Monthly Newsletter

August 2023

Message From Audrey Gilbert

As we get closer to the November convening, I want everyone to take some time to reflect on the learning we have done so far and where we want to go next.

We will define our moonshot in November and focus on the impact that we want to have when our work is complete. As a council, we are responsible for transforming Kentucky’s education system to be the best it can be for all students, and as we craft our moonshot, we need to picture what that could look like. I’m excited for our future and ready to meet again as a full council!

Updates from our Committees

The Vibrant Learning Experiences (VLE) Standing Committee met virtually on July 31. A new communications platform was introduced to facilitate communication among the members.

Robb Smith, the statewide deeper learning representative, shared insights on his team's efforts spotlighting their website: www.kaec8.org.

The committee discussed a shared interest in the importance of ensuring access to deeper learning for multilingual learners.  Karen Perry emphasized the localized focus in learning design decisions and introduced the council's funding grant deliverables, targeting professional development and competency-based systems. Breakout groups were tasked with creating a project plan in support of one of the elements from the VLE’s six-month goal.

The next VLE meeting was scheduled for Aug. 21.

The Bold New Future (BNF) Standing Committee met virtually on July 11.

In preparation for engagement at the August Kentucky Board of Education annual retreat, the BNF Committee reviewed qualitative survey data from a task conducted by committee members to better understand public perception of aligning graduation requirements to a portrait of a learner. BNF planned to share an analysis of this initial data collection at the August board retreat and seek ways to support state board members with additional data collection as they explore policy amendments to the state’s graduation requirements.

The next BNF meeting was scheduled for Aug. 7.

The Accelerating Innovation (AI) Standing Committee met virtually on July 10. Members heard updates about other Kentucky United We Learn committees.

A new communication platform was introduced and members will be invited to join in the upcoming days. Working in groups, the committee continued working toward the next six-month goal. Ideas were discussed for increasing cross committee collaboration and plans for a productive November council convening.

The next AI meeting was scheduled for Aug.
7.

Meet the Council Members

RaShaun West

Committee: Vibrant Learning Experiences

RaShaun L. West is a family man who currently serves as a youth pastor in the Bluegrass. He also is a founding member of the nonprofit Men of Xcellence, which focuses on equipping, empowering and encouraging men of all ages to reach their full potential. West has a passion for educational involvement, as evident in his role on the site-based decision making council in Fayette County Public Schools and as a Real Men Read volunteer. He also participates in other opportunities available in the district. As a parent and student advocate, his goal is to value family beliefs by preventing exclusion, while respecting inclusion.

Jim Flynn

Committee: Bold New Future

Jim Flynn is a veteran educator and leader with more than 30 years of experience. He serves as executive director of Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS), where he provides professional assistance and leadership, and leads the advocacy efforts of the organization. Flynn served 16 years as superintendent of Simpson County Schools, where he was recognized as the 2015 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year. He previously served as a high school principal, assistant principal and science teacher.

Eddie Campbell

Committee: Accelerating Innovation

Eddie Campbell is a music teacher and choir director at Knox County Central High School and Knox County Middle School. He is currently on release, serving as president of the Kentucky Education Association (KEA). Before becoming KEA president, he spent 21 years as a classroom teacher, the majority in Knox County, where he taught band and choir. Campbell is a long-time member of KEA and has held many leadership positions, including serving on the National Education Association Board of Directors. Campbell grew up in the small town of Hyden in Leslie County, graduated from Leslie County High School, and earned his bachelor’s (1996) and master’s (2001) degrees from Union College. In 2015, he earned the teaching profession’s highest credential certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Related Information

Susan R. Strange

Strategic Plan Program Manager

Strategic Planning & Research

Office of the Commissioner

CGSA Project Manager

Division of Innovative Learning

Office of Continuous Improvement and Support

Phone: (502) 564-2002, ext. 4014

Email: susan.strange@education.ky.gov

300 Sower Blvd. – 5th floor

Frankfort, KY 40601