Beech Tree News Network

Board member Amy Hood-Waddle and Board Member Delbert Johnson were recognized at a Butler County monthly board meeting for their advancement of professional development through the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) Academy.  Board Member Amy Hood-Waddle has achieved the Level II Certification in KSBA Academy of Studies.  Board Member Delbert Johnson has achieved the Level V advanced training in school leadership. 

Kentucky law mandates varying hours of training based on each board member’s years of service.  The lower the levels of KSBA’s Academy of Studies include courses such as the basics of board’s role, school finance, superintendent evaluations, and facilities planning.  As a board member the advances in the certification process, the course become more specific to issues, such as evaluating the board’s own effectiveness, doing advanced budget planning, becoming better advocates for children, grasping the board’s responsibilities in school, and student assessment and accountability.  According to Laura Cole, Director of Board Team Development for KSBA, “Mr. Johnson has achieved KSBA’s highest level of individual recognition and taken another step in a very important journey that will benefit the students in your district for years to come”. 

Superintendent Robert Tuck commended both Board Member Hood-Waddle and Johnson for their commitment for bettering our school district and community.  “By participating in the Academy of Studies, Board Members exemplify their commitment to being the best board member possible for their community and board member team.  This is not an easy task to achieve.  This requires a board member to commit to over 100 hours of training in various fields of study associated with school districts.  I greatly appreciate the personal commitment in supporting, advocating, and leading education in Butler County of both and all of our board members.  They truly understands that schools are a critical lifeline in building a strong community.” 

“On behalf of the association, and Kentucky’s 862 locally elected school board members, we are grateful to these individuals for their substantial investments of time and attention in achieving Academy of Studies certification,” said KSBA President Ronnie Holmes, a Graves County school board member.  “This level of commitment to professional learning will pave the way for even more success in our Commonwealth’s school districts.”

The Kentucky School Boards Association was established in 1936 and represents 862 school board members in 172 districts across Kentucky.  KSBA’s mission is to enhance school board leadership in maximizing student achievement through superior support and services.  KSBA serves as the leading advocate and resource for public school boards on behalf of successful students and stronger communities.  For more information, visit ksba.org.