Kentucky School Advocate
September 2024
Nick Carter named superintendent of the year
Nick Carter, superintendent of Breckinridge County Schools, has been named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA).
The award celebrates the outstanding contributions of Kentucky’s superintendents, recognizing their advocacy for public education, dedication to children and commitment to the future. Nominees are evaluated based on leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.
Carter’s nominator said he is a true servant leader, who consistently prioritizes the needs of students and staff. Carter’s commitment to the community, strategic vision and thoughtful decision-making have propelled Breckinridge County Schools to be one of the best in the state, the nomination said.
“Dr. Carter is a beacon of leadership in our public education community, from Breckinridge County to Washington, D.C.,” said KASA Chief Executive Officer Rhonda Caldwell. “His core values shine through in his work and the dedication he provides among his Kentucky colleagues.”
Carter will now compete for the National Superintendent of the Year award.
In memoriam
Elizabethtown board member dies
BarnesElizabethtown Independent Schools board member Wade Barnes died Aug. 28 after a battle with cancer. Barnes was 48.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Wade Barnes, a dedicated member of the EIS School Board,” Superintendent Paul Mullins said in a statement. “As an EHS alumnus, parent and board member, Mr. Barnes was a true champion of the E’town Panther spirit, deeply committed to upholding the traditions and values of our school district.”
Barnes ran for the board in 2022 and began serving in January 2023.
Barnes is survived by his wife, Tiffany, also a graduate of Elizabethtown Schools, two sons and a daughter. He was employed as the controller at RBT Services Inc. and previously worked as a sales manager at Akebono.
Services were held at St. James Catholic Church on Sept. 3. Donations for Barnes’s children can be made at any Cecilian Bank location.
Former longtime Barbourville Ind. board chairman dies
TreadwayShirley F. “Buck” Treadway, who holds the record for the longest serving board member in the state, died July 25 in Lexington. He was 97.
Treadway retired in 2016 after serving 55 years and five months. Treadway spent all but a few months of that tenure as chairman.
“Mr. Treadway’s contributions to our district will always be appreciated and his presence at BHS basketball games will be missed,” said Superintendent Dennis Messer. “Mr. Treadway’s legacy and memory will continue inside the Treadway Activity Center. Please keep the Treadway family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Treadway began serving on the board in 1961.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, and a brother, Donald C. Treadway. Survivors include his children, Elizabeth Belle Oldham and husband, Jeff, of Lexington and Lyman Michael Treadway and wife, Melanie, of Sugar Land, Texas; a sister, Janice Weiland of Cincinnati, six grandchildren and one great grandson.
Memorial contributions may go to the First United Methodist Church, 312 N Main St., Barbourville, KY 40906.