Strong schools are built on strong leadership. Across Kentucky, superintendents understand that thriving classrooms and successful districts depend on more than one leader at the top. They rely on principals, assistant principals, teacher-leaders, instructional coaches, and district staff who share responsibility for shaping the future of public education. At KASS, we believe that every district deserves a great superintendent, every school deserves a great principal, and every classroom deserves a great teacher. None of that happens by accident. Leadership Development: The Foundation of Strong Schools Recent statewide data affirms what local leaders see every day: leadership pipelines matter. When schools intentionally invest in developing leadership capacity, they cultivate innovation, stability, and long-term success. These pipelines ensure that when experienced leaders retire or change roles, a new generation is prepared to step forward with skill and vision. As KDE continues expanding professional learning and leadership pathways, the message is clear: leadership development is not a luxury—it is essential. Kentucky schools are meeting rising expectations related to mental health, school safety, family engagement, career readiness, and personalized learning. Meeting these demands requires a deep bench of capable, well-supported leaders. Leadership Pipelines: Essential, Not Optional Investing in leadership pipelines means creating systems that identify, mentor, and prepare future school leaders. These systems help districts: Identify teachers with leadership potential Provide targeted coaching and mentoring Offer professional development aligned with district goals The Wallace Foundation reports that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in its influence on student achievement. Kentucky districts that invest in structured pipelines are creating the conditions for sustained excellence. But leadership development in Kentucky is not limited to adults. Increasingly, schools recognize that student leadership is essential to student success . Whether through student voice initiatives, service learning, or Portraits of a Learner that emphasize collaboration, initiative, and agency, schools are intentionally cultivating leadership in young people. As I often reminded my own leadership teams, if students aren’t in on it, our efforts will fall short of their intended impact. When we invest in strong adult leadership pipelines, we make possible equally strong student leadership pipelines—ensuring that learners graduate empowered, engaged, and ready to lead in their communities and careers. Aligning with Kentucky’s Education Priorities KASS has long emphasized that education leadership is a workforce priority. The 2026 KASS Legislative Priorities reinforce this message through policies that support educator recruitment, retention, and leadership development—broadening certification options, expanding job-embedded professional learning, and strengthening grow-your-own initiatives such as Educators Rising. Just as importantly, KASS advocates for reducing unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on schools so leaders can focus on students, not paperwork. Some have argued that districts are growing administrative staff unnecessarily. In reality, the expansion of district-level responsibilities is a direct response to state and federal mandates —most of them well intentioned, but increasingly complex. These requirements lean heavily toward compliance rather than engagement, empowerment, or student impact, and they come with extensive reporting, monitoring, and oversight obligations. When laws are passed quickly, without full consideration of the operational impact, they can create wide-ranging, unintended consequences—especially when they are underfunded or unfunded. These mandates directly shape district staffing patterns, making administrative support a necessity rather than a choice. If Kentucky wants leaner bureaucracy, the solution is not to cut people who are required to carry out legally mandated tasks—it is to r eview and streamline the mandates themselves so schools can redirect time, resources, and talent back into developing strong leaders at every level. This vision aligns directly with United We Learn , which calls on Kentucky to rethink accountability and build systems that empower, rather than constrain, educators and local communities. Investing in People for Student Success Leadership pipelines strengthen the teaching profession and improve outcomes for every learner. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows that schools led by effective principals see higher teacher retention and stronger student performance. And when adult leaders focus on empowering students, the impact multiplies. Schools with strong leadership cultures give students more opportunities to practice agency, take initiative, and develop the skills emphasized in Kentucky’s Portrait of a Learner. KASS continues to advocate for legislative funding that prioritizes people over programs. Districts need flexibility and resources to provide competitive salaries, mentoring programs, and professional learning communities that elevate educators at every stage of their careers—and, in turn, elevate the leadership pathways available to students. A Shared Vision for the Future For Kentucky’s superintendents, this work is both urgent and hopeful. Leadership development provides stability during times of change and momentum during times of challenge. Across the Commonwealth, superintendents are cultivating a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning that benefits every student. By strengthening Kentucky’s leadership pipeline—both for adults and for students—we ensure that every child learns in a school led by compassionate, highly skilled professionals committed to keeping Kids First . That is how we build a stronger, more resilient future for Kentucky’s public schools.

