level as
well. So I think it’s making everyone rethink the
usage of cellphones or iPads or Chromebooks or
whatever it is for learning.
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Brian Creasman
In Conversation With
features an interview
between a leader
or figure involved in
public education and
a representative of
the Kentucky School
Advocate.
Brian Creasman has
been superintendent of
Fleming County Schools
for 12 years. In 2020, he
was named Kentucky
Superintendent of Year.
Under his leadership,
Fleming County has been
a leader in adopting local
accountability and is now
the first district in the
state to have a policy on
screen time use.