(Harlan, KY) The Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) has awarded a certificate of advanced training in school leadership to a member of the Harlan Independent School Board of Education. Mr. Will Miller has achieved Level Four Certification in KSBA’s Academy of Studies. Mr. Miller has served on the Harlan Independent School Board for 14 years and is in his fourth term. When asked about his certification of training, Mr. Miller commented, "I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our students and community, and I’m honored to have reached Level Four in the Kentucky School Boards Association Academy of Studies. This achievement represents my dedication to continuous learning so I can make informed, thoughtful decisions for our schools. Every training, workshop, and conversation helps me be a stronger advocate for our educators, families, and—most importantly—our students."
Kentucky law mandates varying hours of training based on each board member’s years of service. The lower levels of KSBA’s Academy of Studies include courses such as the basics of the board’s role, school finance, superintendent evaluations and facilities planning. As a board member advances in the in the certification process, the courses become more specific to issues, such as evaluating the board’s own effectiveness, doing advanced budget planning, becoming better advocates for children, and grasping the board’s responsibilities in school and student assessment and accountability. Jennifer Parsons, Superintendent of Harlan Independent School District commented, “We are deeply grateful for Mr. Miller’s dedication and commitment to our students, staff, and community. His service on our School Board has helped shape policies and decisions that has always put our children first and in turn has strengthened our schools.”
On behalf of the association, and Kentucky’s 857 locally elected school board members, we are grateful to these individuals for their substantial investments of time and attention in achieving Academy of Studies certification. This level of commitment to professional learning will pay the way for even more success in our Commonwealth’s school districts.
The Kentucky School Boards Association was established in 1936 and represents 857 school board members in 171 districts across Kentucky. As Kentucky’s leading advocate for public school boards, KSBA’s mission is to empower local districts through superior support, service and training. For more information, visit ksba.org.