It was a big week for our community as funding was secured by Senate President Robert Stivers for Clay County. I am especially proud to share that the Clay County Board of Education will receive $5.5 million toward the renovation of Paces Creek Elementary.
This is a much-needed investment. Paces Creek serves more than 300 students and has not undergone a major renovation since it was built in the early 1980s. This project will push our district’s total investment in renovations and new construction to more than $60 million—a remarkable milestone for a small, rural school system.
When you step back and look at what has been accomplished, it truly is something special:
But the story goes far beyond buildings.
When Roy Glenn Allen, Robin Combs and I joined the board, our district was facing serious challenges. We had been ranked among the lowest-performing systems in the state, and auditors warned we could face bankruptcy within two years without significant changes. At the same time, our teachers and staff were earning less than those in surrounding districts.
Soon after, Anthony Lovett and Leewood Cornett joined the board, and together we committed to turning things around. One of the most important decisions we made was hiring William Sexton as superintendent.
From there, the work began.
Today, Clay County Schools rank in the top half of the state academically. Two of our elementary schools—Oneida and Burning Springs—recently finished ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in statewide testing. We have increased employee pay by 23% and established one of the most financially stable school systems in Kentucky relative to our size.
So how did this happen in just over a decade?
It wasn’t one person. It wasn’t a single decision. It wasn’t any one board member or administrator.
It was faith.
We didn’t have all the answers. We didn’t know if every plan would work. But we believed in our mission, and we leaned on our faith to guide us. Every meeting begins with prayer—for our students, our staff and our community—and a commitment to do what is right.
Our system is not perfect. Mistakes still happen. But when they do, we address them, learn from them and move forward.
I’m often asked how we’ve been able to accomplish so much. The answer is simple.
God.
Without Him, none of this would have been possible—and for that, we give Him all the glory.
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