On Feb. 25, the chair of the Simpson County Schools Board of Education will assume the presidency of the Kentucky School Boards Association. 

David Webster, who has served on the Simpson County Board of Education since 2007 and the School Boards Association since 2010, has been the association’s president-elect for two years.

Jim Flynn, Simpson County superintendent, said he thinks Webster’s fellow association members voted for him because he’s been dedicated to his role as a member of the association.  

“I think he was just active with that role,” he said. “He works hard to understand education and the complexities of education.”

The association promotes Kentucky school boards, works with local school boards to improve education across the state and provides necessary training for school board members, Flynn said.   

“As president of the organization, you’re kind of a voice for all Kentucky school board members,” he said.    

Flynn is thrilled that a representative of his district has been elected KSBA’s chair, he said.  

“Having a voice from our local school board will be important going forward,” he said. 

Webster said he wasn’t sure why he was chosen to be the association’s chair.  

“They don’t tell you why,” he said. “I guess you just exhibit enough of the qualities they’re looking for in a president.”

After a KSBA chair is elected, their 2-year term does not start until another two years passes, Webster said. 

The main issue the board will be dealing with during Webster’s presidency will be the heated topic of charter schools, he said. “That is the number one issue right now,” he said.  

Flynn said Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, which calls for a new process for reviewing academic standards and intervening in low-performing schools, will also probably be a big issue for the association.

“I think it has a good chance of passing,” he said. “Senator Wilson and his team have done a good job in developing that.”

Whatever issues KSBA may face, the needs of Kentucky’s students will guide its board of directors, Webster said.  

“The main thing is to stay focused on the students,” he said.  

— Follow reporter Jackson French on Twitter @Jackson_French or visit bgdailynews.com.