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Lead #TheBardstownWay: Growing Leaders From Within Our Schools

Great schools start with great leaders. That’s why Bardstown City Schools has launched the Lead The Bardstown Way Leadership Cohort. This yearlong program is designed for teachers, counselors, and other certified staff who want to explore leadership and make a bigger impact on students and the community.

The program is led by Dr. John Eveland, principal of Bardstown Primary, and Dr. Lance Boston, principal of Bardstown Elementary. Participants will learn from school and district leaders, visit schools across the district, and take part in real leadership experiences. The goal is to help them build skills that can prepare them for future leadership roles.

This year’s cohort includes:

  • Danielle Cravens, guidance counselor at Bardstown Primary
  • Thomas Sidebottom, special education teacher at Bardstown Elementary
  • Melissa Kyser, third-grade teacher at Bardstown Elementary
  • Shelby Turner, library media specialist and teacher at Bardstown Middle
  • Kim Mattingly, math teacher at Bardstown Middle
  • Nathan Gray, social studies teacher at Bardstown Middle
  • Allison King, teacher at Bardstown Alternative

The program began with a Community & Staff Panel called “What Bardstown City Schools Means to Us.” Panelists shared personal stories about how schools shaped their lives.

  • Franklin Hibbs IV, a Bardstown High graduate and City Council member, spoke about the role schools played in his growth.
  • Joey Downs, former Bardstown Primary principal and HR Director, reflected on his years in school leadership.
  • Kevin Rogers, BCS board member, talked about representing families and the community in board decisions.
  • Cara Blackmon, former BHS principal and BCS Director of Curriculum, shared what it means to lead with purpose and care.

This first session gave participants time to reflect on their own leadership potential. It also set the stage for future discussions on topics such as equity, school culture, and community partnerships.

Lead #TheBardstownWay is more than a program. It is a journey to grow leaders from within, support our schools, and strengthen Bardstown City Schools for every student.

A group of seven individuals stand in front of a brick building.
Meet our Cohort Participants: (Front Row L-R) Shelby Turner, Kim Mattingly, Danielle Cravens, and Thomas Sidebottom. (Second Row L-R) Melissa Kyser, Nathan Gray, and Allison King.
Group of people gather around a large table.
The cohort kicked off with a lively Community & Staff Panel called “What Bardstown City Schools Means to Us.” Panelists shared personal stories about the difference schools have made in their lives.
man wite brown hair in blue suit coat sits at table.
Panel participant Franklin Hibbs IV, a Bardstown High School graduate and Bardstown City Council member, talked about how his experiences in school shaped him.
Allison King, Kim Mattingly, and Shelby Turner listen a guest panelist.
Man in gray polo talks to a group of educators.
Joey Downs, former Bardstown Primary principal and Human Resources Director, shared insights from his years of leadership.
Cara Blackmon, former BHS principal and BCS Director of Curriculum, reflected on what it takes to lead with purpose and care.

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