Check Training Hours Member Portal Contact Us Search

People Are Talking

Kentucky School Advocate

October 2017

Bellevue Independent Superintendent Robb Smith

“Let me emphasize that those of us working in public service are neither the problem nor the enemy. If we have to give a little, fine. We have been giving our entire careers. I just ask that you honor the retirement terms we agreed to as beginning teachers and that you involve our organizations in discussions of any potential concessions.” – Robb Smith, Bellevue Independent superintendent, in a blog-posted letter to Gov. Matt Bevin that went viral. From the River City News, Covington. Click here for full story

“If this had happened once and then not again for a few years, we could have dealt with it. But back-to-back like this, and with no warning, we can’t make up that much money that quickly without cutting jobs or raising taxes, and we don’t want to put the burden on the taxpayers, either.” – Scott Helton, Magoffin County Schools superintendent, on the effect on district revenues of a change in the way the state calculates the value of unmined minerals. From the Salyersville Independent. Click here for full story

Hardin County school board Chairman Charlie Wise

“(It’s) a no-win situation. Legislatures have figured it out to use the school boards to do their dirty work.” – Charlie Wise, Hardin County school board chairman, on the position local boards are in when it comes to setting local tax rates. From the News-Enterprise, Elizabethtown. Click here for full story

“Well, in the business world, if you’re not happy with your employee or a contractor, you’re going to fire them, and you’re going to move on and pay someone else. I don’t think any of us in CERS wants to continue paying the Kentucky Retirement Systems.” – Bryanna Carroll, governmental affairs manager of the Kentucky League of Cities, summing up why her group advocates separation of the County Employees Retirement System from KRS. From the Paducah Sun. Click here for full story

“We are in a district where we’re not growing in revenue. We aren’t a poor district ... We’re stuck in the middle. We are not growing.” – Andy Dotson, Harrison County Schools superintendent, reviewing his district’s taxation predicament. From the Cynthiana Democrat. Click here for full story

“I want people to be patient with us and not jump to conclusions. These are real people’s lives, and we are very aware of that.” – Rep. Suzanne Miles, an Owensboro Republican, cautioning state workers to not make retirement decisions before the legislature acts. From the Messenger Inquirer, Owensboro. Click here for full story

“It’s a statewide problem – it’s not just us. We’re in worse shape now than we’ve ever been.” – Chris Rippy, Logan County Schools transportation director, on the district’s school bus driver shortage, which has some drivers running double routes. From the News Democrat & Leader, Russellville. Click here for full story

“Enrollment is so high we need a second teacher.” – Penny Knight, Christian County Schools’ Gateway Academy principal, on student demand for computer science classes. From the Kentucky New Era, Hopkinsville. Click here for full story

“High school is such an important time for children to develop socially, mentally and physically.” – Sheel Mehta Slone, granddaughter of Floyd County school board member Dr. Chandra Varia, at the dedication of a new athletics complex in honor of the Varia family. From the Floyd County Chronicle, Prestonsburg. Click here for full story

Lewis County students at the groundbreaking for the district's new elementary school. (Photo courtesy of Lewis County Herald)

“Many school districts across our state have tried to increase their funding to provide more facility money for kids and they have failed. Our community, by the widest percentage margin I know of, voted for our kids.” – Jamie Weddington, Lewis County Schools superintendent, at the groundbreaking for the district’s new elementary school, funded by a nickel tax. From the Ledger Independent, Maysville. Click here for full story

“People in Eastern Kentucky are used to being successful by pure grit, they’ve always had to depend on their determination and grit to get the job done. That’s what we’ll continue to do. But it sure would be nice to have some funds and to give these kids the same chances that all students in Kentucky have.” – Linda Rains, Leslie County Schools superintendent, on hard-pressed eastern Kentucky school districts, losing tax money and enrollment. From the Lexington Herald Leader. Click here for full story

“We think that you all are doing a good job. We aren’t here to fuss at you or anything. We are just here to represent members of the community.” – Willard Smith, one of three Campbellsville residents who voiced concern about the district’s tax increase, which will generate 4 percent more revenue. From the Central Kentucky News Journal, Campbellsville. Click here for full story

“A lot of families will split their enrollments. As well, there are employees who may work for the county, but their kids come to the city or vice versa. They want to make those family plans.” – Troy Brock, Paducah Independent Schools pupil personnel director, explaining why school systems in that area try to align their school calendars. From the Paducah Sun. Click here for full story

“That logo just did not capture the image portrayed in the school.” – Timothy Schlotman, Boone County High School principal, on replacing school mascot Mr. Rebel, a Confederate general figure, with a student-created logo. From the Community Press & Recorder, Florence. Click here for full story

“When a high school student expresses an interest in teaching, we want to do our part to help and inspire that student.” – Amy Lingo, with the University of Louisville’s College of Education and Human Development, about a new dual-credit pathway for high school students interested in teaching. From the Pioneer News, Shepherdsville. Click here for full story