Lee County superintendent named Superintendent of the Year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The superintendent of Lee County Schools has been named Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. James Evans received the award from the Kentucky Association of School Administrators at a surprise ceremony in Beattyville.

In addition to this recognition, Evans received a bronze eagle sculpture, a $2,500 scholarship for a Lee County senior, a Superintendent of the Year ring, and travel reimbursement to the AASA National Conference on Education. He now moves on as a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award, given by AASA in February 2018.

Evans, who is a life-long native of Lee County became the Lee County Schools superintendent in 2008.

“When you talk about Jim Evans, the words vision and innovation are just the starting point,” said KASA Executive Director Wayne Young. “I can’t think of a superintendent in Kentucky who has leveraged more resources to provide greater opportunities for the students in his school district. He sees the big picture, and has done an incredible job of making it come to life in Lee County.”

The KASA says in the midst of a declining population, 34.7 percent of Lee County residents live below the poverty level with a median household income of $22,698. For the school district, this equates to 79 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. These statistics change Evans’ role in the district.

“For Lee County, priority one has to be social and emotional help before we expect students to come to school prepared to learn,” said Dr. Evans. “Our strategy has been holistic; if we can provide health/wellness supports, safe and comfortable learning environments, basic supplies, and educational tools for parents, our children will be well positioned for success.”

To meet the needs of students, Evans has partnered with local agencies to provide health services during the school year and a two-week clinic during the summer providing free medical, dental, and vision care to students, staff, parents, and the community. Through this and other programs he has put in place, Evans has led Lee County Schools to be a District of Distinction.

Only 15 other districts in Kentucky have received this honor.