(by Don Meador, Allen County Schools, January 21,2020)
January is
National School Board Recognition Month. As a way to recognize the members of
the Allen County Board of Education, Allen County Board of Education
members---Justin Marsh, Al Barman, Stephanie Ashby, Billy Turner, and Brian
Celsor---share a few insights into why they devote time to serving the
community.
Justin Marsh
graduated from Allen County-Scottsville High School in 1990 and earned a Bachelors
in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky in 1995. Marsh currently is a
licensed insurance agent in Scottsville. He also continues his education by
annually completing Continuing Education for Insurance professionals (24 hours
each biennium) and school board member training---an average of 11 hours per
year.
About nine
years ago, Marsh decided to seek a spot on the Board of Education for one
reason.
“Simply put,
I love kids,” Marsh shared. “My mom taught school for 40-plus years in Kentucky
and Tennessee. One of my sisters is Curriculum Coordinator for a southcentral
Kentucky district. I wanted to do my part and give back to my community. I felt
like and still feel that being a school board member is a good avenue to
contribute.”
Marsh’s
vision for the students in the Allen County School District is simple.
“I want to
see every child have the opportunity to grow and learn to their fullest
extent,” Marsh explained. “Whether they want to be a philosopher or a plumber,
it is our role to make sound decisions that lead to positive outcomes for Allen
County Scottsville youth.”
Looking into
the future, Marsh is confident that the coming years will see Allen County
education set a standard in which students will succeed.
“Our school
board is committed to continuing to promote a positive culture in which kids
can thrive,” Marsh said. “I’m optimistic that the next few years will be good
ones for our youth and for our staff. We’ll see an even more student-centered
learning approach that is not only good nut also fun for our kids and our
teachers.”
Marsh adds
that the entire community has a role to play in the education of students.
“Everyone is
important and needed in order for our kids to have the best chance in life,’
Marsh pointed out. “Whether you are a bus driver, a parent, a custodian, a
teacher, or a grandparent, never underestimate the power you have to change a
young person’s life.”
Al Barman is
an Allen County-Scottsville High School graduate who received his Bachelor’s
Degree from Western Kentucky University in 1991 and a Master’s Degree from
Indiana University in 1993. The local businessman was a longtime supporter of
education in the community prior to seeking a seat on the Board of Education
approximately nine years ago.
“I was
personally asked by a colleague if I would be interested for applying to fill
the vacant seat held by Mr. Rick Bagwell who wasn't able to fulfill his term
due to his daughter being hired within the district,” Barman explained. “I
hadn't placed any thought in running for a political office but I had been
working with the school volleyball program and spending quite a bit of time in
the district so I agreed to interview for the open position.”
Barman is
quick to note that he sees his role as a Board Member as helping to discover the
best resources and methods to help students learn.
“I personally
feel that our primary focus is to provide every opportunity and resource
available to help students learn,” Barman explained. “Every conversation and
every decision we have should be centered on the educational welfare of the
students of our district.”
Barman is
excited about the opportunities that are available for the students of Allen
County Schools.
“This year is
a transition year where we are beginning to see some district changes that will
increase efficiency while also being cost effective,” Barman noted. “The
expectation is for the district to become even more academically focused and
strive for increased student achievement. We have stressed the importance of
creating a more academically-centered school district and provide our students
with the tools they need to succeed in whatever their future plans are in life.”
Barman also
notes that the educational well-being of the 3,000 students across Allen County
Schools involves input from the entire community.
“The future
of our district and community relies on the academic, social, and developmental
needs of children and we should all play some sort of role in making sure every
child has the opportunity to receive that,” Barman said. “Caring for staff
needs is also an enormous key to the success of students. We have a duty and obligation to care for every
child and every employee of this district. Questions and concerns are always
welcomed by school board members and we encourage the public to be involved in
the learning process of our children.”
Stephanie
Ashby grew up in Campbellsville and attended school in the Campbellsville
Independent School District. For her senior year, Ashby’s family moved to
Simpson County where she graduated from Franklin-Simpson High School in 1997.
Ashby attended Western Kentucky University where she received a Bachelor’s of
Science from Ogden College of Science and Engineering. Her career path in
manufacturing engineering and quality engineering prepared her to become a
engineer at the Corvette Plant in bowling Green. Today, Ashby is an owner of
Atek Electric, LLC, an industrial electrical contracting firm.
