Gov. Bevin Makes Appointments to Kentucky Boards and Commissions
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin has made the following appointments to Kentucky Boards and Commissions:
Susan Renee Brewer, Kevin Carter Stewart, Lisa Payne Jones, Timothy Leon Jessie, Derek Heath Preston, James Douglas Frank and Dale Allen McDowell have been appointed to the Center for School Safety Board of Directors.
Susan Renee Brewer, of Barbourville, is a special education teacher. Ms. Brewer shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. She will represent teachers.
Kevin Carter Stewart, of Bronston, is a pastor. Mr. Stewart shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. He will represent school council parents.
Lisa Payne Jones, of Owensboro, is a judge. Judge Jones shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. She will represent juvenile court judges.
Timothy Leon Jessie, of Edmonton, is an energy manager at Metcalfe County Board of Education. Mr. Jessie shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. He will represent classified school employees.
Derek Heath Preston, of Louisa, is self-employed. Mr. Preston shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. He will represent local school district boards of education.
James Douglas Frank, of Greensburg, is a school superintendent. Mr. Frank shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. He will represent superintendents.
Dale Allen McDowell, of Maysville, is an elementary school principal. Mr. McDowell shall serve for a term expiring July 27, 2018. He will represent local school administrators.
The Kentucky Center for School Safety was established in 1998 by the General Assembly to create safe, secure learning environments in Kentucky schools. It is the center for data analysis, research, allocation of information about successful school safety programs, research results and new programs. The Center for School Safety Board of Directors is composed of 12 members, seven of whom are appointed by the governor.
Preston responded to requests for comment by The Lazer today, (Feb. 10, 2017) :
“…On December 20, 2016 Governor Matt Bevin appointed D. Heath Preston to the Center for School Safety Board. Mr.Preston is the Board Chairman for Lawrence County Schools. On February the 9th their first meeting with the current and new board members was held. Jon Akers, the Executive Director stated;
The Kentucky Center for School Safety Board of Directors, all of whom are appointed by the governor, welcomed seven new board members to this governing board on Thursday, February 9, 2017.
The first order of business was to elect a new chairperson to conduct oversee the quarterly meetings. By unanimous decision, Heath Preston of Lawrence County was elected president.
Jon Akers, Executive Director of the Center, is pleased to be able to work with Mr. Preston and invites his leadership as chair of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Preston stated; “First I am honored and humbled by the appointment from Governor Bevin, then to be selected by this board to chairman is a priviledge. Not only will I be able to help ensure the safety of all the children in our schools throughout the commonwealth, I will be able to showcase Lawrence County Schools and the great things we are doing here.”
The Kentucky Center for School Safety’s Mission shall be to serve as the central point for data analysis, dissemination of information about school safety programs, research results, and new programs; and in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education and others, to provide technical assistance for safe schools.
D. Heath Preston
Chairman
Lawrence County Board of Education