Kentucky School Advocate
January 2024
Two boards hire new superintendents
Ron Ballard is the new Danville Independent superintendent. Ballard, who began his new role Jan. 1, was previously the district’s chief of operations.
Ballard is a Danville High School graduate. He started as a teacher in the district in 2002 and served as principal before becoming the director of pupil personnel and support services. But his first job in the district was as a dishwasher while he was a middle and high school student.
In 2020, he redesigned the district’s alternative school with a performance-based online nonattendance option. Anchor Academy has been used as an example for other districts because of its innovative model.
He has also served as a commander for the National Guard, and as a teacher in New Hampshire.
“The Danville school experience changed the direction of my life,” Ballard said. “Because of that, I hope and desire to help change the direction of the students, teachers, and families in my community in a positive way.”
Dan Costellow is the new Logan County superintendent. Costellow, a Logan County alumnus, began his new role on Jan. 1.
Costellow was previously the general education services director for the Green River Regional Education Cooperative where he worked with many districts and district-level directors. He has also served as a principal, assistant principal and agriculture teacher with Warren County Schools.
Costellow obtained his superintendent certification and doctor of educational leadership degree from Western Kentucky University (WKU). He also obtained his master’s degree in secondary education and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from WKU.
“I am excited to return home to a school district that is highly regarded across Kentucky,” Costellow said. “I have hoped for many years to get the opportunity to work alongside many of my family, friends and colleagues in Logan County. I appreciate the efforts of the board and the Screening Committee and the faith they have placed in me.”
The Logan County board thanked the district’s Superintendent Search Committee and the Kentucky School Boards Association for facilitating the search.
Two superintendents to retire
Boone County superintendent Matt Turner announced his retirement on Dec. 8, effective at the end of the school year. Turner, who has been an educator for 33 years, has led the third-largest district in the state for four years.
“I look forward to spending more time with my family, my friends, serving the members of my church and continuing to serve the Boone County community,” Turner said in a video on the school district’s YouTube channel.
Turner said that serving as superintendent has been an honor and privilege.
“I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of this remarkable educational community,” he said. “Here’s to the next chapter for each of us and to the bright future of this extraordinary school district.”
LaRue County Superintendent David Raleigh announced on Dec. 18 that he will also retire at the end of the school year.
Raleigh, who became superintendent six years ago, has served 36 years in public education. Raleigh led the district in academic growth, personnel development and the implementation of the LaRue County Schools Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Education in December 2019.
“Although there is still work to be done, as a district, we have made great strides in many areas because of the collaborative efforts of the exceptional people in our Hawk Family. Our power is our people and I love every one of them,” Raleigh said.
He thanked the teachers, support staff, principals and district leaders for working tirelessly to provide services to students.
“I wish only the best for the school district and community as you continue to move forward. LaRue County Schools has unlimited potential and I look forward to watching you fulfill your vision of creating a future-driven school district, focused on the whole child where no group is ever marginalized.”