FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 31, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today announced seven new members to the Education Professional Standards Board. The board is comprised of 17 members, each serving four-year terms.
“I am excited for the Commonwealth’s future by the willingness of the new board members to serve on the Education Professional Standards Board. Collectively, they possess practical experience as leaders in education, and have a passionate commitment to improving educator preparation – the foundation for our students’ academic success,” said Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner.
“The work of the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is about public trust and ensuring that we have highly effective teachers available for every student in this Commonwealth. I am excited that Governor Bevin has appointed members to the ESPB that understand this responsibility. Each appointee brings a unique perspective on education in our state that will benefit not only students, but educators in our state from all levels, primary through post-secondary. I look forward to working with them in the coming years and continuing the success the EPSB has demonstrated in our very distinctive and focused responsibilities,” said Education Professional Standard Board Executive Director, Jimmy Adams.
The Education Professional Standards Board consists of fourteen gubernatorial appointees. The Board establishes the standards and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate within the Commonwealth, and also sets forth the guidelines and standards for the programs that prepare individuals for becoming teachers and professional school personnel.
Ashley Fishback, LaGrange, has been appointed for term expiring September 2018. Fishback is a high school biomedical science instructor at Shelby County High School.
Rachel Colyer, Lexington, has been appointed for a term expiring September 2018. Colyer is English/language arts instructor at Royal Springs Middle School, Scott County.
Rob Akers, Versailles, has been appointed for a term expiring September 2018. Akers is principal at Woodford County High School.
William Owens, Beattyville, has been appointed for a term expiring September 2018. Owens is a twenty-six (26) year member of the Lee County Board of Education.
Sarah Burnett, Somerset, has been appointed for a term expiring September 2019. Burnett is an elementary math instructor at Shopville Elementary School in Pulaski County.
David Graham, Bowling Green, has been appointed for a term expiring September 2019. Graham is band director at Warren Central High School and teaches at Jackson Academy in Warren County.
Casey Gesenhues, Fort Thomas, has been appointed for a term expiring September 2019. Gesenhues is a first grade elementary instructor at Woodfill Elementary School, Fort Thomas Independent Schools.