Check Training Hours Member Portal Contact Us Search

2019 Business Session

Holmes takes gavel at business session

Kentucky School Advocate

March 2019

Graves County school board Chairman Ronnie Holmes is the new KSBA president following the passing of the gavel during the business session of KSBA’s 2019 Annual Conference.

Holmes, who is entering his 35th year on his local board, served on KSBA’s Board of Directors as an at-large member for two successive terms from 2008 until 2014. He was then appointed to a director-at-large vacancy in 2015, later to be elected president-elect in 2017. Holmes was previously elected to serve on the board of directors as first region chairman from 1999-2001 and 2005-2007.

“We choose to run and serve as school board members not because of power, not because of notoriety, and certainly not because of the pay,” Holmes said in his first address as president. “We do it because of our commitment to our students and our communities.”

Holmes also recognized the talent of the association’s board of directors, executive director and staff, and cited his desire to contribute to KSBA’s legacy.

Holmes succeeded Simpson County school board Chairman David Webster, who concluded his two-year term as KSBA president. Webster will continue as a KSBA board officer for two years as immediate past president.

In his farewell remarks, Webster treated attendees to the wit, wisdom and storytelling that became a trademark of his KSBA presidency. Accompanied by a humorous slideshow, he reflected on his tenure at the helm of the association’s board.

During the meeting, Russellville Independent school board member Davonna Page was officially installed as the board’s president-elect through ratification by the membership. Page was selected by a committee last fall.

Page began her board of directors service in 2013 as chair of the third region. Following the expiration of her three-year term as a regional chair, Page was elected as a director-at-large in 2017.

The membership also ratified the selection of five directors-at-large to serve on KSBA’s board. They are:

• Sheila Wicker, who just completed an unexpired term as a director-at-large. The Russell County school board chair was re-elected to a second term on her local board in November.

• Kimber Fender, a Campbell County board member who has served seven years.

• Vanessa Lucas, the vice-chair of Breckinridge County’s school board. Lucas has spent eight years as a board member.

• Kevin Woosley, a 10-year veteran of the Oldham County school board where he serves as vice-chair.

• Jason Reeves, who has served two years on the Barbourville Independent school board. Reeves replaces the seat held by Page and his appointment is for one year.