A Brief History of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents

The entity now known as the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) was formed in April, 1949, though it remained closely associated with its parent organization, the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) where it had existed as “the division of superintendency.”  The new association was called the Kentucky Association of School Administrators; however, the membership consisted only of superintendents and assistant superintendents.  Its first constitution was adopted in November, 1949, and Dr. Ralph Cherry served as its first president from November, 1949, until April, 1951.  Thereafter, presidents served from April to April of each year until a new constitution was adopted in April, 1956, and Mr. Claude Farley became the only president to serve two terms.

Umbrella Organization Created

In April, 1969, the constitution was again revised and the association’s membership base expanded.  At this time the organization became the umbrella association, the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) with principals the first new category to be admitted to membership.  For the first time, a president was chosen who was not a school superintendent at the time of election, Mr. Samuel Alexander, Assistant Superintendent for Public Instruction.  He was followed by Mr. Oran Teater, Superintendent of the Paintsville Independent Schools and Dr. Martin Carr, Superintendent of the Harrison County Schools.  There are no records of a separate association for school superintendents from April 1969 until 1972-73, when Mr. William Birdwell was elected president of KASS and Mr. Michael Speck, DPP, Hardin County Schools, served as president of KASA. Under the charter formed in 1972, KASS was formed as an independent 501c6 non-profit organization to serve the unique needs of Kentucky School Superintendents.The Executive Directors include: Dr. Roland Hahn, Dr. Blake Haselton, Mr. Wilson Sears, Dr. Tom Shelton, and Dr. Jim Flynn.

KASS Presidents: A Legacy of Leadership

Honoring Our Past Leaders