KDE Seeks New Members for Kentucky School for the Deaf Advisory Board

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FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY (SPA)– The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is inviting applicants to fill vacancies on the Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) Advisory Board, a group that plays a vital role in guiding the school’s future.

Established under KRS 167.037, the KSD Advisory Board is made up of nine members appointed by the Kentucky Board of Education on the recommendation of the commissioner of education. Its mission is to provide advice and recommendations that support the effective operation of the school, ensuring the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students remain central.

A majority of the board’s members must be Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and representation is designed to reflect the broader community. Membership includes:

• Two parents of Deaf children
• One professional in the education of the Deaf
• One former KSD student
• One member of the Kentucky Association for the Deaf
• Two representatives from Kentucky school districts
• Two at-large members

Currently, self-nominations are being accepted for the following seats:

• Kentucky Association for the Deaf representative
• School district representative

Interested individuals must submit theirself-nomination materials to Shannon Sparkman no later than 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 11.

The board serves as a crucial link between the community, the school, and state leadership, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of those most directly impacted by Deaf education are heard at the decision-making table.