The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the state. Recently, Governor Andy Beshear made significant appointments to the board, appointing three new members and reappointing four others. These appointments are essential for ensuring that the board continues to make informed decisions that benefit Kentucky’s students and educators.
One of the newly appointed members is Juston Pate, who brings a wealth of experience in higher education to the board. Pate has served as the president and CEO of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College since 2017. His background as an English and humanities teacher at the high school level, as well as his experience as a provost and interim president at other colleges, will provide valuable insights to the board.
Mike Borchers, another new appointee, retired as the superintendent of Ludlow Independent after 13 years in the role. With 29 years of experience in Ludlow, including teaching, coaching, and administrative roles, Borchers’ perspective will be invaluable in shaping education policy in the state.
Paul Long, the third new appointee, brings a legal background to the board. With over three decades of experience as a lawyer in Stanford, Long’s knowledge of legal matters will be beneficial in ensuring that the board’s decisions are in compliance with state laws and regulations.
In addition to the new appointments, Governor Beshear reappointed four members to the KBE. Holly Bloodworth, Steve Trimble, Sharon Porter Robinson, and Lu S. Young have all been reappointed to the board. Robinson and Young currently serve as chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the KBE, highlighting their leadership and commitment to education in Kentucky.
Bloodworth, a former Kentucky Teacher of the Year, has over 30 years of experience in K-12 education and continues to support teachers through her work at Murray State University. Trimble, a retired educator, has over 30 years of service to Kentucky’s public schools and was awarded Superintendent of the Year in 2010. Robinson, a retired educator with a diverse career that includes positions at the U.S. Department of Education, brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. Young, a clinical associate professor at the University of Kentucky, has over 30 years of experience in public education and was named Superintendent of the Year in 2012.
These appointments reflect Governor Beshear’s commitment to ensuring that the KBE is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The board plays a crucial role in setting policies and standards for education in Kentucky, and the new and reappointed members will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the state’s education system.
It is important to note that the appointments of all KBE members are subject to confirmation by the Kentucky State Senate. This process ensures that the individuals appointed to the board have the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively serve in their roles.
Overall, the recent appointments to the Kentucky Board of Education signal a commitment to excellence and innovation in education. By bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, the board is well-positioned to make informed decisions that benefit students, educators, and communities across the state. Governor Beshear’s appointments reflect a dedication to ensuring that Kentucky’s education system continues to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of all learners.
