HOTLINELeadership Focused • Student Centered • Success Driven

A PUBLICATION OF THE KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS VOL. 44 • ISSUE 5

June 2014

President’s MessageFriends - Thank You

KASA 2014 Leadership Institute & Expo

Lawlines

Board Members Recognized

P2 P5 P7

www.kasa.org

Kentucky’s got Fred

The KASA Awards Committee is proud to announce the 2014 Fred Award finalists:• Neil Litton, school volunteer/aid for Muhlenburg South Elementary School,

Muhlenburg County Schools• Bruce Bell, custodian/student mentor and volunteer, Union County Schools• Glenn Pierce, custodian, East View Elementary School, Daviess County Schools

The Fred Award remains a coveted KASA award, drawing in nearly 40 applications each year from school districts across Kentucky. Inspired by Fred Shea, the subject of Mark Sanborn’s national bestseller, The Fred Factor, the award recognizes non-administrative staff, students, and volunteers statewide whose daily efforts are deemed extraordinary and integral to a positive learning atmosphere in their school communities.

“This is a very special award honoring those who set the example for Kentucky kids. Being a finalist for this award speaks volumes about the caliber of service each of these finalists gives on a daily basis. We believe in recognizing those who have dedicated so much of themselves to others,” KASA Deputy Director Rhonda Caldwell said.

Finalists are selected for this award by a statewide judging panel representing leaders from school districts across the Commonwealth. They will be recognized during the award presentation July 18, 2014, at KASA’s Annual Leadership Institute & Expo in Louisville. Each finalist receives $250; the winner receives $500. Film crews visited each finalist in May.

To learn more about each Fred see page 6.

Neil Litton, Muhlenberg Co.

Bruce Bell, Union Co.

Glenn Pierce, Daviess Co.

2014 Fred Finalists Announced

KASA STAFFExecutive DirectorV. Wayne Young

Deputy DirectorRhonda Caldwell, CAE

Executive Operations CoordinatorPat Bailey

Membership/Marketing CoordinatorMary Brown

Legislative LiaisonClyde Caudill

Communications and Affiliate Services CoordinatorWanda Darland

Superintendent Selection ServicesPhil Eason

Membership Coordinator/Meeting PlannerErin Howe

Director of Professional DevelopmentShirley LaFavers

Finance SpecialistAmy Moore

Executive Assistant Milinda Sosby

Professional Development AssistantAnne Winburn

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As my time serving as the Kentucky Association of School Administrators

(KASA) president comes to an end, I would like to reflect on the experience and share the reasons why I am so very thankful for the opportunity to serve the leading advocacy organization for Kentucky’s school administrators.

First, I want to thank my family, as well as my superintendent at LaRue County Schools, for allowing me to take on this position. I am very thankful to Sam Sanders and the LaRue County Board of Education.

In addition, I want to thank my current board of education at Garrard County Schools for allowing me to continue serving in this role. I am so proud to be part of such an outstanding organization. The board members of both counties recognize the impact and influence of KASA on school and district administrators.

My first year as superintendent of Garrard County Schools has been a year of tremendous learning and professional growth. The KASA organization has helped me extensively as I have encountered new responsibilities.

I am extremely proud of the role KASA plays in Kentucky education. Representing many educational leaders, our organization is dedicated to research, participation, and leadership. At the local level, the organization emphasizes leadership development and engagement through our academies, institutes, and summits. At the state level, the organization is dedicated to advocacy and helping lawmakers and others learn about trends in education and how the Kentucky General Assembly influences education policy.

Being able to serve all members through my role as president is a truly wonderful and humbling experience. The KASA Board of Directors is an outstanding group of individuals from many of our state organizations who believe that our mission is to help students achieve at the highest levels.

Executive Director Wayne Young, Deputy Director Rhonda Caldwell, and all the KASA staff serve the members and the organization in the highest professional manner. They are true public servants and are constantly advocating for students and educators.

