Kentucky School Advocate
September 2024
By Brenna R. Kelly
Staff writer
In September 1979, the number one song on the radio was “My Sharona”, by The Knack. National Lampoon’s “Animal House” was the most popular movie in theaters. On TV, a new sports network called ESPN debuted on cable. In Washington, D.C., Congress gave its final approval to create the U.S. Department of Education. And in Kentucky, MerryAnn Marshall began working at the Kentucky School Boards Association.
For 45 years Marshall has been a staple at KSBA. During that time she has served in numerous roles – all devoted to supporting local school boards.
A few times over the years, she considered applying to work elsewhere.
“I just never did, this has always been my family,” she said. “I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”
During Marshall’s tenure, she has worked for six different executive directors, survived four office relocations and saw many coworkers come and go.
“There’s nobody who has ever been here longer than me,” she said.
It all started by chance. In September 1979, Marshall had been the office manager for the Kentucky Parent/Teacher Association for six years, working in the PTA’s office in the Capitol Plaza Complex’s Fountain Place Shoppes. Next door was KSBA’s office. One day KSBA Executive Director Jim Melton walked into the PTA office while Marshall was working.
“Mr. Melton came over and said, ‘We are looking for a new person, would you like to come over?’” she recalled. “I had on blue jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and I was running a printing press, ink all over me. He hired me right on the spot.”
First, she was the receptionist, then Marshall became Associate Director David Keller’s assistant. Just a few years later, KSBA moved across town to its current location off I-64 in Frankfort. Then the association started to grow, adding the KSBA Insurance Trust which provided insurance to school districts through self-insured pools providing workers compensation, property and liability coverage. That meant some employees, including Marshall, who was working with unemployment insurance, had to work in a separate building.
In the 1990s, to bring everyone back together, KSBA decided to add on to its building.
Over the years, Marshall has worked with unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, other insurance programs, Board Team Development and the Superintendent Search Service.
“All in all, I think I’ve done everything in this building, except policy. I always thought that would be too boring,” she said. “And that’s how I ended up where I’m at and I have been here ever since.”
The one constant has been Marshall’s work in KSBA’s Unemployment Program. Currently, as the unemployment specialist, Marshall handles unemployment claims for 169 districts and three educational cooperatives. Properly managing unemployment claims is complicated and any missteps could cost districts up to $10,000.
Marshall is regarded in the state as an expert on unemployment claims. She also works closely with the Kentucky Division of Unemployment Insurance in the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
“If districts have a question, they can contact me and I’ll get it answered,” she said. “We always try to keep our districts happy.”
While unemployment claims ebb and flow, they rose to record levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools closed, there were so many claims to process that Marshall had to enlist two other KSBA staff members to help.
“Employees were out of work because schools were closed, and the governor told everyone they could file for unemployment,” she said.
Leah Herrera, KSBA’s chief financial officer, said Marshall’s 35 years of experience is a large part of the Unemployment Program’s success.
“Her dedication shone brightest during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when she worked tirelessly to navigate the overwhelming surge of claims and offer support to those in need,” she said. “Her hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment were crucial in maintaining the program’s continued success. MerryAnn’s impact has been immeasurable.”
In addition to her work as unemployment specialist, Marshall has another important role at KSBA, one the entire staff appreciates – making sure staff members have the office supplies they need to do their jobs.
“I take care of everybody. That is my goal in life,” she said. “Evidently, God has given me this talent of caregiver.”
After 45 years, one might think Marshall would want to retire, relax and spend more time with her boyfriend and two grown children.
“I’m not ready to retire yet, probably not for another couple of years anyway,” she said. “Until I can’t work, I’ll probably work.”
But when she finally decides to leave KSBA and take it easy, Marshall has just one plan.
“I just want to see a lighthouse,” said Marshall, who, despite having pictures of lighthouses and lighthouse figurines all over her house, has yet to see one in person.