Long-serving Frankfort Independent Schools Board of Education member Jina Greathouse was named the 2025 Kentucky School Board Member of the Year during the Kentucky School Boards Association’s (KSBA) Annual Conference, Feb. 21-23, in Louisville.

Greathouse, a 22-year member of the FIS board, has served as chair and participated in a number of committees throughout her tenure, such as the calendar committee, superintendent search screening committee, equity council and COVID task force. Prior to running for school board, she also served as a school council parent representative.

“Even on the hardest days, when faced with the toughest decisions, Ms. Greathouse shows up for students and her district,” Frankfort Independent Superintendent Sheri Satterly said. “Ms. Greathouse gives with her heart and soul to the Frankfort Independent Schools, and this makes her the perfect recipient of the award.”

Greathouse’s nomination received high marks, in part, because of her understanding of student assessment data, her commitment to financial stewardship and her passion for equity and inclusion. She is also a staunch advocate for the capital city school district, known for her visibility in the community.

“She is the board member that you can count on seeing at district events,” said Satterly. “Ball game, pageant, festival - It doesn’t matter the event, she is there.”

Winning the association’s top honor in front of nearly 800 school board members and administrators was a complete surprise to Greathouse.

“In the four years since the award was launched, this was first time the honoree did not know prior to the announcement at our Annual Conference,” said KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling. “Jina was in total shock, but her selection came as no surprise to us.”

Award nominations were solicited from school districts this past fall. Greathouse was carefully selected from a competitive pool of nominees by a panel of judges – all of them former KSBA presidents and award winners.

“The marks of a good leader include integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience; she has them all,” the nomination said.

KSBA’s Kentucky School Board Member of the Year award, established in 2022, recognizes significant contributions to public education through service on local school boards. The award is presented to an individual who, among other things, exemplifies leadership best practices, passionately advocates for needs of the district, demonstrates the highest ethical standards and celebrates the values of public service. View award criteria.

This year’s award was sponsored by American Fidelity Educational Services.