During the annual leadership institute, my term as KASA president will officially come to a close, and I will move to my role as the immediate past president. I am sincerely thankful and appreciative for the overwhelming support received during my year as KASA president. As my term ends, I want to remind all KASA members and staff of my commitment to a future of serving KASA in any way possible.

In my new role, I will continue to focus on the many wonderful things happening for KASA. We have moved into a new building, and our future holds new and exciting opportunities from the Kentucky Department of Education. These developments will enable KASA to continually serve constituents at higher levels.

The leadership institute is always a motivating way to prepare for a great school year. I encourage everyone to attend and for districts to use this time for district-level leadership retreats. I hope to see everyone this summer, July 16-18, at the Galt House in Louisville for the 2014 Annual Leadership Institute & Expo! Thank you.

President’s Message

Paul Mullins, Garrard County Schools

Friends, Thank You!

KASA staff member reaches milestoneWanda Darland, KASA’s Communications & Affiliate Services Coordinator, recently completed a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Bethel University.

Wanda has been a part of the KASA team since 2001.

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2013-2014 Board of DirectorsOfficers*

President: Paul Mullins, Garrard County

President-elect: Lu Young, Fayette County

Vice President:Barry Lee, Casey County

Immediate Past President:Rita Muratalla, Bullitt County

Regional RepresentativesA Donna Crouch, Graves Co.

B Brad Johnson, Hopkins Co.

C Kirk Biggerstaff, Monroe Co.

D Jennifer Lewis, Hardin Co.

E Shannon Treece, Eminence Ind.

F Scott Hawkins, Woodford Co.

G Amy McVey, Fayette Co.

H Steve Butcher, Pulaski Co.

I Matt Mercer, Pike Co.

J Dan Imes, Greenup Co.

K Alissa Ayres, Boone Co.

Affiliate Representatives

KAES Garrick Ratliff, Robertson Co.

KAESP Jo Craven, retired

KAPS Diane Herrick, Jefferson Co.

KASBO Stephen Clark, Cloverport Ind.

KASS Coy Samons, Paintsville Ind.

KASSP David Gilliam, Madison Co.

KCA/KSCA Mark Casto, Russell Ind.

KDPP Mike Ford, Boone Co.

KMSAA Reed Adkins, Pike Co.

KSNA Barbara Kincaid, Boone Co.

KYCASE Rhonda Simpson, Green Co.

KYSPRA Leslie Peek, Bowling Green Ind.

SACSAA Earl McManus, Graves Co.

Emeritus Members Glenn Spalding, retired

30+ superintendents participate in New Superintendent Mentoring Program

The most experienced superintendents in Kentucky served as mentors for KASA’s NxG Leadership Series for Onboarding New Superintendents during the 2013-14 school year. This year’s program provided support to more than 30 new superintendents and two intern

participants. Each new superintendent enrolled in the program was mentored by an experienced superintendent with custom-matched skills based on the mentor’s/mentee’s strengths, district size, and geographic location.

A few pivotal tasks mentors assisted KASA with to guide superintendents include:•Development of a 30-60-90 day plan and an Individual Learning Plan (ILP);• Incremental growth toward identified goals of the leader and the school district; •Led or guided data-driven discussions, using data from state and local resources;•Assisted with messaging for critical and timely situations;•Were available 24/7 to provide support, attend board meetings, assist with the Capstone

presentation; and help guide all matters of the school district;•Shared quarterly feedback and conducted the final evaluation of the new

superintendent’s development and successful completion of the program.“The mentoring segment of the program is an integral component in the growth of our new

superintendents. It really is a one-of-a-kind initiative,” KASA Executive Director Wayne Young said.

