KASS Live:
Real Conversations.
Real Leadership.
Welcome to KASS Live, an exclusive, members-only video series from the
Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS).
Here, Kentucky’s education leaders come together to share timely insights, explore innovative ideas, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping public education across our Commonwealth.
Each session is designed to inform, inspire, and connect KASS members through open conversations about leadership, advocacy, and student success. Whether you’re watching live or catching up later, these sessions highlight the collective wisdom and collaboration that make Kentucky’s superintendents a powerful voice for progress.
🎥 Newest Release:
Leading with Insight: John Nash on Navigating Generative AI in Kentucky’s Schools
In the latest episode of KASS Live, John Nash joined Executive Director Jim Flynn for a timely conversation focused on one of the most pressing topics facing school leaders today: generative AI. As schools across Kentucky and beyond grapple with how this rapidly evolving technology fits into teaching, learning, and leadership, Nash offered clarity, perspective, and practical guidance.
An associate professor of Educational Leadership Studies at the University of Kentucky and founding director of the Laboratory on Design Thinking, Nash brings a unique ability to make complex ideas accessible. Throughout the discussion, he emphasized that generative AI should be viewed not as a disruption to fear, but as a tool to be thoughtfully integrated with strong leadership, clear purpose, and human-centered values. His work with educators, from local superintendents to international school leaders, grounds his insights firmly in real-world application rather than theory alone.
Superintendents will find valuable takeaways on approaching AI with intention, focusing on problem-solving, and keeping people at the center of innovation. Nash reinforced that while technology will continue to evolve, the fundamentals of effective leadership remain constant: trust, reflection, and a commitment to supporting both educators and students.
The conversation served as a reminder that Kentucky’s education leaders are not navigating these changes alone. By engaging in thoughtful dialogue and shared learning, districts can move forward with confidence, ensuring that new tools like generative AI strengthen, rather than distract from, the core mission of public education.
Previous KASS Live Recordings
Missed a session? Access full recordings of past KASS Live conversations below. Each episode offers practical insights and inspiration from leaders who are shaping the future of Kentucky’s schools.
Safeguarding Kentucky’s Future: A Discussion with Beau Barnes of the Teachers’ Retirement System
In this special feature from the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS), we’re joined by Beau Barnes, Deputy Executive Secretary of Operations and General Counsel for the Teachers’ Retirement System of Kentucky (TRS).
Beau brings a wealth of experience leading TRS through a period of historic progress and ongoing reform. In this episode, he offers candid insights into how sustained investment, sound governance, and transparent communication are helping secure the financial future of Kentucky’s educators — and why this work remains central to the success of public education statewide.
Keeping the Momentum: Representative Scott Lewis on the Future of Kentucky Public Education
In this episode, Representative Scott Lewis joined Executive Director Jim Flynn for a forward looking conversation on the road ahead for Kentucky’s public schools. Chairman Lewis highlighted the state’s growing economic strength, discussed bipartisan opportunities to modernize the accountability system, and emphasized the importance of strengthening Kentucky’s educator workforce. The discussion also explored targeted investments that fully support both strong pension systems and strong classrooms, along with strategies to reduce unnecessary red tape so schools can stay focused on teaching and learning.
Leading with Purpose:
Dr. Peter Stiepleman on Supporting Today’s School Leaders
In this episode of KASS Live, Dr. Peter Stiepleman joined Executive Director Jim Flynn for a powerful conversation centered on what it means to lead with authenticity, clarity, and compassion in Kentucky’s public schools. Drawing on his experience as a former superintendent and national leadership coach, Dr. Stiepleman explored how strong relationships, intentional communication, and reflective practice can help school leaders navigate complex challenges while keeping students at the center of every decision.
For questions or topic suggestions, contact info@kysupts.org
