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President's Perspective

Closing another chapter

Kentucky School Advocate
January 2019

By David Webster
KSBA President

Another chapter in my book as a school board member has been completed. We all write a book about our lives, maybe without even being aware of it. Some are in the form of love stories, mysteries, documentaries or novels. Some of the books are intriguing. My last two years as president of KSBA has been a combination of all the above books. It just seems like yesterday that I stood on the stage in Louisville at our annual conference as my friend and outgoing President Allen Kennedy handed me the gavel.

I have watched KSBA grow into a better organization. Allen started the ball rolling on his desire for continuous improvement and I hope that I have played a small part in keeping the momentum going. There have been a lot of staff changes and with that we have gained new insight. Eyes have been opened for the board of directors to be more involved and not be afraid of offering ways to improve this great organization. It takes a leader with the future in mind and I think we made an excellent choice for KSBA in our Executive Director Kerri Schelling. It shows in her passion for the organization.

The ever-changing landscape of our public school structure, charter schools, pension reform, budget issues, the new accountability system and the new graduation requirements may have contributed to the time going by so fast. It was enough to keep me going in circles. The issues we faced had their ups and downs, some more challenging than others. There were some compromises, some victories and some losses. But you know, we stood strong as a body of believers for public education. It fills me with joy to hear legislators say they heard from a group of school board members on issues. You can be proud of your efforts in helping create a better education system for our current and future students in our great Commonwealth.

I have had the opportunity to meet so many people and see some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine throughout our great state. I have heard many stories of things going on in school districts everywhere I have visited. I have experienced the overwhelming joy of presenting a PEAK Award for an innovative program and hearing the students talk about how it has helped them. It has been so enlightening to attend the regional meetings and watch the students in other districts provide the entertainment, with their great voices and musical abilities. All of you can be proud of how they represent your school districts.

We may be marked by some as a failing school system, but as you watch the students walk the line on graduation day, you know in your heart that you are not failing a single student in Kentucky. You provide for them the “choice” of a direction for their future. They are leaving your schools prepared for their future and you have had a small part in that. Keep your heads high. Stay focused on the goal of providing a quality education for each student you have. Then, no one can ever say that you are failing your students.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your president. I thank you for your support, friendship, kind words and encouragement. Incoming President Ronnie Holmes asked me recently if I would do it again. My answer: In a heartbeat! It has been an enjoyable and life-changing experience. My final words: “ASPIRE TO INSPIRE BEFORE YOU EXPIRE” and keep on keeping on!