Emmanuel Caulk, the Fayette County superintendent, shows a picture from the book “An Orange in January” to Kelly Middlebrooks’ 1st-grade class. Caulk was named the 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Jan. 24, 2018
The Kentucky Association of School Administrators named Manny Caulk of Fayette County Public Schools its 2019 Superintendent of the Year.
KASA Executive Director Wayne Young and Lesa Kay Hoffman from American Fidelity presented the statewide award Nov. 19 during a local school board meeting. Along with this recognition, Caulk received a bronze eagle sculpture, a ring, a $2,500 scholarship for an Fayette County senior, and travel reimbursement for the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education in Los Angeles. He will compete with other state winners to become a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award, which will be announced in February.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor, and I have to say that this statue does not belong to me. This is an award for our entire school district team in recognition of the amazing work they are doing,” Caulk said. “Education is a priority here in Lexington, and our business partners, faith leaders, community advocates, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, government partners and family engagement champions never cease to amaze me. Your daily support and commitment to all children has led to real changes that are making a difference in the lives of students.”
After growing up in the inner city of Wilmington, Del., Caulk became the first person in his family to graduate from college. He began his career teaching special education students in a county detention center. After five years, he left the classroom and became a school administrator. During this time, Caulk also earned a law degree, and he practiced law until 2003.
Caulk became superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools in June 2015.
“Since Manny arrived in Fayette County, he has been relentless in his efforts to move the district forward and provide every child with opportunities to succeed,” Young said in the KASA news release. “His selection for this award serves as confirmation that his hard work, and its tangible results, are being noticed and valued.”
Along with Caulk, the other finalists for the award were Sherry Horsley of Greenup County, Steve Miracle of Trimble County, and Patricia Sheffer of Union County. The selection criteria included:
- Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students;
- Communication – strength in personal and organizational communication;
- Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills while providing professional learning opportunities and motivation to others on the education team; and
- Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.
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