2027 Superintendent of the Year Program

2026 KY Superintendent of the Year & National Finalist


Demetrus Liggins, Ph.D.
Fayette County Schools

 Watch video here



The Superintendent of the Year Award recognizes and honors Kentucky’s superintendents for the contributions they make every day advocating for public education, our children, and our future.

Any Kentucky public-school superintendent who plans to continue in the profession may be nominated (self-nominations are also accepted).

The award is presented annually through a competitive application process based on a superintendent’s talent and vision in the areas of leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement.

To view instructions from the KASA Team and past SOY Winners watch the video below. ↓

 

Thank you to American Fidelity for partnering with KASA for this prestigious award.

 

Application Information & Procedure

The AASA National Superintendent of the Year (SOY) program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools. The KASA State Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by American Fidelity and KASA, is the springboard to the national award program.

Eligibility & Criteria

Any superintendent of a public school in Kentucky who plans to continue in the profession may be nominated. This program is designed to recognize the outstanding leadership of active, front-line superintendents. It is not a recognition of service at retirement or a program to reward current state or national leaders.

Each candidate is judged on the following criteria:

Leadership for Learning

Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system.

Communication

Strength in both personal and organizational communication.

Professionalism

Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team.

Community Involvement

Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.

Steps for Nomination or Application

Step 1: Go to soy.aasa.org and fill out the nomination form under "Nominate for State Award." Click on "Nominate Someone." Once submitted, AASA will notify the nominee with instructions on how to complete the application.

Step 2: The nominee then visits soy.aasa.org and under "Apply Now" click on "Get Started" to complete the application. 

Selection Process

State
  • A statewide blue-ribbon judging panel selects the KASA State Superintendent of the Year and three finalists.
  • The selection follows a specific set of criteria and timeline.
  • The chosen KASA State Superintendent of the Year represents Kentucky in the national competition.
National
  • A national blue-ribbon judging panel reviews all eligible State Superintendents of the Year.
  • The panel selects four finalists for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year.
  • Finalists participate in in-person interviews in Washington, D.C.
  • The final selection is based on submitted applications and interviews.

Recognition for State & National Superintendent of the Year

  • The KASA State Superintendent of the Year will be announced during the KASA Annual Leadership Institute in July.
  • A $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a high school senior in the superintendent’s district.
  • A bronze eagle sculpture, Superintendent of the Year ring, and travel reimbursement to AASA’s national conference are awarded to the KASA State Superintendent of the Year.
  • The AASA National Superintendent of the Year is announced at the AASA National Conference on Education.
  • A $10,000 scholarship is awarded to a senior student connected to the National Superintendent of the Year.
  • The KASA State Superintendent of the Year is honored during a general session and Kentucky reception at the AASA National Conference on Education.

Tentative Timeline for Superintendent of the Year Program

May 30 — Deadline for Kentucky nominations at soy.aasa.org

June 19 — Deadline for nominee completed applications to be received online for KASA State Superintendent of the Year at soy.aasa.org.

July 31 — Announce and recognize the 2026 SOY at KASA's Annual Leadership Institute

August — District Recognition

February — AASA activities & Kentucky Reception

For More Information

Contact Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, KASA Chief Executive Officer, at (859) 583-5652.