In 1992, the Kentucky PTA collaborated with the Kentucky School Boards Association to recognize a local school board member for exceptional service to public schools in his or her community. Each year since, the two organizations have presented the Warren Proudfoot Outstanding School Board Member Award in memory of the late Dr. Proudfoot, a Rowan County board of education member and former KSBA president.
KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling (left), KSBA President David Webster (second from left)
and KYPTA representative Sienna Newman (right) present Anchorage Independent
Board of Education Chairman Dr. Phillip Kash the 2019 Proudfoot Award.
Dr. Phillip Kash of Anchorage Independent received the top school board honor during KSBA’s annual conference Feb. 22-24 in Louisville.
Anchorage Independent Superintendent Dr. Kelley Ransdell believes Kash is well deserving of the honor.
“He has a genuine care and concern for students and his community, coupled with an endless abundance of energy and talent for making a positive difference,” she said. Ransdell also noted that Kash’s personal and professional experiences in education have contributed to critical decisions regarding student learning.
Kash has also served on numerous committees including the district’s strategic planning academic excellence committee and the Kentucky Department of Education’s Assessment Work Group. Kash has also served as the board’s school council liaison.
In addition to Kash’s time and commitment to board service, the nomination acknowledged the frequency in which he has volunteered and participated in district functions. Kash has volunteered to coach, served Thanksgiving lunches, has been actively involved in PTA functions and can sometimes be found rolling up gym floor mats following school functions.
“Dr. Kash has willingly contributed more than his fair share in volunteer hours for APTA programs over the last 13 years,” said Andrea Donan, Anchorage Parent Teacher Association president. “If all schools had leaders like Phillip Kash at their helm, amazing results would ensue.”
During his acceptance remarks, Kash spoke of his motivation to serve. “I don’t serve on the school board for awards or recognition, I do it because I love it,” he said. “But it’s nice when people do recognize the work you put in.”
Kash, a Woodford County High School graduate, thanked his father, Adrian Kash, a longtime teacher who retired from Woodford County schools.
“I would not have the passion for public education that I do if it wasn’t for him,” he said.
Kash has served on his district’s board since 2013 and currently serves as chairman. He is married to Andrea Kash and they are the parents of three children, all graduates of Anchorage Public School.