Lifelong Elliott County educator, Debbie Stephens, assumed a new role, effective July 1, 2017, when she began her new job as superintendent of schools. Board Chairperson, Susan Preston commented as she called the July Board of Education meeting to order, “I have waited a long time to be able to open the Board meeting by asking Superintendent Stephens to take us through the agenda, and I am glad to finally be able to do so.” Mrs. Stephens is a familiar figure in the district, as she began her career nearly three decades ago as a district-wide substitute teacher.
Mrs. Stephens, who completed her BA, MA, and Rank I degrees at Morehead State University, starts her new duties with a widely varied educational background that makes her an ideal fit for the position. After substitute teaching while completing her undergraduate degree at Morehead State University, she taught students with learning and behavior disorders for nearly ten years, before transferring to a middle grades language arts teaching position.
She made the transition to administration in 2005, taking classes through Western Kentucky University to obtain certification in the area of gifted/talented education. From 2005 through 2012, her duties included Purchasing Agent, Drug Testing Coordinator, Extended School Services Coordinator, FRYSC District Contact, School Health Coordinator, Gifted/Talented Coordinator, and 504 Coordinator. In addition to these responsibilities, she was instrumental in securing grant funding totaling over $100,000 for literacy and technology programs. From 2012 through 2017, she balanced many of these duties while also serving as assistant principal at Elliott County High School.
“I am honored that the Board of Education has offered me the chance to expand opportunities for the students of Elliott County, and excited to see the positive changes that will evolve. We have a wonderful staff that is committed to student success, a supportive family and community base…I fully expect great things from our schools.” Mrs. Stephens plans to spend most of her work hours in the schools, keeping her office at the middle school, and finishing her workday at the Board of Education office.
The Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00, with one meeting each year held in each of the schools and the remaining meetings held at the Board of Education office. The November meeting is held at Elliott County High School; the January meeting is held at Sandy Hook Elementary; the February meeting is held at Lakeside Elementary; and the March meeting is held at Isonville Elementary. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.