Kentucky School Advocate
June 2021
Clark Co. declines to renew superintendent’s contract
The Clark County board voted 3-2 in late April to not renew Superintendent Paul Christy’s contract.
Christy told local media after the vote that he believed his contract was not renewed because of his concerns over COVID-19. In his evaluation, the board said Christy was “developing” in five areas. A written comment in the evaluation noted that “Mr. Christy did not make education a top priority as other counties did. We should never make education an option as we did last year.”
Christy told the Winchester Sun that he was not surprised by the decision because a former board member had told him that three of the current members planned to vote against retaining him.
“I’ve been in education for 30 years,” Christy said. “I’ve made the statement that I came in with KERA and I’m going out with COVID.”
“I know I can walk out of here with my head held high,” he said.
Casey Co. superintendent retires
Casey County Superintendent Marion Sowders has announced he will retire Aug. 1 after eight years leading the district and 28 years as an educator.“I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this district and grateful to be able to close out my public education career here,” Sowders said in his retirement letter. “The legacy I hope to leave behind is that I was an advocate for students.”
Sowders noted that the district expanded its middle school, created elementary STEM rotations, added full-time nurses and mental health counselors to all schools, upgraded its sports facilities, all-day preschool and one to one technology devices during his tenure.
Scott Co.’s Kevin Hub retires
Scott County Superintendent Kevin Hub announced his retirement as of Dec. 1. Hub has been superintendent since 2016.“I turn 55 in November, so that had a lot to do with the timing,” Hub said according to the Georgetown News-Graphic. “We’ve accomplished a lot as a board and administration. I’m leaving knowing that Scott County Schools has a lot of momentum and is positioned for great things in the future.”
During Hub’s tenure, Scott County approved a tax increase to build the county’s second high school and an athletic complex. The district also built a ninth elementary school, renovated a middle school and expanded an elementary school.
KSBA’s Superintendent Search Service is facilitating the district’s hunt for a new leader. The board hopes to choose its news new superintendent by mid-June.
“It is the priority of the board to have the right person in place as soon as possible to continue our progress without interruption,” said Diana Brooker, board chairwoman. “We are looking for an outstanding leader for Scott County Schools to continue our trajectory of success.”
Henry Co. Superintendent retires
After four years as superintendent and one year as assistant superintendent, Henry County Schools Superintendent Terry Price has announced he will retire as of July 1.Price began his teaching career with Henry County Schools then spent 20 years as an administrator in Bullitt County schools.
Price said he is most proud of his interactions with students and staff.
“By talking with students, you build those vital relationships, you understand where they are coming from, you help them solve problems that are important to them,” he said. “And working with those individuals that have truly dedicated themselves to educating the students of Henry County has made me proud to be a part of this district.”
During his tenure, the district has renovated two elementary schools and is in the process of renovating the high school.
Price offered advice for the next superintendent who will be hired after a search facilitated by KSBA’s Superintendent Search Service.
“Base every decision you make, no matter how tough, on how it is going to affect the kids of our district, short term and long term,” he said. “Believe in your convictions and stick by them.”