Ashby’s
decision four years ago to seek a spot on the Allen County Board of Education
was motivated by her desire to help kids.
“I love,
love, love kids,” Ashby said. “I wanted to be a part of the school system because
school is where children spend most of their time, the place that has the most
impact on their day. In today’s world full of drugs, abuse, and unsteady home
lives, I wanted to be a part of making kids’ lives better.”
Ashby sees
her school board role as that of a decision-maker on behalf of the students in
Allen County.
“As a school
board member, my role is to make decisions that will positively impact the
lives of the children I serve,” Ashby explained. “In order to do that, the
board focuses on making decisions that will provide kids with the best
educational resources that we can to ensure that every child thrives.”
When asked
about what she believes the community will see in 2020 is a School Board
focused on enhancing learning for each and every student.
“As a board
member, I recognize that it is the responsibility of Allen County Schools to
ensure the quality of education we offer is second to none,” Ashby pointed out.
“To achieve that, I believe you will see an environment that focuses on
continuous improvement and increased efficiency in every area. I believe you
will see an even deeper focus on academics in the coming months. We already
focuses on equipping all students with the skills they need---not just for
right now, but for their entire lives. We have fantastic educators, and the
best students around. The idea is to take what’s already good and make it even
better.”
Ashby also
believes that hearing from the community is vital.
“I am always
available to speak to parents and community members,” Ashby said. “School board
meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to join
us.”
Billy Turner graduated from
Allen County-Scottsville High School in 1990. Eight years later, Turner earned his Degree in Business at
Western Kentucky University. Turner now serves the community as the co-owner
& manager of Summit Title Company and Patriot Investment Properties.
Turner is starting his seventh
year as a member of the school board—a position he sees as a means to deepen
his involvement in the school district.
“I was already involved in several different areas at the schools, and I
wanted to help however I could,” Turner noted. “I felt this was the best way to
help.”
Turner explains that his role involves four primary functions.
“Support the students, teachers, and administration of the school
district, represent the voters of my District, help with the budgeting and
allocation of tax dollars for the school district, and the selection and
evaluation of this district’s superintendent,” Turner said.
As for his vision for the students in Allen County Schools this
coming year and going forward, Turner hopes to see the District continue to lay
the foundation for educational success for its students.
“I would like to see this district continue to work at being a leader in
education for the region and state of Kentucky,” Turner explained. “I would
also like to make sure that we provide avenues that allow all students to feel
successful in academics and any extracurricular activities that they might
participate.”
Turner adds “I appreciate the opportunity to serve.”
Brian Celsor
is an Allen County native who graduated from Allen County-Scottsville High School
in 1991. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture from the
University of Kentucky in 1995, Celsor returned home to live, work, and raise a
family. Currently, Celsor is an agri-business owner and farmer in southeastern
Allen County.
Celsor points
out that his decision to seek a spot on the Board of Education was driven by
his desire to serve the children of the county.
Celsor is now
in his sixth year. He sees his role as that of someone that helps the students
receive the highest quality of education.
“We have a tremendous faculty, staff, and
group of administrators,” Celsor noted. “They all love children first and
always have the best interests of the students when making decisions. As a board member, it is my job to ensure
that students have all the opportunities and resources possible to receive a
quality education in a safe and loving environment.”
Looking ahead, Celsor envisions many
positives in the coming years.
“Our district has the faculty, staff, and
strategies in place to springboard to the next level,” Celsor explained. “We
are more academically focused with each turn of the calendar. The expectation is that we will see higher
student achievement due to these strategies.
I would like to see our state government support and fund some of the
mandates that are passed down to the local level. I am optimistic the next general assembly
will be positive for public education.”
Celsor is quick to note that student success
is also a product of the contributions of the entire community.
“Each person
that comes in contact with the student impacts their success,” Celsor said. “Everyone
at school (parents/guardians, bus drivers, teachers, assistants, cafeteria
staff, custodians, coaches, sponsors, administrators and all other staff)
constantly promotes a positive and challenging academic environment. When you see a student at church or just out
in the community ask them how school is going and watch their eyes light up.”
Like his
colleagues on the Board, Celsor says he will always listen to the public.
“Please feel
free to contact me any time with any question or concern,” Celsor said.