Kentucky School Advocate
May 2023
Boards hire new superintendents
Boyle County: The Boyle County school board hired Mark Wade as the district’s next superintendent. Wade, who will begin July 1, has been with the district for 20 years, starting as an agriculture teacher.
He has also served as assistant principal and is currently the principal of Boyle County High School where he has created a strong academic program resulting in high rankings including the number one county high school in the state based on Kentucky Summative Assessment data.
As superintendent, Wade plans to continue to build a culture of academic excellence across the district. He will focus on providing students with real-world learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and beyond.
“I am both excited and deeply honored to take on the role of superintendent,” Wade said. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teachers, administrators and staff to provide our students with the absolute best education and opportunities for success.”
Wade will replace Mike LaFavers who is retiring at the end of June.
Anchorage Independent: The Anchorage Independent Board of Education has hired Karen Solise as the district’s next superintendent.
Solise, assistant superintendent of Trigg County Schools, is in her 26th year in the education field. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in business education from Western Kentucky University, a master’s degree in education from Western Kentucky University, a master’s degree in school administration from Murray State University, a Rank I in education from Indiana Wesleyan and a superintendent certification from Murray State.Solise spent 17 years teaching middle and high school and worked as a curriculum specialist and principal before becoming assistant superintendent. At Trigg County she oversees curriculum and instruction, federal funds, assessments, professional development, gifted and talented and several other departments.
Current Superintendent Kelley Ransdell will be completing her term on June 30.
Estill County: The Estill County school board has hired Charlie Brock as the next superintendent. Brock currently serves as an instructional supervisor at Berea Independent Schools. Brock has also served as Berea High School principal.
Brock began his career at North Laurel High School where he taught mathematics and coached basketball. During this time, Brock completed two master’s degrees, one in educational leadership and one in educational supervision. He moved into administration in 2010.In 2017, Brock was named principal of Somerset Independent High School after three years as the school’s assistant principal.
The Estill board will hold a community meet and greet at 5 p.m. on May 18, before its regular board meeting.
Current Superintendent Jeff Saylor will retire at the end of June.