Katy Park Named Principal for A.B. Chandler Elementary School
Henderson County Schools announced last week that Katy Park has been named the new principal of A.B. Chandler Elementary School.
Park was most recently the instructional coach for Jefferson Elementary School and has more than 12 years of classroom experience, said an HCS release. She has been at Jefferson since 2018.
Park received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Murray State University. Additionally, she has a Master of Arts in Education and a Teacher Leader certification from the University of the Cumberlands.
On being named the new A.B. Chandler Elementary principal, Park noted, “I am honored and feel incredibly blessed to be named the next principal of A.B. Chandler Elementary School,” Park said in the release. “I am committed to upholding and honoring the traditions of this wonderful school while continuing to foster growth and excellence. I look forward to collaborating with the students, staff, parents, and community to continue A.B. Chandler’s legacy of academic excellence and community involvement.”
Katy and her husband, Jess, have three children and live in Henderson.
HCS teachers get a 3% raise
The Henderson County Board of Education has approved a 3% pay raise and a $1,000 supplement for all school employees, according to a release from Henderson County Schools.
The vote was 5-0, said the release. The most recent pay increase continues a 4-year streak of raises for school employees.
According to HCS, the increases of the last four years include:
- 2% supplement in 2020
- 1.5% wage increase and a $1,000 supplement in 2021
- 3% wage increase and a $1,000 supplement in 2022
- 1.5% wage increase and a $1,000 supplement in 2023
Henderson County Schools Superintendent Bob Lawson said in the release, “I am very thankful to the board for making this decision to give a 3% raise and $1,000 supplement to our staff. Their decision allows us to continue investing in our people as well as keeping the district financially strong for the long haul. Raises such as this are made possible when a group of people all work together for a common good. In addition to thanking our Board members, Mr. Mike Waller, Mrs. Tracey Williams, Mr. Wes Smith, Mr. Tom Alves, and Mr. Joe McGarrh, I would like to thank our State Representative Mr. Jonathon Dixon and our State Senator Mr. Robby Mills for increasing SEEK funding over the last two legislative budget sessions. I would like to thank our community for providing the needed revenue to fund our schools. Lastly, I would like to thank our staff that works hard every day to support our students. We are truly blessed to serve Henderson County Schools and to live in our great community.”
The 3% increase is much smaller than the 11% bump that Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear proposed in the budget proposal he released last December.
The General Assembly ultimately approved a budget that included legislation that teachers salaries should flow through the state Support Education Excellence formula and individual school boards would make salary adjustments using that funding. SEEK funding, according to the Kentucky Department of Education website, “is a formula driven allocation of state provided funds to local school districts. The formula includes funding for transportation costs and special needs students as reported by districts.”
According to the annual reports released by the National Education Association looking at 2022-23 numbers, Kentucky dropped from 40th to 41st nationally in average teacher salary. Kentucky’s average teacher salary is $56,296, while the national average is $69,544, the Kentucky Lantern reported recently.
Kentucky also dropped in starting teacher salary from 44th to 45th, with an average starting salary of $39,204, according to the Lantern article. Nationally, average starting pay for teachers was $44,530, it said.
Henderson Tourist Commission names its ‘Hospitality Heroes’
The Henderson Tourist Commission announced its 2024 Hospitality Heroes at a Thursday breakfast celebration at The Depot Welcome Center on Water Street.
These front-line staff and volunteers in the tourism industry demonstrate exceptional service, can-do attitudes, and showcase the signature hospitality that Hendersonians are known for, said a release from the tourist commission.
“Our Hospitality Hero recipients create unforgettable experiences for our visitors, deliver outstanding service, and embody the true spirit of hospitality,” said Abby Dixon, executive director of the Henderson Tourist Commission. “These six set the bar high and remind us that the impact of a little kindness, taking extra care of our guests, and delivering it all with a smile is immeasurable.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Travis Brantley – Hometown Roots
- Suzy McCormack – W.C. Handy Blues & BBQ Festival/Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival
- E Brady – Sleep Inn Henderson
- Monica Hargis – Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival
- Heather Salisbury – Henderson Tourist Commission
- Dana Harvey – Henderson Tourist Commission
Kentucky Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot was on-hand to deliver remarks regarding the state of tourism in the Commonwealth, how tourism positively impacts Henderson County, and to offer his congratulations to the Hospitality Hero recipients, said the release.
Crabtree will speak at Henderson library
Henderson native Ane Crabtree, who has 35 years of experience as a designer in Hollywood, will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Henderson County Public Library.
Crabtree’s talk is titled Of Rivers & Roots: The Road Homeward.
Crabtree is a 1982 graduate of Henderson County High School. She has created looks for shows like “The Sopranos,” “Westworld,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Darren Aronofsky’s Postcards from Earth”—the first film to premiere this year at the Las Vegas Sphere—and the recent, “The Changeling,” for Apple TV.
During Thursday’s talk, Crabtree will discuss her creative process, inspiration and how Henderson and its library have always remained in her heart, according to information on the HCPL Facebook page.