By Superintendent of Jessamine County Schools Kathy Fields

It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to have served the children and families of Jessamine County during my tenure as an educator. From the day I returned home in 1995 to serve as principal of Nicholasville Elementary, to my current appointment and responsibilities as superintendent, I have made teaching our students, strengthening relationships with our families, empowering leaders, equipping staff and developing partnerships with our community my priorities.

I have been so blessed to have had the support of Team Jessamine, a group of teachers, site and district support personnel, bus drivers, and administrators who have worked together to provide an outstanding educational experience for over 8,400 students. I have also been backed by the Board of Education, numerous civic and faith-based organizations, as well as state, city and county officials who have helped with policy making, provided financial support, enforced safety measures, sponsored academic, athletic, and arts programs and have sought to provide leadership to ensure the future of our community.

During these past 22 years, I have also had the opportunity to work with incredible parents and families who love their children immensely and who realize that education is paramount in creating and sustaining a viable future. I intentionally chose to raise my own children here, and now look extremely forward to having an impact on the future generations of my family. 

I have been immensely privileged to witness student growth academically, artistically and athletically. Our district performance is considered proficient by state academic standards, with multiple schools given distinguished ratings. We can now boast of being home to two state championship teams, WJHS baseball and WJHS women’s soccer, along with numerous students who participate in local, regional, state and national arts events. Our life-readiness focus has intentionally defined career pathways for students, thus providing internships, a state-of-the-art diesel mechanics classroom and advanced manufacturing facilities on our school campus.  

To say that I am proud of Jessamine County Schools and our community is an understatement! Rare is the individual who is provided the opportunity to return to their hometown to serve in such a distinct leadership capacity. Having received such an outstanding education and having been mentored by extraordinary teachers and leaders, I considered the work I have done a chance to give back just a mere portion of what I have received. 

“Good,” has never been enough for my team. Throughout our journey together, we have sought to reflect upon, refute and revise the mentality of mediocrity. I have been blessed to work with individuals who shared my philosophy of distinct significance.

 Truly, I have been part of greatness.