"We don’t have the bench we need that we feel comfortable with to cover when people are out. (The rodeo) is a little something fun to generate interest." Trigg County Schools Superintendent Travis Hamby (pictured at left) on a unique idea to recruit bus drivers – a demonstration staged in the parking lot of a local radio station. From the Cadiz Record.
"I even have bus drivers call me and tell me when a kid is getting off at one or two different stops. There is no structure and no support in their lives. We are their support." Rick Branham, coordinator for homeless students for the Pike County Schools, on some of the challenges facing school staff trying to help Kentucky’s estimated 30,000 homeless students, which is estimated to be the highest rate among school-age populations in the nation. From the Lexington Herald-Leader.
"It’s kind of our job to say what’s happening in the school. And if we’re talking about math and how to do it differently, or if we’re talking about test scores, I can give an interesting perspective from a student. I truly believe that change is possible if people take action. I think it’s important to lead by listening to what the people have to say. It’s also important for people to be engaged in the political system." Franklin County High School senior Jacob Bruce on his role as one of two "student liaisons" to the board of education. From the Frankfort State Journal.
"Keep the opportunities for growth in education centered on the children provided by supporting teachers. We need all parents and administrative staff supporting the teachers who do the major part of education in the classroom. The most important person in the school system is the classroom teacher." 90-year-old former Montgomery County Schools Superintendent/Principal/administrator E.G. Jones during ceremonies honoring him for his contributions to the district, which began more than 60 years ago. From the Mt. Sterling Advocate.
"We had the budget in pretty good shape with a 6 percent contingency, but this lowers it to 2.5 to 3 percent contingency by the end of next year. We have to keep that money set aside. You can’t spend one on the other and only money from taxes goes to the kids." Magoffin County Schools Superintendent Stanley Holbrook on how construction money couldn’t be used to beef up the contingency fund, predicted to drop near the state-required 2 percent minimum. From the Salyersville Independent.
"This takes biology principles into the real world. I think the opportunity is phenomenal for the kids; they are very fortunate." Bio-medical studies teacher Jackie Wolford during a tour of the specialized classes in the Mason County Schools’ new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, medicine) Academy, housed in a former factory renovated by the district. From the Maysville Ledger-Independent.
"We’re really working towards student preferences. It’s sometimes surprising to see what the students prefer. I wouldn’t have thought that they would like sausage and pancakes on a stick so much, but they do! Our goal is to make sure students are well-fed and not having to worry about how much money is in their account. That way they can focus on their coursework and learn while they’re in school." Hickman County Schools Nutrition Director Lynsi Barnhill on how her cafeterias have incorporated new menu items as the district became eligible for the federal government’s expanded free meal program. From the Clinton Hickman County Gazette.