Kentucky School Advocate
October 2021
Board Member of the Year nominations open
KSBA is accepting nominations for the association’s inaugural School Board Member of the Year (BMOY) Award. The 2022 BMOY Award is designed to honor the exemplary service of association members and to celebrate the critical roles school boards play in the advancement of public education in Kentucky.An advisory committee of current and former KSBA presidents, major award winners and leadership staff created the new award after KSBA paused awards during the pandemic.Recipients of the new award will be those who have made significant contributions to public education through board service and who personify the following qualities:
• Exemplifies leadership best practices.
• Passionately advocates for the needs of his/her district and public education.
• Demonstrates the highest ethical standards and celebrates the value of public service.
• Actively engages in KSBA training and events.
• Exhibits a keen understanding of district governance and operations.
Fellow school board members, superintendents, administrators and community members are encouraged to nominate a board member. The nomination deadline is 5 p.m. (ET) Dec. 10. Forms and more information are available at KSBA.org. The winner will be honored at KSBA’s 2022 Annual Conference in February.
Marion County superintendent takes leave of absence
Schlosser
Citing a need to put her own mental health first, Marion County Superintendent Taylora Schlosser has decided to take a leave of absence for the remainder of the school year, which runs to the end of her contract.“Two and a half years ago, I lost my only daughter to suicide. Just a few weeks ago, I lost my brother, Taylor David Bowling, to COVID, and soon after came to mourn with all of you the death of our beloved football coach, Coach Reader,” Schlosser said in a statement. “I have decided to take my own advice. I am putting my mental health first. I am stepping away from my job as an educator.”
The Marion County Board of Education said in a statement that it is working with KSBA to hire an interim superintendent. The statement said the board anticipates “working with KSBA again when we begin the search for the next superintendent of Marion County Public Schools.”
Schlosser asked her staff to support the new leadership in months ahead.
“I know the district will be in the capable hands of the board, and all leadership staff, to carry on and continue to dream, believe and achieve,” she said.