Superintendent Smith Attends Meeting with Congressman Rogers to Discuss Federal Funding Issues

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers, Dean of the House, convened a meeting on May 12 at the Center for Rural Development with superintendents from 19 school districts in southern and Eastern Kentucky, as well as the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. 

The leaders from each school district, including Perry Schools Superintendent Kent Campbell, shared their concerns with Rogers about federal funding for education, food and medical needs in schools across Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, according to a statement from Rogers' office. Jackson County Public Schools Superintendent Renee Smith attended the meeting. 

More than anything, Congressman Rogers listened to them and their concerns about the future of vital programs and resources that directly benefit our students and the opportunities that they have access to. 

"Our schools' superintendents face incredible challenges in meeting the needs of our students in Kentucky's Appalachian region, including far more than education in the classroom," said Rogers. "We discussed the best ways to help our students reach their full potential and the programs that are vital to their success." "As I return to Washington this week, I will work to ensure that our schools and our students have the resources they need to be successful. I deeply appreciate the work of our educators and their passion to pave the path for a brighter future in southern and eastern Kentucky!" 

The following superintendents attended the meeting with Rogers and Rhonda Caldwell, CEO of Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA), in addition to Campbell: Dennis Messer, Barbourville Independent Schools superintendent; Phillip Watts, Breathitt County Schools superintendent; Vicki Jones, East Bernstadt Independent Schools superintendent; Renee Smith, Jackson County Schools superintendent; Wayne Sizemore, Jackson Independent Schools superintendent; Greg Conn, Knott County Schools superintendent; Jeremy Ledford, Knox County Schools superintendent; Denise Griebel, Laurel County Schools superintendent; Tharon Hurley, Laurel County Schools Deputy superintendent; Katie Webb, Lawrence County Schools superintendent; Ray Shuler, Lee County Schools superintendent; Chris Meadows, Magoffin County Schools superintendent; Brian Crawford, McCreary County Schools superintendent; Tim Spencer, Menifee County Schools superintendent; Gary Cornett, Owsley County Schools superintendent; Patrick Richardson, Pulaski County Schools superintendent; Carrie Ballinger, Rockcastle County Schools superintendent; Brian Dishman, Wayne County Schools superintendent; and John Siler, Whitley County Schools superintendent.