Nestled in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Morgan County Schools stands as a powerful example of what happens when vision, community, and legislative support come together to serve every student. With around 1,600 students across six schools, the district is small in size but large in heart—driven by a deep belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Morgan County is not only improving academic outcomes but also redefining what equitable learning looks like in rural education. This work is made possible through targeted state and federal investments, including increased SEEK and Tier I funding and legislative support for the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Act. A Community Rooted in Resilience and Hope Morgan County’s story begins with a tradition of strength and resilience. In a region where many families face economic hardship, the schools have become the heartbeat of the community—a place where hope is cultivated and opportunity takes root. Superintendent Dr. Ralph W. Hamilton and his leadership team understand that rural districts must often do more with less. Legislative resources have provided essential flexibility—allowing Morgan County to prioritize “people over programs,” attract and retain talented educators, and align instruction to the unique needs of their students. This emphasis on local priorities reflects the broader goals of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) 2026 Legislative Agenda, which calls for closing the SEEK funding shortfall, improving school construction funding, and strengthening the educator pipeline. Morgan County’s work exemplifies how these priorities can come to life at the district level. What MTSS Means for Students MTSS is a proactive, evidence-based approach that helps schools meet students where they are—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. In Morgan County, the model is built around three tiers of support: Tier I: Universal instruction that serves over 80% of students through high-quality, grade-level teaching and schoolwide supports. Tier II: Targeted interventions for roughly 15% of students who need additional help in specific skill areas. Tier III: Intensive, individualized interventions for the 5% of students who require specialized, sustained support. This system ensures that learning is fluid and responsive. Teachers regularly review data to identify student needs, adjust instruction, and collaborate across grade levels. The goal is not just to improve test scores—but to create confident, independent learners prepared to succeed in life beyond the classroom. The Power of Partnership The success of MTSS in Morgan County is not solely the result of internal strategy—it’s the outcome of partnerships that span the entire community. Local businesses provide mentorships and work-based learning experiences that give students real-world perspective. Community organizations play a vital role in social-emotional learning (SEL) and family engagement, while nearby higher education institutions open doors to advanced coursework and career pathways. These connections extend the classroom into the community, reflecting one of KASS’s core advocacy goals: empowering local districts to collaborate for sustainable, community-centered learning. Results That Speak for Themselves Morgan County’s investment in MTSS is already producing measurable and meaningful results: Improved academic performance on both state and local assessments. Consistently high graduation rates that reflect a culture of persistence. Decreased behavioral referrals, signaling stronger student engagement. Higher attendance rates, often linked to the sense of belonging cultivated in supportive classrooms. Teachers report increased positive behavior, engagement, and collaboration among students. Through targeted interventions and small-group instruction, students build confidence and master challenging content. The district’s commitment to holistic education is embodied in its Portrait of a Learner—encouraging each child to grow as an Impactful Citizen, Confident Contributor, Empathetic Servant, Solution Seeker, and Effective Communicator. Celebrating Excellence and Recognition Morgan County’s schools are no strangers to recognition. Ezel Elementary has twice been named a National Blue Ribbon School. East Valley Elementary earned the same distinction once and ranked among the top ten schools statewide in 2024 performance on the Kentucky Summative Assessment. All six district schools—East Valley, Ezel, Morgan Central, Wrigley Elementary, Morgan County Middle, and Morgan County High—have been recognized as Prichard Committee Family Friendly Schools. These achievements represent far more than accolades; they are evidence of a district culture built on collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement. Legislative Support: A Lifeline for Rural Opportunity Morgan County’s success is directly tied to strong legislative partnerships and advocacy for equitable funding. Increased SEEK and Tier I funding has allowed the district to recruit and retain high-quality educators, improve compensation, and sustain critical programs that larger districts often take for granted. This aligns closely with KASS’s call to close the SEEK shortfall and ensure that Kentucky’s funding formula provides a fair opportunity for all students, regardless of zip code. Similarly, continued investment in the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Act helps ensure that foundational literacy and numeracy skills are supported from the earliest grades—an essential step toward fulfilling the United We Learn framework’s vision for lifelong learning. Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum For Morgan County Schools, MTSS is not a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing process of reflection, collaboration, and growth. As the district continues to build capacity, expand professional learning, and engage families, it serves as a model for how Kentucky’s rural districts can deliver innovation with limited resources. Dr. Hamilton notes that the district’s greatest strength lies in its people: “When we prioritize people over programs, we build a system where every student—and every educator—can succeed.” This mindset perfectly captures KASS’s vision for Kentucky’s future: a united, learner-centered system where every child, regardless of background, has the tools to succeed. Why This Matters for Kentucky’s Future The lessons from Morgan County are clear: Legislative investments in equity yield transformative outcomes. Supporting educators drives systemic improvement. Collaboration among schools, families, and communities creates sustainable success. As Kentucky continues to build on the United We Learn vision, districts like Morgan County demonstrate what’s possible when funding, flexibility, and local leadership align. Their story proves that even in the most rural corners of the Commonwealth, the pursuit of excellence knows no limits. Join the Movement Learn more about Morgan County Schools’ work by following Morgan County Schools on Facebook or @SuptMCS on X. Together, we’re shaping the future of Kentucky’s public education—one student, one school, and one strong community at a time.