What Lead Onward is

Kentucky's first-year superintendents complete an intensive training program. Then it stops. Year two arrives with the same complexity, the same board dynamics, and the same legislative pressure, but formal support is gone.

Lead Onward was built to close that gap. It is a three-year executive leadership series designed for superintendents in their first contract, delivering two focused sessions per year on the issues that matter most at this specific stage of the role. Each year's curriculum builds on the last. Each session is designed for the CEO-level demands of the position, not generic leadership development.



The program is open to any current Kentucky superintendent and to past KLR (Kentucky Leadership Rising) participants.

2026-2027 Sessions

Advanced Finance and Personnel

A technical and tactical deep dive into the financial and personnel decisions that define the middle years of a superintendent's first contract. Location TBA.

Extraordinary productivity for superintendents

A Franklin Covey facilitated session built around the time management matrix for executive leaders. Designed specifically for the demands of the superintendency. Location TBA.

What Participants Receive

Annual letter of appreciation delivered to your board chair in recognition of their support for your participation.

Letter of support from the KASS Executive Director to your board chair at the conclusion of year two.

Formal recognition for three-year completers at the KASS Annual Conference.

Superintendents who earn a second contract in the same district are recognized as Legacy Leaders at the Annual Conference in the first year of that contract.

Registration

Includes both sessions, all materials, and meals. Billed annually.

Registration for the 2026-2027 series is now open. The first session is November 5, 2026.