Kentucky School Advocate
February 2021
Longest current serving school board member honored
KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling attended Daviess County's Jan. 21 school board meeting to recognize Frank Riney III, who is currently the state's longest serving board member. (Photo provided by Daviess County Schools)
Daviess County Schools honored board member Frank Riney III, the longest currently serving board member in the state, during its Jan. 21 meeting.Riney, 74, has been on the school board for 44 years and was re-elected in November. KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling attended the meeting to recognize Riney’s accomplishment.
Daviess County Superintendent Matt Robbins told the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer that Riney’s deep knowledge and history of the district is invaluable. Robbins also notes that Riney “serves with a great heart,” and makes decisions for the benefit of underprivileged children.
“He represents that child and that family who often don’t have a voice,” Robbins said. “I hear that expressed through him.”
Riney told the paper that there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to represent his constituents and the young people in the county.
“Making a young person’s life better is the ultimate goal,” he said. “I want to help them have a good and successful life. There’s nothing any of us can do that can be more important.”
Superintendent moves
At least three more districts are looking for new leaders.
Fort Thomas Independent Superintendent Karen Cheser announced that after leading the district for the last four years, she will retire at the end of the school year.“Serving as superintendent of this wonderful district has been the honor of my career and I am so thankful for everything that we have accomplished together,” Cheser said at the district’s Jan. 6 board meeting.Board member Jeff Beach said Cheser has done a magnificent job leading the district.“I remember her interview several years ago and how clear her vision was. By executing it so well, she has us ideally positioned for the future,” he said. The board plans a national search for her replacement.
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Longtime Woodford County Superintendent Scott Hawkins announced at the Jan. 19 board meeting that he will also retire at the end of the school year. Hawkins has been superintendent for 13 years.“I am grateful that the board of education was willing to step out and hire someone who did not have superintendent experience,” Hawkins said of his hiring in 2008. “To our students, you have been my motivation for everything we have done during my tenure.”
Board chairwoman Dani Bradley thanked Hawkins on behalf of the board for his service to the county’s students.
“The district’s growth in your tenure has been exceptional,” she said. “And we are all truly grateful for your leadership and dedication to our students.”
Hancock County Superintendent Kyle Estes will leave his district in June. Estes announced that he will follow his wife to Alaska where she recently took a new job.“It has been my tremendous honor to serve as the Superintendent of Hancock County Schools. It is an experience I would not change,” Estes said. “I am honored and excited to be supporting my wife’s pursuit of this leadership opportunity and I look forward to being together as a family as we chart a new path in Anchorage, Alaska.”
Estes is in his ninth year as superintendent and had signed a new four-year contract last year.