The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) is accepting nominations for two of its awards, the 16th annual Joseph W. Kelly Award and the second annual David Karem Award.
Joseph W. Kelly Award
The Joseph W. Kelly Award honors a businessperson who has offered outstanding leadership and service toward promoting school improvement and equity of education opportunity for all Kentucky children.
The award is named for Joseph W. Kelly, who served on the KBE from 1989-98 and was board chairman for seven years during a critical time of implementing and nurturing Kentucky’s nationally recognized school improvement efforts.
Nominations must be accompanied by an essay of 500 words or less describing how the nominee has enhanced educational opportunities for children at the school, community and/or state levels.
David Karem Award
The David Karem Award honors a policymaker, education leader or other citizen who has contributed to the improvement of education through venues such as national commissions, task forces or other significant boards and organizations. Recipients of this award must demonstrate outstanding leadership and impact on education policy and the education system during the past year or over an extended career of public service and must demonstrate their commitment to working cohesively with different shareholders.
The award is named for David Karem, who served on the KBE from 2009-16 and previously served for 33 years in the Kentucky State Senate, where he championed the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act and led the effort for the 4 percent school tax levy by local districts.
Nominations must be accompanied by an essay of 500 words or less describing how the nominee has exhibited the award criteria.
The nomination deadline for both awards is July 20. Email Mardi Montgomery for more information.
Kentucky Board of Education
