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People Are Talking

Kentucky School Advocate

September 2017

"Every student has now seen and – I feel very confident of this – understands this is what we’re about. This is what it means to be a Panther. We believe in naming and claiming every child … Our product is getting much stronger.” Frankfort Independent Schools Superintendent Houston Barber, on what he believes is the district’s resurgence, advertised in “Return of the Panthers” billboards around town. The State Journal, Frankfort Click here for full story

“For this reason I think school choice advocates in Kentucky will continue to focus on implementing quality charter schools and also supporting the idea (of) scholarship tax credits, which require no transfer of public funds.” Gary Houchens, Kentucky Board of Education member, noting he knows of no push for school vouchers in Kentucky, where the state’s constitution would bar them. Lexington Herald Leader Click here for full story

“What I often find is that when teachers really start to understand deeper learning, and what we mean by that, they come back to me and say, ‘This is why I wanted to teach. This is what I thought I was going to be doing.’” Carmen Coleman, an expert in deeper learning and former Danville superintendent, hired as acting chief academic officer of Jefferson County Schools. WDRB-TV, Louisville Click here for full story

“If you look at the top line, the county only received $2.7 million, but the school district received $12.5 million from real estate taxes. When I’m out (talking to people) the public assumes we get a lot of the tax money. We do get our fair share. But I think it’s important for people to see that differential, especially $2.7 million compared to $12.5 million. I don’t know if it’s the nickel tax or what.” Henderson County Fiscal Court Magistrate George Warren attempting to take the onus off county government after the sheriff presented his tax report during a fiscal court meeting. The Gleaner, Henderson Click here for full story

“If the courses are not completed, the devices will not be allowed to continue to go home. They will have to be left at school.” Bowling Green Independent Schools Technology Director Sharon Logsdon on the consequences of students’ failure to take required internet safety courses, including a new refresher course that sophomores now have to take upon their return to school, in addition to the full-blown one that freshmen must take and pass. The Daily News, Bowling Green Click here for full story

“Our responsibility is to protect the interests of current retirees and make sure the money is invested wisely. It’s an important undertaking.” Joe Brothers, a former Elizabethtown Independent and Kentucky Board of Education member on his latest role as a member of the Kentucky Retirement Systems Board of Trustees, appointed by the governor to represent KSBA for a term ending July 1, 2021. The News Enterprise, Elizabethtown Click here for full story

“The purpose of this program is to provide services to all students who may need extra support in certain situations. The therapy dog can be used in certain situations including, but not limited to, de-escalation, grief counseling, classroom guidance lessons, greeting students, crisis management and many other types of programs and situations.” Mt. Sterling Elementary (Montgomery County) Principal Brandy Holley, outlining the role of the school’s trained therapy dog, approved by the board of education and funded by the PTO as part of a statewide initiative. Mt. Sterling Advocate Click here for full story

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the board room that night. The whole family was there, and it was just a really emotional moment for father and son and that family, and for everyone.” Taylor County Schools Superintendent Roger Cook, describing a “graduation” ceremony at the board of education meeting for father-and-son nontraditional students in the district’s online program for any resident who dropped out of high school and wants to get a diploma. Central Kentucky News Journal, Campbellsville Click here for full story

“This is a landmark day for our students, staff and community. Our mission is to provide our students the best possible education and this initiative is a monumental step in doing that.” Whitley County High School Principal Bob Lawson on distribution of 1,500 Chromebooks to high school and middle school students this year, obtained under a three-year lease. The Times-Tribune, Corbin Click here for full story

“Today was completely different because you don’t have the sound effects and the adrenaline feelings of someone rushing in the classroom with a gun until you have this training.” Harlan Independent Schools’ 25-year teaching veteran Betsy Burkhart on the difference between the active shooter drill staff participated in through state police this year and the tamer school safety seminars the district has held in the past. WYMT-TV, Hazard Click here for full story

“These kids need a new grade school. Marie Roberts (Elementary) is, the building is pitiful, it really is. There’s no insulation in the building … it’s bad. But I would encourage you to seriously think about that when the tax time comes. I’m not going to protest if you pass a nickel tax.” Former Breathitt County Facilities Director Darrell Watts in a transcript of a 2014 school board meeting, in contrast to his current standing on a committee circulating a recall petition of a nickel tax the board passed this summer. Jackson-Breathitt County Times-Voice, Jackson Click here for full story

“We (Dyehouse and the board) talked about it, and looked at the options, looked at the size of the school, being preschool through 8th grade. A lot of the job that the principal and (the job that) the superintendent does overlaps. It just feels like it’s not necessary (to have both) … I’ve talked with a lot of people in the community, a lot of parents who said they didn’t understand why we had both. So they’re happy about that.” New Science Hill Independent Schools Superintendent Jimmy Dyehouse, explaining why he is combining his post with the job of principal. The Commonwealth Journal, Somerset Click here for full story

“We are really excited about the future. We’re excited about working with our school system and we’re grateful to have you all and the foresight that you have. And we look forward to many years of cooperation and some great successes.” Nicholasville Mayor Pete Sutherland, along with two city commissioners, presenting Jessamine County school board members and other school leaders with keys to the city for the role they played in Jessamine County being recognized as a Work Ready Community. The Jessamine Journal, Nicholasville Click here for full story

“I think it is becoming harder. Feedback we have received is that an official signs up, goes through the training and then has to deal with unsporting acts by players, coaches, fans and even in rare instances, administrators. Pay is mentioned, but the overwhelming feedback is the actions of others.” KHSAA Associate Commissioner Butch Cope on why unruly fan behavior is making it more difficult to recruit referees and umpires. The News Enterprise, Elizabethtown Click here for full story

“The question is what is covered by the inviolable contract and what is not. Certain core things are definitely in, but there are a lot of things around the fringes where reasonable, expert minds differ. Do I think you will see what you would call a full-out assault on the contract? No. Do I think you will see perspective differences that result in potential litigation? Quite possibly so.” State Senate budget committee Chairman Sen. Chris McDaniel (R-Taylor Mill) in a discussion of possible public pension changes. The Courier Journal, Louisville Click here for full story

“We will not accept cuts to benefits promised under an inviolable contract enunciated in state law. If a bill is considered that reduces promised benefits, we will storm the Capitol with torches and pitchforks. If it is signed into law, we will litigate.” Jim Carroll, president of the advocacy group Kentucky Government Retirees, in a letter to the editor published in several newspapers around the state. The Courier Journal, Louisville Click here for full story