Kentucky School Advocate
January 2023
Local School Board Member Advisory Council meets
At its first meeting held in conjunction with KSBA’s conferences, the Kentucky Department of Education’s Local School Board Member Advisory Council (pictured at right) elected new officers.
The council chose Simpson County board member David Webster as chair and Oldham County board member Larry Dodson as vice chair.
The council met on Dec. 8 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown the evening before KSBA’s Winter Symposium.
The group also heard an update from Education Commissioner Jason Glass about the department’s United We Learn initiative. The council also recognized Hardin County board member Charlie Wise who was attending his final meeting, as he did not run for reelection to his local board.
The council will hold its next meeting at the Galt House in Louisville during or prior to KSBA’s Annual Conference in February.
Perry Co. superintendent retires
Perry County Superintendent Jonathan Jett retired Dec. 31 after 10 years as the district’s leader. The board voted 3-2 on Dec. 1 to accept Jett’s resignation and to pay Jett $200,000 to exit his contract with the district.In making the motion to accept the agreement, board member Richy Miller said the agreement was to “get a fresh start on the direction our schools are going and I think that we just need to move on from here,” according the Hazard Herald.
Jett said in a statement after the meeting that both he and the board agreed that retirement was the right decision.
“I am thankful for so many things – for the education that I received through Perry County Schools, for the career that I have had for the last 27.5 years with Perry County Schools,” Jett said. “I am thankful for the partnerships we have made with so many groups and organizations that have ensured we meet the needs of all of our students. I am thankful for the principals, teachers and classified staff that have always advocated for students when those students had no one advocating for them.”
Jett spent nearly 30 years with the district, beginning his career in special education.
The board is in the process of filling the vacancy.
KSBA milestones
Beth Pritchett, KSBA’s executive assistant, Dan Orman, KCSS training coordinator, and Alicia Lombardi, KCSS administrative assistant, were recognized for service milestones at KSBA’s annual holiday gathering, with all three celebrating five years of service. Pritchett (right) received her five-year award from KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling.