Every District Deserves a Strong Superintendent
February 28, 2025
Every District Deserves a Strong Superintendent
Kentucky’s public education system thrives because of visionary leadership. This happens in our classrooms, in our schools, and across our districts. For many years, Kentucky superintendents have led this work and work tirelessly to overcome complex challenges, shape policy, and drive long-term improvements that benefit every student. In this blog, we explore the multifaceted roles of KY superintendents and why competitive compensation and robust support are essential for the future of our schools.
The Expansive Role of Kentucky Superintendents
Kentucky superintendents carry a heavy responsibility. Their role goes far beyond traditional management and with each year and increasing mandates, the role continues to expand. In addition to being the educational leader for their local districts, school superintendents must also:
- Ensure compliance with state and federal mandates that have only increased over the years and include a substantial number of regulations.
- Oversee a large number of employees. Local school districts are often the largest employer in many counties.
- Secure and manage hundreds of thousands of square feet of building space, including construction, routine upkeep, and the usage by the school community.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of every student and employee in their care.
- Steward a significant budget and be prudent with taxpayer dollars.
- Optimize efficiency in major operations including transportation and food services
This is just a sampling of the vast responsibilities of today’s superintendent. To be successful, the role demands an exceptional breadth of expertise. Superintendents must be:
- Educational visionaries who can implement research-based strategies to improve student outcomes
- Financial managers who can navigate complex state funding formulas and maintain fiscal responsibility
- Political liaisons who work effectively with school boards, community stakeholders, and state officials
- Crisis managers who handle everything from weather emergencies to public health challenges
- Human resource executives who attract and retain quality educators in a competitive market
- Facilities managers who oversee maintenance and construction of physical infrastructure
- Public relations professionals who maintain transparent communication with diverse constituencies
Undercompensation in a Demanding Field
In the private sector, executives managing organizations of similar scale and complexity routinely command significantly higher salaries, often complemented by substantial bonuses and stock options that superintendents don't receive. When making a comparison to this group, it is clear that when comparing executive leadership roles across industries, Kentucky superintendents lag behind their counterparts in the private sector.
The compensation package for Kentucky superintendents, while substantial, typically falls well below what private sector executives earn for managing organizations of comparable size and complexity. A CEO of a mid-sized company with similar budget and personnel responsibilities often earns two to three times more than a superintendent, not including equity compensation and performance bonuses.
Furthermore, the stakes in education leadership are arguably higher than in many private sector roles. Superintendents' decisions directly impact community development, social mobility, and the future workforce. Their success or failure affects not just quarterly profits but the life trajectories of thousands of students and the long-term economic health of their communities.
Consider also the demanding nature of the position. Superintendents regularly work 60+ hour weeks, attend numerous evening events, and must be available 24/7 for emergencies. They operate under intense public scrutiny, with their decisions and actions constantly subject to community oversight and media attention. Unlike private sector executives, they must conduct all business in the public eye, adhering to strict transparency requirements and open meetings laws.
The qualifications required for the position further justify the compensation. Kentucky superintendents must possess advanced degrees, specialized certification, and extensive experience in education leadership. Many hold doctoral degrees and have invested significantly in their professional development. Their compensation should reflect this substantial investment in expertise and credentials.
When comparing superintendent salaries to other public sector leadership positions, the compensation appears even more reasonable. University presidents, hospital administrators, and other public agency executives often earn comparable or higher salaries while managing smaller budgets and fewer employees.
Looking at the return on investment, effective superintendents create value that far exceeds their compensation. Through strategic leadership, they can:
- Improve student achievement metrics that enhance property values
- Secure grants and alternative funding sources
- Implement efficiency measures that save taxpayer dollars
- Drive economic development by producing well-prepared graduates
- Build community partnerships that leverage additional resources
Finally, the Kentucky Superintendency operates in four year contracts. Unlike other educational professionals or those in leadership positions, superintendents have no guarantee of tenure or continuing employment status. Much like their private sector counterparts, they are on a specified contract, determined by an elected board of education, every 4 years.
A Future Built on Informed Investment
The success of Kentucky’s public education system hinges on the strength and stability of its leadership. By recognizing the full scope of a superintendent’s role—from strategic vision and daily operations to overcoming budgetary and contractual challenges—we see that the compensation for superintendent salaries are best set when locally elected boards of education, held accountable by elections from their community, work with key stakeholders to hire, evaluate, and extend contracts to superintendents, without state directive or outside influence. When we invest in our superintendents, we invest in the future of every student and impact every community in the Commonwealth.
Kentucky superintendents are more than administrators—they are visionary leaders dedicated to creating thriving, future-ready schools. Through the combined efforts of our superintendents, school leaders, educators, and our committed stakeholders, we will continue pave the way for a brighter educational landscape in Kentucky.
At the confluence of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, Carroll County is a close-knit community where schools serve as the center of life. With only 10,000 residents, nearly every family has a connection to the district. Strong partnerships with local industries allow Carroll County Schools to prepare students for futures both within the community and beyond. Superintendent Casey Jaynes emphasizes that the district’s role extends beyond academics. It is about ensuring students are prepared for the workforce opportunities that await them. Thanks to supplemental state funding for career and technical education (CTE), Carroll County High School launched a new Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway in the 2024–2025 school year. Known as CATALYST (Carroll Area Transportation and Logistics Youth Simulation Training), the program introduces students to heavy machinery operation through state-of-the-art simulators. The initiative is already opening doors. Students practice on the same equipment used by major employers such as Nucor, Luhn & Oak, and Kemper Construction, giving them a competitive advantage in high-demand fields. Many participants are also working toward a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential that expands career options after graduation. Industry partners share the enthusiasm. Shawn Keeton of Luhn & Oak Construction said, “For the school to embrace the needed training and worker shortage is a dream come true and something that I have thought about and worked toward for years.” This collaboration highlights Carroll County’s commitment to collective progress. For students like Dylan Service and Nahomy Lopez Perez, the program is already transformative. Dylan explained that he has gained skills ranging from safety procedures to actual equipment operation, which he believes will help him secure a job after high school. Nahomy, one of the program’s pioneering female participants, noted that the work requires focus and persistence, but with practice, success is possible. This initiative reflects KASS’s priorities: building a strong workforce pipeline, advocating for funding that delivers opportunities, and ensuring accountability that supports the United We Learn vision. Carroll County Schools is showing how community, education, and industry can come together to create opportunity. As Superintendent Jaynes put it, “Our community is changing, and we have to provide our employers with a technically skilled workforce.” Carroll County is ready to lead students toward that future. For more on this initiative, visit carroll.kyschools.us
In Kentucky, superintendents and education leaders are working toward a bold vision for accountability. Instead of relying only on state test scores, districts are beginning to design local measures of quality that reflect the needs, strengths, and values of their own communities. It’s powerful to watch districts all over the commonwealth engage deeply with their community to determine what is most important for the education of their students. Why Local Accountability Matters Every public school exists to serve its community. From its inception, Kentucky’s school districts have supported the local needs of its people and helped to shape generations. We (Families, students, and educators) all agree that schools should be measured not only by numbers on a page, but also by how well they are preparing young people to thrive in life. Local accountability ensures that Kids First is not just a motto, but a measure of success that is meaningful to every Kentucky student. Community Voice at the Center Local measures are not imposed from the outside. They are created with input from parents, students, educators, employers and community leaders. Some communities may highlight financial stewardship, while others focus on student leadership, growth over time, or readiness for the workforce. The power of local measures is the innovation that happens that others can learn from. Logan County chooses to provide a focus on student leadership while Bullitt County ensures authentic learning experiences for every child. What matters is that each district is empowered to define what quality looks like for its children. Kentucky is a commonwealth of diverse communities. What success looks like in a rural county may not be the same as in an urban district. Local measures allow each community to reflect its own priorities while contributing to a broader statewide vision. Together, these measures strengthen public education in Kentucky by ensuring that accountability is rooted in both excellence and relevance. Looking Ahead Launching a modern accountability system is one of the key priorities for Kentucky’s education future. Local measures will play a vital role in this system by providing a clearer, more complete picture of student learning and growth. By working together, superintendents and communities can ensure that every Kentucky student becomes the best version of themselves. KASS believes in strong accountability for our public schools. This means we MUST have our communities at the table to help us define what these measures should be. This has already started in communities across the state. Now is the time to ensure it is part of our accountability system for every student in the Commonwealth.
As a new school year begins, we are excited to welcome back our students, staff, and school leaders across the Commonwealth. As we begin this new year, possibilities and challenges await. Our superintendents are the leadership heartbeat of our public education system, shaping futures, strengthening communities, and navigating through every challenge we face. This year brings both opportunity and urgency. The challenges before us (growing workforce needs, evolving accountability demands, and the need for sustainable funding) require unified, purposeful advocacy. The time is NOW for Kentucky to recommit to the work of public education and KASS remains committed to putting Kids First in every action. We stand with every Kentuckian to advance a vision of education that reflects the promise of every child and the values of every community in the Commonwealth. Our Top Legislative Priorities for 2026 1. Launch a Meaningful, Modern Accountability System Kentucky needs an accountability framework that measures more than test scores. Our vision is a system that partners with local communities, honors personal growth, and values the skills and attributes that make each student life-ready. This means elevating community-based accountability alongside state measures, ensuring that what we track truly reflects what matters most to families, educators, and employers. 2. Build a Strong, Sustainable Educator Workforce Pipeline Our schools are only as strong as the people who lead them. With education now recognized as a top five in-demand sector, we must attract, develop, and retain exceptional educators at every level. This includes competitive salaries, expanded pathways into the profession, and induction programs that set new teachers, principals, and superintendents up for success. 3. Secure a Budget that Invests in Long-Term Student Success To meet Kentucky’s goals, we must restore SEEK funding to the 2008 inflation-adjusted equivalent of $5,743 per student. Aligning our budget with our ambitions ensures that every district has the resources to address local needs, provide competitive wages, and deliver safe, high-quality learning environments. A Call to Lead Together The year ahead will be pivotal. KASS will continue to advocate with clarity, compassion, and resolve because the future of Kentucky’s children depends on it. We invite every superintendent to join us in reaching out to legislators, sharing local stories, and making our united voice heard in Frankfort. Your leadership matters. Your advocacy matters. Together, we can shape a world-class public education system for Kentucky.
Education as a High-Demand Sector: What It Means for Kentucky’s Schools
Strengthening Kentucky’s Education Workforce: Solutions & Strategies
Henry County Schools, located in Kentucky’s Golden Triangle, is making significant strides in student success through investments in school safety, career and technical education (CTE), and academic excellence. With legislative support fueling these advancements, the district is creating a brighter future for students by ensuring they have access to industry-relevant training, a secure learning environment, and evidence-based curriculum programs. Prioritizing Student Safety with Expanded SROs School safety is a top priority for Henry County Schools, and thanks to increased legislative funding, the district has expanded its School Resource Officer (SRO) program. An additional officer has been assigned to elementary schools, providing younger students with a safer learning environment. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to student well-being and fostering a positive school culture. Investing in Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Future Workforce Success To prepare students for high-demand careers, Henry County Schools has upgraded its CTE programs with state-of-the-art equipment and software. These improvements impact pathways in: Media Engineering Health Science Business Agriculture By integrating industry-standard tools into classroom learning, students gain hands-on experience that makes them more competitive in today’s workforce. This initiative is a game-changer for career readiness, ensuring graduates leave high school equipped with the skills needed for success. Academic Gains Through Evidence-Based Curriculum & Leadership Development Academic excellence remains at the heart of Henry County Schools. The district has implemented an evidence-based Reading and Math curriculum for grades K-8, alongside the Leader in Me program—a leadership initiative designed to improve student engagement and school culture. By the Numbers: How These Investments Are Paying Off Henry County Schools is seeing measurable improvements across multiple areas: ✔️ Ranked 13th in Kentucky for Reading & Math growth (out of 172 districts) ✔️ Largest academic score increase in the OVEC region (from 56.87 to 62.85) ✔️ Notable reductions in novice performance across nearly all grade levels ✔️ Increase in students achieving proficiency & distinguished levels on assessments Beyond academics, the district has also made incredible strides in school culture and climate : ✔️ School Climate ranking improved from 124th to 19th in the state ✔️ Staff-Leadership relationships jumped from 132nd to 14th ✔️ Student Behavior ranking surged from 71st to 8th Community & Legislative Support: The Driving Force Behind Success These remarkable improvements wouldn’t be possible without legislative support, grant funding, and community partnerships. With continued investment, Henry County Schools can further expand career pathways, safety initiatives, and innovative learning opportunities. What’s Next for Henry County Schools? With this momentum, the district is planning: ✅ Further expansion of CTE pathways to provide students with cutting-edge career training ✅ Ongoing implementation of evidence-based curriculum for even greater academic success ✅ Potential for additional SRO placements to strengthen school safety Henry County Schools: A Model for Student Success At Henry County Schools, education isn’t just about textbooks and test scores—it’s about preparing students for a successful future. Whether through safer schools, hands-on career training, or innovative teaching methods, the district is setting a new standard for excellence in education. For more information, visit Henry County Schools website.