BIG THANKS TO OUR PROGRAM MENTORS:Tim Abrams, Henry County Schools

Lonnie Burgett, Mayfield Independent Schools

Steve Butcher, Pulaski County Schools

John Dalton, Wayne County Schools

Andy Dotson, Harrison County Schools

James Evans, Jr., Lee County Schools

Steve Hall, Greenup County Schools

Travis Hamby, Trigg County Schools

Scott Hawkins, Woodford County Schools

Bert Hensley, Estill County Schools

Sean Howard, Glasgow Independent Schools

Walter T. Hulett, retired, Knox County Schools

Randall Jackson, Allen County Schools

Sandy Johnson, Hazard Independent Schools

Nannette Johnston, Hardin County Schools

Marshall Kemp, Logan County Schools

Mike LaFavers, Boyle County Schools

Ricky Line, Hart County Schools

John Millay, Meade County Schools

Bill Musick, Fairview Independent Schools

James Neihoff, Shelby County Schools

Sam Sanders, LaRue County Schools

Tres Settle, McClean County Schools

Larry Sparks, Leslie County Schools

Tim Spencer, Breathitt County Schools

Anthony Strong, Pendleton County Schools

Henry Webb, Floyd County Schools

Richard Webb, Burgin Independent Schools

Rachel Yarbrough, Crittenden County Schools

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July 16-18, 2014 | Galt House Hotel, Louisville

New Developments:Missy Jenkins, former student of Heath High School, will be featured during the opening session’s Moment of Inspiration. Missy, as you may recall, was one of the survivors of the 1997 Heath High School shooting. Critically injured - paralyzed from the chest down - Missy went on to graduate from college and become a counselor for troubled youth. Come hear how this young woman went from being part of a headline to being an inspiration as she tells you how she chose to be happy. Missy will join us at the President’s Reception for a book signing, as well.

Barrington Irving’s book, Sky High, will be available to everyone who attends the opening session. Provided by Scholastic, the book walks you through the life of Barrington Irving and how he made his dream reality. “If you have a dream you must put your energy toward making it happen. Don’t let anyone tell you your dream isn’t good enough.” Barrington Irving

Mobile App - Stay abreast of the latest developments; read about the keynote speakers; check out the market place activities and see the show floor plan; and much more! Download KASA’s new app from the App store or Google Play. Just search for Eventsential. Use the app as your program guide!

District Administrative Retreats - Host your district’s administrative retreat in conjunction with KASA’s annual leadership institute July 15 and/or July 16. Retreats are designed for those who wish to plan, team-build, network, and prepare for the year ahead while taking advantage of all the institute has to offer. Districts plan their own agenda but may schedule one of our thought leaders or sign up for an hour long top performance team-building session. Presenters are available Wednesday, July 16, and include Lisa Rogers, Math Solutions; Ernesto Rodriguez, Scholastic Achievement Partners (literacy); Wayne Young, KASA; and staff from the Life Adventure Center.

To reserve your retreat room or obtain more information, contact Milinda Sosby at the KASA office (milinda@kasa.org). And, don’t forget, retreats are free to districts attending the annual leadership institute.

Annual Golf Scramble for Educator Scholarship Wednesday,July16•10a.m. Quail Chase Golf Club, 7000 Cooper Chapel Road, Louisiville

www.kasa.org (Leadership Development -> Annual Leadership Institute)(800) 928-5272 or email erin@kasa.org Mail: 87 C. Michael Davenport Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601

HOW TOREGISTER

•Format: 4-person Scramble•Entry Fee $50

Includes green fee, cart, refreshments, lunch, prizes, and more!KASA leadership institute registrants and guests are invited. To Register please email Erin Howe (erin@kasa.org) or David Gash (david.gash@jostens.com).

All proceeds donated to KASA’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Program.

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July 16-18, 2014 | Galt House Hotel, Louisville

New Developments:Missy Jenkins, former student of Heath High School, will be featured during the opening session’s Moment of Inspiration. Missy, as you may recall, was one of the survivors of the 1997 Heath High School shooting. Critically injured - paralyzed from the chest down - Missy went on to graduate from college and become a counselor for troubled youth. Come hear how this young woman went from being part of a headline to being an inspiration as she tells you how she chose to be happy. Missy will join us at the President’s Reception for a book signing, as well.

