Kentucky School Advocate
August 2024
Staff Report
Barren County
The Barren County Board of Education has named Amy Irwin as the district’s next superintendent.
“Mrs. Irwin has a proven record of leadership and a deep commitment to the students and staff of Barren County Schools. We know that she will continue to move the district forward with vision, passion and a sincere desire to serve our entire BC community,” said board chair Shelly Groce.
Irwin was previously the principal of Barren County High School and has held various positions in the district for 23 years including as a guidance counselor for Barren County’s middle school and high school. In 2004, she became the first director of BAVEL (Barren Academy of Virtual and Expanded Learning). In 2015, she served as the district’s College and Career Development coordinator and, in 2018, she began serving as principal at the BCHS Innovation Zone until becoming Barren County High School principal in 2019.
Irwin earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Western Kentucky University in 1995. She continued at WKU, earning a master’s degree in counseling, Rank I in counseling, Rank I in educational administration and superintendent’s certification. She also completed Harvard Graduate School Aspiring Leaders Training in 2017.
“I want to thank the board for giving me this opportunity to serve our students, staff and community,” Irwin said. “We will continue to build on the solid foundation created by so many who came before us. Our commitment to providing opportunities for all students to succeed will be the driving force behind everything we do.”
Bracken County
The Bracken County school board has named Clayton King as the district’s next superintendent.
King is a graduate of Bracken County Schools who began his teaching career at Bracken County High School. During his tenure, he has held multiple positions, serving as bus driver, 10 years as high school math teacher and six years as high school assistant principal. Since 2015, he has been principal of Bracken County Middle School.
King started his career at Bracken County Schools as a bus driver in 1998 before becoming a teacher the next year. He also taught at Mason County High School before returning to Bracken County in 2004.
King has a bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University and a graduate degree from Northern Kentucky University. He completed his director of pupil personnel certification from the University of the Cumberlands and is completing his superintendent certification at Campbellsville University.
King said he is excited to continue fostering a safe, inviting learning environment within Bracken County Schools.
“I look forward to building off of current successes within the district as we work as a team to meet the needs of the students,” King said. “I intend to foster a shared vision of continuous improvement with a focus on college and career readiness for our graduates.”
Elliott County
The Elliott County Board of Education has hired Dolly Fannin as the district’s new superintendent. Fannin has worked in the district for 29 years, most recently as the director of Pupil Personnel, intervention coordinator and Gifted and Talented coordinator.
“I am very thankful for all the encouragement and support from the faculty and staff in our district,” she said. “I will strive to be the best superintendent. I know that we can work as a team to provide the best possible opportunities for our students. My goal is to establish an environment where all parties can flourish. I am proud to be the next Elliott County superintendent.”
Fannin has also served as principal at both Elliott County Middle School and the former Isonville Elementary. Fannin has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Morehead State University where she also completed her principal and DPP certification. Her superintendent certification was completed at the University of the Cumberlands.
During her service in the district, Fannin has brought in approximately $2 million in grant funding.
Lawrence County
The Lawrence County school board has selected Katie Webb as the district’s next superintendent. Webb is a Lawrence County native and graduate of the district. She is the district’s first female superintendent.
Webb has served as Lawrence County’s chief academic officer since 2021.
Board chair Jim See said Webb was chosen after an extensive search process.
“The LC board feels confident that Mrs. Katie Webb is the right candidate, offering comprehensive leadership abilities, continuing the district’s positive focus on educational priorities, proficiency in state competitions, along with athletic pursuits for our students,” he said. “We are thrilled to continue to work with Mrs. Webb in her new role as superintendent of LC Schools and to be involved in the positive advancement of our school system.”
Webb earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Pikeville. She obtained a Master of Education degree and an Instructional Supervision degree from Morehead State University.
Webb went on to earn a degree in school leadership and superintendent certification at Eastern Kentucky University.
Webb previously worked for 21 years at Paintsville Independent Schools including five years as the supervisor of instruction for Paintsville Independent and seven years as principal of Paintsville Elementary School.
“My vision for our schools is simple: high standards for all, respect for everyone and giving our best every day,” Webb said. “I’m excited to work with you all to keep moving Lawrence County and our schools forward. Let’s build on our successes and create even more opportunities for our students, staff and community.”
Jackson County
The Jackson County Board of Education has hired Renee Smith as the district’s new superintendent.
Smith was Clay County Schools supervisor of instruction and had worked in the district for 25 years, including 13 years as a classroom teacher. During 12 years in at the central office, Smith held various roles, including assessment coordinator, school safety coordinator, district technology coordinator and Title I coordinator.
Smith has a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree from Union College. She completed her superintendent certification at EKU where she is also currently a doctoral candidate.
The district said in a statement that Smith is excited about her new role and looks forward to contributing to the success and growth of Jackson County Schools.
Trigg County
The Trigg County Board of Education has hired Rex Booth as the new superintendent of Trigg County Schools.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rex Booth, his wife, Shannon, and their children to the Trigg County family,” said Jo Alyce Harper, chair of the Trigg County school board. “His proven track record in improving school culture and student achievement makes him the ideal leader for our district. We look forward to the positive changes and continued growth that his leadership will bring.”
Booth most recently served as the principal of Russellville Middle/High School. During his three-year tenure at Russellville Independent Schools, Booth made strides in improving both the academic and the school’s overall standing.
Before working in Russellville, Booth was the principal of Intermediate Elementary/Middle School in Edmonson County. Prior to his administrative roles, Booth was a math teacher and coach.
Booth has a bachelor’s in education from Lindsey Wilson College, a master’s in education from the University of the Cumberlands and superintendent certification and Doctor of Education from Murray State University.
Booth’s vision for Trigg County Schools includes a focus on enhancing academic performance, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment and engaging with the community to support student success, according to the district.
Carlisle County
The Carlisle County Board of Education has hired Thomas J. Radivonyk Jr. as the district’s superintendent.
For the past six years, Radivonyk has served as the principal of Lyon County High School.
Radivonyk said he plans to bring a passion for education, a commitment to excellence and a vision for propelling Carlisle County Schools to new heights of achievement.
“With a background in education that includes student transportation, middle school leadership, high school instruction and high school leadership, I carry with me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the upcoming school year and well beyond,” he said.
Radivonyk also served as principal of Crittenden County Middle School for two years. Prior to that, he taught language arts at Lyon County High School as well as serving the district as a bus driver and driver trainer.
Radivonyk also taught at Boone High School in Orlando, Florida.
He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, a master’s degree from the University of the Cumberlands, and another master’s from Murray State University.
Radivonyk said he plans to build deep relationships with educators and students to foster success in the district.
“I can’t wait to build upon the incredible work of my predecessors to further foster a culture of respect, collaboration and continuous improvement at Carlisle County Schools,” he said.