Kentucky Board of Education

Kentucky Board of Education Awards

Published: 10/9/2025 9:19 AM

The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) recognizes educators, organizations, and education stakeholders on an annual basis. The awards, now aligned to the vision, missions and strategic priorities of the KBE and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), aim to honor the work and legacy of previous board members while at the same time recognizing current educators, organizations and stakeholders for extraordinary work and contributions in in the following areas:

Diversity and Equity in Public Education
Excellence in Education Policy
Innovation in Special Education
Business and Education Partnerships
KBE Strategic Priority

One KBE award will be presented at each board meeting, with the exception of December, when the KDE will present its annual staff award.

NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

2025 Kevin C. Brown Strategic Priority Award

Criteria for the award include:

Notable efforts in supporting the development and/or successful implementation of localized accountability systems.
Evidence of localized co-creation to define student success. This includes strong consideration of parental engagement, community partnerships and non-academic factors affecting school quality and the overall schooling experience in the development of the local accountability system.
Evidence of collective commitment to create learning experiences that are relevant, authentic, and joyful for every learner. This includes efforts to design and promote vibrant learning experiences for all students, as well as professional development and support for staff focused on vibrant learning experiences.

Nominations open on October 10 and will be accepted through November 10, 2025.

Awards and Background Information

Robinson Award for Diversity and Equity in Public Education	Dr. Samuel Robinson was a former member of the KBE (1991-2004) who made diversity and equity in public education his life's work. A noted educator and civil rights leader, Robinson began his career in Kentucky in Louisville in 1960. His diverse background in public education included everything from principal at Shawnee High School to President of the Lincoln Foundation. Robinson also was a well-known community figure as Louisville navigated the Civil Rights era. Each year, the KBE grants this award to a Kentuckian or a Kentucky organization demonstrating extraordinary efforts and contributions in the area of educational diversity and equity. The criteria for receiving this award includes, but is not limited to: Successful efforts in closing socioeconomic and/or racial achievement gaps; and, Significantly improving student learning, student achievement, or other measured outcomes among students of color or economically disadvantaged students. Nomination window: December - January Award presented: April _______________
Karem Award for Excellence in Education Policy	David Karem served on the KBE from 2009 through 2016. He served for 33 years in the Kentucky State Senate and as Chair of the Senate Education Committee. During his tenure in the Kentucky General Assembly, Karem championed the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) and led the efforts for the 4% school tax levy by school districts. This award is given in the spring of each year to state policymakers, education leaders or citizens who have made notable, state-level contributions to the improvement of Kentucky's public education system. Criteria for the award includes: Demonstrated leadership in policy development, passage or implementation resulting in increased educational opportunities for students; improved educational, postsecondary or workforce outcomes for students; or, increased capacity of teachers or school staff to better meet the academic, social or emotional needs of Kentucky students. Nomination window: February - March Award presented: June _________________
Grissom Award for Innovation in Special Education	The late Dr. Johnnie Grissom served at the KDE in the role of Associate Commissioner for the Office of Special Instructional Services. She provided steadfast commitment, service and leadership striving to help all students achieve at high levels regardless of their disabilities. This award is given in the spring of each year to a Kentuckian or a Kentucky organization to honor outstanding dedication to improving student achievement for students with disabilities. Criteria for the award include: Leadership or implementation of innovative practice in curriculum, instruction or assessment that leads to improved learning, postsecondary or workforce outcomes for students with learning or behavior differences; and, District or schools demonstrating significant improvement or sustained excellence in learning or behavior outcomes for students with learning or behavior differences. Nomination window: April - May Award presented: August _________________
Kelly Award for Business and Education Partnership	Joseph W. Kelly served as a member of the KBE from 1989 until 1998 and provided exceptional leadership as its chair for seven years. He was a strong leader in the fundamental early years of implementing Kentucky's nationally recognized school improvement efforts. A respected business leader and education advocate, Kelly knew first-hand the critical role the business community plays in supporting Kentucky's public education system. His career exemplifies the significant contributions that members of the business community are making in support of Kentucky's students. This award is given in the fall of each year to a Kentucky businessperson or business who has partnered with a public school or district to provide outstanding leadership that promotes school improvement and student success. Criteria for the award include: Creating or sustaining strategic partnership between a business and school or district that leads to improved student outcomes, including but not limited to, postsecondary success and workforce outcomes; and, Significant contribution to a school or a district that leads or will likely lead to increased or improved educational opportunities or improved educational, postsecondary or workforce outcomes for students. Nomination window: June - July Award presented: October _________________
KBE Kevin C. Brown Strategic Priority Award	Kevin C. Brown served at the KDE in various roles from 2004 to 2018. Most recently, Brown served as the Interim Commissioner of Education from December 2019 to September 2020. Brown's time at the department throughout 2020 was marked with significant challenges that called for strategic educational leadership and clear ongoing communication that was forward-thinking, action-oriented and aimed at advancing efforts to educate, feed and support Kentucky's 650,000 students during a global pandemic. The strategic priority changes from year to year based on the desire of the KBE. Nomination window: October - November Award presented: February