Bob Rogers, former superintendent of Murray Independent schools, has been given the 2017 Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) Distinguished Service Award. The award has been presented annually since 1973 to a retired or retiring school administrator who has exhibited exemplary education leadership ability and has brought honor to his or her colleagues, his or her profession and to himself or herself.

Rogers was recognized last month at KASA’s Annual Leadership Institute in Louisville.

During his time as district leader, Rogers was legendary for his visibility in schools and for frequently stopping for one-on-one visits with students. He also was known as a strong educational leader, especially in the area of district finance.

When Rogers was named Murray’s superintendent in 2005, he immediately began work on a plan of action to strengthen the district’s finances. Rogers has helped district leaders across the state by sharing his expertise at KASA’s Annual Education Law and Finance Institute.

For more than 10 years, he has taught the basics of Kentucky’s education-funding formula, SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky), and how to maximize funds for student achievement. Superintendents in his area of the state often ask for his assistance in training local school boards in the area of finance.

Lou Carter, Murray’s curriculum and instruction supervisor, noted in nominating Rogers that servant leadership is one of his strong traits.

“Mr. Rogers can be found removing snow from school and district parking areas on wintry days,” Carter said. “If the cafeteria staff is shorthanded, he often helps serve food to students. Students of all ages simply adore Mr. Rogers.”

Carter created a YouTube video in support of Rogers’ nomination.

“I can testify to the superb work ethic, commitment and professionalism that have contributed to his distinguished career,” Caldwell County Superintendent Carrell Boyd added. “Mr. Rogers thrives on the challenges that face superintendents, and his command of the various facets of leadership that are required to lead a district toward improvement has been outstanding.”

Rogers retired on June 30 after 12 years at Murray. He was the superintendent of Caldwell County schools prior to that, and he was a superintendent for 25 of his 50 years in education.