Kentucky School Advocate
June 2021
KBE approves waivers for virtual academies
The Kentucky Board of Education on May 18 approved requests from 109 districts that asked to waive a student attendance regulation in order to provide virtual learning options next school year.
The waiver will allow districts to have virtual programs for elementary students and count those students in attendance to receive state funding.
During the pandemic, districts were able to record attendance using participation, however that ability will end with this school year. David Cook, Kentucky Department of Education’s director of innovation, said districts and parents wanted the ability to use virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year.
Districts using the waiver agreed to adhere to 15 assurances, such as tracking virtual attendance, monitoring and tracking student and teacher interactions and ensuring virtual students’ schedules align with that of in-person students.
In addition to the 109 districts that requested the waiver, the board’s vote also gave Education Commissioner Jason Glass permission to approve any additional waiver requests.
Spencer Co. board chair resigns, superintendent on leave
Spencer County board chairwoman Jeanie Stevens resigned on April 27 after abstaining from a vote to put Superintendent Chuck Adams on paid administrative leave.
Stevens told WDRB-TV she was leaving the board because she is friends with Adams and the teacher who has accused him of sexual harassment. The teacher filed suit against Adams. The teacher, represented by Louisville attorney Thomas Clay, claims she received unwanted attention from Adams starting in October 2018. The woman also accused Adams of sending her unsolicited phone calls and text message. The board voted 4-0 to put Adams on leave while it investigates the claims, WDRB-TV said.
Oldham County hires Boone Co. administrator to lead district
The Oldham County Board of Education voted to appoint Jason Radford as its next superintendent.Radford is currently an assistant superintendent with Boone County Schools, leading the district’s Office of School & System Improvement, which provides equitable, accessible, rigorous, and relevant learning opportunities to all students. Prior to this position, Radford served as a national school leadership coach, and worked for KDE as a district manager and acting director for Title 1, as well as an educational recovery leader. Radford has also served as a teacher, lead teacher, assistant principal/assistant DPP, and high school principal.Radford will replace Greg Schultz, who is retiring on June 30 after 31 years in education and five years as Oldham County Schools’ superintendent.
Mercer County selects Pikeville principal as next superintendent
The Mercer County school board has selected Jason Booher as the district’s next superintendent. “We are extremely excited to welcome Mr. Jason Booher as Mercer County’s next superintendent,” said Mercer board chairman Randy Phillips. “Mr. Booher’s experience in teaching, administration and coaching made him a top candidate in our search. His accomplishments over the last several years are impressive and I cannot wait to serve alongside him as we look to take Mercer County Schools to the next level.”
Booher has been the principal at Pikeville High School since 2018, where he previously served as assistant principal and athletic director. Prior to Pikeville, he served as assistant principal at Holmes High School (Covington Ind.) and at Shelby Valley and Belfry high schools (both in Pike Co.).
Booher gained a master’s degree and his superintendent, director of pupil personnel and instructional supervisor certifications from Morehead State University after earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky.
“I would like to thank all those involved,” Booher said. “Mercer County has a rich tradition of excellence, and I look forward to the challenge of leading them to even greater heights.”