News Headlines

Source: KSBA eNews Service, Sept. 4, 2008

Wilson Sears chosen to lead Kentucky Association of School Superintendents

Veteran educator brings broad background to post

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An educator with more than four decades in public schools is the new executive director of the organization of Kentucky’s public school superintendents.

Wilson Sears, of Somerset, was chosen Tuesday, Sept. 2 as the new executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS). He succeeds Dr. Blake Haselton, who has led the organization over the past three years before announcing plans this spring to step down and become interim dean of the College of Leadership, Foundations, and Human Resource Education for the University of Louisville. KASS President Kelly Crain of Fleming County said, “The KASS board and membership have a deep appreciation for the commitment that Dr. Haselton has demonstrated during his time with the organization and for the leadership that he provided.”

Crain said the KASS board feels the change leaves the organization in good hands. “Wilson Sears brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience with him that will be beneficial as he works to continue to move the organization forward,” the Fleming County superintendent said. “During his 45 year career, he has served as a superintendent, high school principal, assistant principal, technology director, athletic director, math teacher, and coach.” Sears retired at the end of the 2007-08 school year after eight years as superintendent of Somerset Independent Schools. He also has worked in public schools elsewhere in Kentucky, including Bowling Green Independent and Meade County, as well as in Alabama and Virginia.

A native of Kentucky, Sears graduated from Somerset High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science/Mathematics and Physical Education degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He completed his master’s degree in Education with an Emphasis is School Leadership at Western Kentucky University.

Crain said those who know Sears “will attest to the fact that his work ethic and fervor for positively impacting students has not waned. When offered the position, he said he looked forward to continuing his positive impact on public education in Kentucky.

“Although Wilson is a familiar face to education circles in Kentucky, he plans to take advantage of any opportunity to introduce himself to superintendents and others as he begins his new role,” she said.

For his part, Sears said, “Face to face communication is essential if the executive director and the organization are to have the support and the confidence of its members. I’m equally eager to collaborate with other professional organizations in Kentucky to effect positive change for students.”