Barrington Irving’s book, Sky High, will be available to everyone who attends the opening session. Provided by Scholastic, the book walks you through the life of Barrington Irving and how he made his dream reality. “If you have a dream you must put your energy toward making it happen. Don’t let anyone tell you your dream isn’t good enough.” Barrington Irving

Mobile App - Stay abreast of the latest developments; read about the keynote speakers; check out the market place activities and see the show floor plan; and much more! Download KASA’s new app from the App store or Google Play. Just search for Eventsential. Use the app as your program guide!

District Administrative Retreats - Host your district’s administrative retreat in conjunction with KASA’s annual leadership institute July 15 and/or July 16. Retreats are designed for those who wish to plan, team-build, network, and prepare for the year ahead while taking advantage of all the institute has to offer. Districts plan their own agenda but may schedule one of our thought leaders or sign up for an hour long top performance team-building session. Presenters are available Wednesday, July 16, and include Lisa Rogers, Math Solutions; Ernesto Rodriguez, Scholastic Achievement Partners (literacy); Wayne Young, KASA; and staff from the Life Adventure Center.

To reserve your retreat room or obtain more information, contact Milinda Sosby at the KASA office (milinda@kasa.org). And, don’t forget, retreats are free to districts attending the annual leadership institute.

Annual Golf Scramble for Educator Scholarship Wednesday,July16•10a.m. Quail Chase Golf Club, 7000 Cooper Chapel Road, Louisiville•Format: 4-person Scramble•Entry Fee $50

Includes green fee, cart, refreshments, lunch, prizes, and more!KASA leadership institute registrants and guests are invited. To Register please email Erin Howe (erin@kasa.org) or David Gash (david.gash@jostens.com).

All proceeds donated to KASA’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Program.

LODGINGRESERVATIONS

Make reservations at the Galt House by June 30 to receive the KASA rate.Call (800) THE-GALT or Online at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/kasa46Ask for the KASA room block ($140 Suite / $125 Rivue)

June10 Awards Committee Meeting

KASA Office, Frankfort

12-13 Annual Education Law &

Policy Symposium

Marriott Griffin Gate Resort &

Spa, Lexington

17 Nominating Committee Meeting

KASA Office, Frankfort

17-19 PGES/PLA Schools Training

Embassy Suites, Lexington

26-27 KLA/ISLN Summer Leadership

Retreat

Lexington Center, Lexington

July16-18 KASA Annual Leadership

Institute & Expo Galt House Hotel, Louisville

March 201518-20 Annual Finance, Policy &

Operations Institute Lexington Center

July 201515-17 Annual Leadership

Institute & Expo Galt House Hotel, Louisville

CALENDAR of Events

FEATURED 2015 DATES

Continued from page 1

Meet the Fred finalists... Neil Litton: A retired custodian (after 25 years of service), Litton has logged over 1,800 volunteer hours per year for the past nine years at Muhlenberg South Elementary School in the Muhlenberg County School District. Although his self-appointed tasks include preparing snack crates, grading pa-pers, running errands, and delivering food for the Back Pack Food Program, Litton is much more to the students, who consider “Mr. Neil” a part of the school family and show great concern if he is absent.

Principal Grayson Wells said Litton’s value on the positive atmosphere of the school is endless, noting that he inspires students to work joyfully and selflessly and to believe in the power of education. In one example, Litton dressed up as Si Robertson from the popular TV show Duck Dynasty as a surprise for the kids, slashing the absentee rate by 70 percent that day.

“There is no one more dedicated to his school family than he. We love him and are overwhelmed with joy and excitement that he is being recognized as a final-ist for this prestigious award,” Wells said.

