Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday reported for duty yesterday at Murray Independent schools, where he spent the day visiting classrooms, lending a hand during bus duty and meeting with students, teachers and district leaders.

The school district was the winner of the “Extra Holliday” item offered by the Kentucky School Public Relations Association (KYSPRA) during a silent auction at its Fall Institute last September. The win entitled the school district to Commissioner Holliday’s presence for an entire day, with an agenda of district personnel’s choosing.

Murray Independent Superintendent Bob Rogers and school leaders established a day-long itinerary that includes stints at the preschool and elementary, middle and high schools in the district.

“We created an agenda that will allow him to experience a day in the life of our staff and students at the three schools and the preschool center,” Rogers said. “As a district we hoped to provide an educational experience for Dr. Holliday to gain an insight and understanding of our everyday operations inside the classroom with our students and administrators. We want him to be a part of what transpires in our schools each day. We’re proud of our students and staff and we’re excited about him spending the day with us. We know he’ll enjoy it.”

Holliday’s activities included bus duty, music class, lunch with 6th graders and a district leadership team meeting.

“One of my goals as commissioner is to visit every school district in the state,” Holliday said.  “These visits keep me connected to the real work happening in our schools, and my day at Murray Independent will provide valuable insights.”

Rogers said his staff appreciated the opportunity to spend a day with the commissioner.

“Our teachers and students take (our) legacy seriously and were excited about meeting with Dr. Holliday and sharing the daily relationships that are formed between teachers and students,” he said.

At the conclusion of the day’s activities, Holliday met with the district leadership team.

Look for a full story on the commissioner’s visit in Kentucky Teacher on Jan. 17.