People Are Talking

February 2019

“We will reach across the state to help students. Whether they are in our county or another county we are here to help and Frankfort needs to do the same.” ­– Allison Slone, Rowan County teacher who along with Kentucky Teachers in the Know, a 17,000-member Facebook group, organized a water drive to deliver a truck load of water to Martin County Schools where water quality has been a problem.  From WTVQ-TV, Lexington (Photo at right courtesy of Allison Slone)

“I think it’s a pretty school. I like that it has a lot of space. I think it’s nice we all know where to go and the little kids can’t get lost.” ­– Heather Hinkle, fourth-grade student at Collins Lane Elementary (Franklin County) about her new school building which opened Jan. 3. The hallways are color-coded to help students find their way. From the State Journal, Frankfort 

“The final decision is the board’s, yes, but to hear input from the community is an important part of what a board member needs. I hope more people attend school board meetings.” ­– Nancy Eskridge, former Owensboro Independent board member who retired after 25 years of service. Eskridge, who helped hire three superintendents, was a champion of arts education. From the Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro

“It’s a culture kind of thing. This is why I am doing it. So much of the time good work goes unnoticed and this is an inexpensive way to highlight all the good in our schools and community.” ­– Matt Robbins, Daviess County Schools superintendent on the district’s new You’re A Star Award, which will be given throughout the year to students, staff, volunteers and parents who go above and beyond their normal responsibilities. From the Owensboro Times 

 

“The gymnasium is going to be super nice. We have an atrium outside of the cafeteria where you can have an outdoor classroom. I think it has got a lot of ‘wow’ factors.” ­– Larry James, Martin County Schools superintendent on the district’s new high school which includes a gym that will hold nearly 2,200 people. The building will also include an area technology center. From WYMT-TV, Hazard 

“Communication and transparency, I think, are very important. And people should expect a direct line of communication with their elected officials.” – Tyler Murphy, Fayette County school board member and Boyle County teacher who started his own newsletter, The Murphy Memo, to keep his constituents updated on board action. The newsletter had 100 subscribers before its first edition. From the Lexington Herald-Leader

“The compliments we've gotten from people who ordered the food and from the kids have been remarkable.” ­– Donna Bumps, Muhlenburg County High School principal on a work-ready skills program created by special education teachers that allows students to create and deliver sack lunches to staff. More than 40 students are participating in the program. From the Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro 

“I think we have an opportunity here to strengthen the diversity of voice.” – Gary Houchens, Kentucky Board of Education member about changing the makeup of school-based decision making councils to include more parents and possibly community members. From the Bowling Green Daily News

 

“This is a small gesture we can offer out of respect for the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our country safe.” ­– Dwayne Ellison, director of Maintenance for Scott County Schools on new dedicated veterans parking at Stamping Ground Elementary inspired by custodian Les Taulbee, who is a U.S. Army veteran. From the Georgetown News-Graphic

“We realize that filling out paperwork is a bit tedious. It becomes a burdensome task, especially if there are several children in the family. However, it is necessary.” ­– Teresa Morgan, Hardin County Schools superintendent on the district’s move to allow parents to fill out beginning of the year paperwork online. From The News-Enterprise, Elizabethtown

“Last year, eighth-graders made websites. This year, the eighth-graders are making apps and the sixth-graders are making websites.” ­– David Vance, computer science instructor at Glasgow Middle School about the Glasgow Independent’s expanded computer science curriculum. From the Glasgow Daily Times 

“I have loved my time as a board member and believe that we have an excellent school system for the students, parents, and community of Ludlow.” – Steve Chapman, former Ludlow Independent board member on his 24 years on the board. Chapman was elected to Ludlow City Council. From the River City News, Covington