Bruce Bell: “Super Bruce,” as he is known to students at Union County Schools, is a custodian, a volunteer, and a mentor. Although his job doesn’t require it and he doesn’t get paid to do it, Bell began volunteering his own time every day to assist Morganfield Elementary School custodians after staff reduc-tions and to mentor MES students. Bruce spends his personal time reading to children and mentoring boys with discipline issues.

District staff say you can find him high-fiving students as they get on the buses, dusting the minute hand of the lobby clock, or clearing snow off every vehicle in the parking lot during a snowstorm. According to district staff, in the seven years he has been employed, “there is no task Bruce won’t tackle.”

Superintendent Patricia Sheffer said “Super Bruce” has become an icon for the district’s mission.

“Our UCPS motto is SMOVE (Smile + Move) and Bruce is the epitome of a SMOVER. He is always up for adventure, greets each day with joy, and above all, is a humble and eager servant. Bruce is a role model not only for our stu-dents and employees, but for each of us as humans.”

Glenn Pierce: After 32 years of service to Daviess County Schools, Pierce continues to reinvent, inspire, and serve others. His job title says custodian, but Pierce assumes many other self-appointed roles. He is also an artist, a friend, and a mentor.

A visitor to East View Elementary School might find Pierce buffing floors, open-ing a milk carton for a child during lunch, leaving a banana on the desk of a staff member who he notices missed lunch, or rearranging furniture to facilitate a new learning atmosphere. Part of the fabric of the school, Pierce knows every child by name, and is even sought out by older students from other schools for his advice and listening ear. As described by one of his peers, “He truly is a humble servant of all.”

“One of our guiding principles in the Daviess County Public School district is to ‘approach everything we do with a servant’s heart.’ Nobody exemplifies that ideal more than Glenn Pierce. He finds joy, purpose and satisfaction in his responsibilities as head custodian at East View Elementary School. But Glenn’s contributions go far beyond his job description. He inspires everyone around him to be their best, because he sees the best in them,” Superintendent Owens Saylor said.

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Welcome New KASA Members:

Chris T. Ailster, Greenup Co.Vicki Anderson, Harlan Ind.Kathy Burris, Barren Co.Allison Chandler, Breckinridge Co.David Cloyd, Warren Co.Tiffany Cook, Fayette Co.Michael Elmore, Hardin Co.

Linda Fortney, Knox Co.Winona Griggs, Wayne Co.Jordan Hale, Monroe Co.Donald Hudson, Jefferson Co.Cynthia Jackson, WKECGlenda London, Barren Co.Jeff Lowman, Hardin Co.Kimberly Salyer, Jefferson Co.Andrea Salyers, Johnson Co.Kim Stevenson, Christian Co.Stephanie Turner, NKCESStoye Young, Warren Co.

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In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned an appeals court ruling, and held that a New York town’s practice of beginning public town board meetings with a prayer

from a “chaplain of the month” passes constitutional muster. Justice Kennedy, writing for the majority, said, “[C]eremonial prayer is but a recognition that, since this nation was founded and until the present day, many Americans deem that their own existence must be understood by precepts far beyond that authority of government to alter or define.”

Town officials in Greece, N.Y., near Rochester, said that members of all faiths, and atheists, were welcome to give the opening prayer. In practice, however, almost all of the chaplains were Christian. Some of their prayers were explicitly sectarian, with references, for instance, to “the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.”

Justice Kennedy did suggest that some prayers may be unacceptable if offered consistently over time, including ones that “denigrate nonbelievers or religious minorities, threaten damnation or preach conversion.” Town officials had tried, he said, to recruit members of various faiths to offer prayers.

In the dissent, Justice Kagan wrote they had not tried hard enough. “So month in and month out for over a decade,” she wrote, “prayers steeped in only one faith, addressed toward members of the public, commenced meetings to discuss local affairs and distribute government benefits.” Kagan wrote in her dissent that the town’s practices could not be reconciled “with the First Amendment’s promise that every citizen, irrespective of her religion, owns an equal share of her government.”

