Officials from the Hopkins County Board of Education have announced progress in the search process for a new superintendent, aiming to have the position filled by the start of the upcoming school year.
In compliance with state law, officials said a committee has been formed to initiate the screening process and provide the Board with recommendations on the top candidates for consideration.
The members of the committee are as follows:
Kacey Evans, Certified Representative, Grapevine Elementary School
Jennie Knight, Certified Representative, West Hopkins School
Cassie Nelson, Parent Representative, Grapevine Elementary School
John Osborne, Board Member Representative
Wendy Eaves, Principal Representative, West Broadway Elementary School
Rachel Grace, Classified Staff Representative, Grapevine Elementary School
Officials stated that each committee member was selected by their respective role groups, with the Board only appointing their representative as per Kentucky statute. They said the committee will play a crucial role in the search process, tasked with reviewing applications, conducting reference checks, and recommending candidates for final interviews to the Board.
Additionally, the Board has initiated a school and community engagement effort alongside forming the screening committee. Official said a survey is being conducted to gather input from staff, parents, and community members on the key qualities desired in a new superintendent. The survey can be accessed at Hopkins County Superintendent Survey or the Hopkins County Schools website: http://www.hopkins.kyschools.us. The survey is open until March 28 at 6 p.m.
The Board encourages all Hopkins County community members to take part in the survey, emphasizing its importance in defining the ideal superintendent profile. In a written statement, Search Consultant Owens Saylor said that the Board has directed a thorough and transparent search process. He emphasized that forming the screening committee and conducting the community survey are crucial steps in selecting the best candidate to lead the district forward.
The search for a new superintendent commenced after current Superintendent Amy Smith announced her retirement at a January Board meeting, effective at the end of June. Smith has devoted 30 years to education, spending her entire career in the Hopkins County School District, including the last three and a half years as superintendent.
