Superintendent resignations
Several districts will have new leadership next school year.
Adair County: Pamela Stephens will retire at the end of this school year. Stephens has been superintendent since 2017. KSBA’s Superintendent Search Service is assisting the board in the process of hiring a new superintendent. The deadline to apply is April 10.
Anchorage Independent: Kelley Ransdell announced she will retire at the end of this school year. Ransdell has been superintendent of the independent district in Jefferson County since 2013.
Lincoln County: Michael Rowe announced on Feb. 25 that he will not seek another contract when his current contract ends June 30. Rowe had previously resigned in December, but later rescinded the resignation. Rowe has been superintendent for six and a half years. After Rowe’s announcement, board chair Bruce Smith resigned his board position in order to apply for the superintendent role. Smith is a retired educator and administrator in Lincoln.
KSBA’s Superintendent Search Service and Board Vacancy Service are assisting the board in the process of hiring a new superintendent and selecting a new board member.
McCreary County: John Gunn resigned March 1 after the board voted to approve a $160,000 settlement agreement which included Gunn being paid his salary until June 30 of this year. Gunn was hired as superintendent in 2021.
Trimble County: Jessica Wilcoxson will retire after 27 years at the district. Wilcoxson had been superintendent since 2019. KSBA’s Superintendent Search Service is assisting the board in the process of hiring a new superintendent.
Previously announced resignations include Estill County’s Jeff Saylor, Boyle County’s Mike LaFavers and McCracken County’s Steve Carter.
Educators Rising Conference held
Educators Rising Kentucky State Conference was held at Bellarmine University on March 2. Educators Rising is the career and technical student organization for middle and high school students interested in education-related careers.
“Through this effort, we are recruiting the next generation of Kentucky educators to help remedy the critical teacher shortage that’s currently affecting every state in the country,” said John Paise, a program consultant in KDE’s Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness.
A total of 576 students attended the event, which is more than double the attendance of last year’s event, he said.
This year, 343 students competed in events, which is more than triple the number of competitors from last year. They competed in events such as lesson planning, public speaking, curating artifacts used in the classroom and mock job interviews. A new competition this year involved students composing a book for K-3 students in Spanish.
“One of my judges remarked that several of the competitors said that for the first time, they felt that their voice was heard and that they were welcomed and encouraged as potential educators,” Paise said.
At this year’s event, Educators Rising Kentucky also recognized its inaugural state officer team:
• President: Audrey Gilbert, Frankfort High School (Frankfort Independent)
• Vice President of Communications: Alicia Konichek, Bullitt Central High School (Bullitt County)
• Vice President of Programs and Service: Janae Allen, Ballard High School (Jefferson County)
• Vice President of Memberships: Lilly Hibbs, Union County High School
“I always tell my teacher leaders that if you’re not developing leadership within your own students and chapters, you’re missing a significant opportunity to allow your students to develop those skills they will need,” Paise said.
Commissioner Jason Glass called Educators Rising Kentucky a “bright spot” in the state’s educator workforce pipeline.
Districts ask stores to place vapes behind counter
Three school districts in Kentucky have asked local vape businesses to stop the sale of vape products to minors. In a letter sent March 17, the superintendents of Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools and LaRue County Schools ask the businesses to put vape products behind the counter.
“Growing problems are arising for young people who vape. These problems are becoming apparent within the walls of our schools,” the letter said. “Children are starting to experiment with vaping and make a habit of vaping at younger ages than ever before.”
The letter also asks the retailers to take measures to prevent the sale of vape products to individuals 18 years of age or under. It urges landlords of commercial properties to help support the district’s request with their tenants.
The superintendents – Teresa Morgan, of Hardin County, Kelli Bush of Elizabethtown and David Raleigh of LaRue County – say they are working with legislators to enact laws to punish businesses that sell vapes to minors.