Elected to Serve Students
At the regularly scheduled LaRue County Board of Education meeting this month, LaRue County Judge Executive Blake Durrett opened the session with a proclamation honoring the LaRue County Board of Education for School Board Recognition Month — a moment of public recognition for a group whose work often happens quietly, but whose impact reaches every corner of the community.
January is Board Appreciation Month, a time set aside across Kentucky to recognize the service of local school board members and the critical role they play in public education. In LaRue County, that role includes providing leadership and oversight for a district that serves a diverse student population across multiple schools, grade levels, backgrounds, and needs.
The LaRue County Board of Education is made up of five locally elected members: Teresa Gilbert (Division 1), Ashley Reding (Division 2), Farrah Pruitt (Division 3), Janet Cruse (Division 4), and Joanna Hinton (Division 5). While school board service is an elected position, the work itself is not about politics — it is about students. Board members are entrusted with making decisions that prioritize student learning, opportunity, and well-being above all else.
Together, these community leaders dedicate countless hours to setting the vision for the district, adopting policies, overseeing the budget, and supporting the work of educators and staff who serve students every day. Their responsibility includes ensuring that every student — regardless of background, circumstance, or starting point — has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to succeed.
“Serving as a school board member is a significant responsibility,” said Superintendent Adryanne Warren. “What many community members may not realize is that the work extends far beyond the monthly working sessions and regular board meetings. Board members also participate in special called meetings, closed sessions, and are required by state law to complete multiple hours of training each year. When that level of commitment is paired with a genuine focus on putting students first, it creates the strongest possible school board leadership.”
School board service extends well beyond what the public typically sees. Members review data, engage with families, collaborate with district leadership, and make thoughtful decisions that balance academic opportunity, fiscal responsibility, student safety, and long-term planning.
Across Kentucky, school boards serve as the bridge between communities and their public schools, translating local values into policies and practices that shape student experiences. The best school boards are those that exemplify this responsibility through their commitment to serving all students and strengthening the future of the community.
This January, the district invites the community to join in thanking board members when they see their leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to public education on display.
