Kentucky School Advocate
June 2023

McCracken County names Hunt as next superintendent          
The McCracken County Schools board has selected Josh Hunt as the district’s next leader. Hunt, currently assistant superintendent in Christian County Schools, will replace Steve Carter who will retire on June 30.

Hunt began his career 22 years ago as an algebra teacher. From 2009-2020 he served as an assistant principal in Christian County Schools and for the past three years as the assistant superintendent of operations. Hunt has overseen the consolidation of Christian County and Hopkinsville high schools, which is an ongoing process. Hunt also serves as the school safety coordinator. In 2017, he was recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers.“I am extremely excited and humbled to be selected as the next superintendent of McCracken County Schools. I want to thank board chairman Steve Shelby, all the MCPS school board members, and the Superintendent Selection Committee for giving me this opportunity,” Hunt said.  

Shelby said the screening committee did an excellent job.

“We had a list of criteria, and he checked off every item on the list,” he said. “That was what we were looking for, that was what the search committee was looking for, and we are really excited to have Mr. Hunt with us.”

Hunt holds a bachelor’s degree from Brescia University and master’s and education specialist degrees from Murray State University.

Hunt told the Paducah Sun that he is ready to take the helm of the district and meet people and staff.

“The first thing I want to focus on is getting to know the folks I work with on a daily basis, getting out into the schools and familiarizing myself with the new district,” he said.

Begley hired as Bourbon County superintendent  
The Bourbon County school board has named Larry Begley as the district’s next superintendent.Begley, who will begin his role July 1, replaces Amy Baker who is retiring. Begley, current superintendent of Russellville Independent, has also been a special needs educator, assistant principal, principal, director of district-wide services and director of exceptional children.

“The roles that I have been fortunate enough to serve in during my 20-plus years in public education have allowed me to become an advocate for children, public education staff, families and the community as a whole,” Begley said. “Make no mistake, I only have one goal when I come to work each day: to be a resource to our school district to grow leaders by providing our children a first-class education. I am the product of public education, and I want every staff member, parent and child to know that we can make a positive difference.”

Begley received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He earned his instructional leadership and master’s in special education degrees from Morehead State University. His superintendent endorsement was obtained at Murray State University. His doctorate in educational leadership is from the University of the Cumberlands.

Begley also serves as an adjunct professor at Campbellsville University, where he teaches classes to aspiring school principals.

Recent superintendent resignations  
At least five superintendents announced in May that they would not be returning to their districts next year. In addition to Begley, Danville Independent’s Greg Ross announced he would leave Danville after one year to become head of school at the West End School, a private school in Louisville. Elizabethtown’s Kelli Bush, who had been on leave since May 1, announced on May 25 that she would not return to the district. She had been superintendent for three years. Wayne County’s Wayne Roberts announced he would retire after nine years leading the district. Clinton County’s Paula Little also announced in May that she would leave the district after one year as superintendent.

KSBA Learn and Earn webinars  
KSBA Learn and Earn webinars are held from noon – 1 p.m. (ET) on the second Wednesday of each month at a cost of $50 per session. Pre-registration is required. All Learn and Earn webinars count for one hour of state-mandated school board training credit. While information is presented through the lens of school board service, some topics may be relevant to administrators and other education stakeholders. KSBA’s July 12 webinar will discuss implementation and initiatives for 2022’s Read to Succeed Act. The Aug. 9 training will highlight the value of KSBA’s eMeeting service for boards and SBDM councils.

Visit ksba.org/LearnandEarn.aspx for more information.