In Marsh v. Chambers in 1983, the court held that the Nebraska Legislature’s practice of opening its legislative sessions with an invocation from a paid Presbyterian minister did not offend the Establishment Clause because such ceremonies were “deeply embedded in the history and tradition of this country.” The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in concluding that Greece’s prayer practice violated the Establishment Clause, had ruled that Marsh was not controlling. The Supreme Court disagreed.

In addition to concluding that the practice was nondiscriminatory and that the town’s duty to promote diversity of religious views did not extend beyond the physical boundaries of the town, Kennedy concluded that the prayer practice was not coercive. “In their declarations in the trial court, respondents stated that the prayers gave them offense and made them feel excluded and disrespected. Offense, however, does not equate to coercion.”

This case likely does not represent a change in how the Court might view a school prayer case. It was the degree of coercion that Kennedy used to distinguish the Court’s holding in Greece from Lee v. Weisman, the Court’s landmark ruling on school graduation prayers. Kennedy noted that in school graduation ceremonies, school officials maintain close supervision over the student participants and students cannot leave or arrive late so as to avoid the prayer. Those elements were not present in the Greece case.

Lawlines

V. Wayne Young Executive Director

U.S. Supreme Court permits city council prayer - Are schools affected?

Board members honored for service

The board of directors

met in May and bid farewell to the those whose terms of service conclude in July. Each director represents a region or affiliate group. During their tenure, the board was very involved in strategic planning, purchase of the new facility, recruiting new members, and bringing new technology to the association.

Leslie Peek2008-2014, representing KYSPRA

Steve Butcher2011-2014, representing Lake Cumberland Region

Rita Muratalla2009-2014, began as Ohio Valley Region representative, leaving board as immediate past president

Jo Craven2008-2014, representing KAESP

Donna Crouch2011-2014, representing Western Lakes Region

Dan Imes2011-2014, representing North East Region

David Gilliam2011-2014, representing KASSP

Rhonda Simpson2009-2014, representing KYCASE

If you’re interested in serving on KASA’s board of directors, please contact Pat Bailey (pat@kasa.org). Elections for regional reps will be conducted in mid August and nominations are being accepted.

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Kentucky Association of School Administrators 87 C. Michael Davenport Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601 (800) 928-KASA or (502) 875-3411 FAX: (502) 875-4634

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KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

HOTLINE is published monthly, September through May of each year by KASA for its membership.

KASA does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Send articles/releases for this publication to Wanda Darland, at wandad@kasa.org.

From plans to drills to emerging topics, KASA’s school safety council’s purpose is to ensure safety remains the No. 1 priority for school leaders. Working in partnership with KCSS, the group, led

by Rick Lasley, Hancock Co. High School principal, is using the ABC approach to guide the work.

Awareness through training and information sharingBalanced approach using a combination of strategiesControl access to the school environment while recognizing need for open learning spaces

Safety Focus 5 is the group’s newest initiative, a concise monthly publication that points school administrators to 5 important topics around the 5th day of each month.

In addition, the group has planned the following for the annual leadership institute, July 16-18 in Louisville:•Missy Jenkins, former Heath High School student, will lead the opening session Moment of

Inspiration (for more information, see page 4)•Art contest entries displayed and the winners announced•Education sessions

Join council members for a lunch-n-learn July 17 at 12:15 p.m. Share your concerns and learn how this group is working for you.

Special thanks to committee members

Jim Evans, Lee Co. Denise Jones, CKEC

Rick Lasley, Hancock Co.Bobby Lewis, Hardin Co.

Tim Parson, Cumberland Co.Kim Wolfram, Warren Co.

Jon Akers, KCSSDon Martin, KCSS

Ron Murrell, RossTarrant