Jason Steffen speaks to a group of students

Jason Steffen, the new superintendent of Ludlow Independent, has been with the district for the last 14 years. Submitted photo

Jason Steffen is excited to continue to work with students and teachers in his new position as the Ludlow Independent superintendent.

“I’m very familiar with the community and the kids, so my first year is just getting out and doing what I’ve always done,” he said.

This year will be Steffen’s 23rd year in education. He has been in the Ludlow Independent school district for 14 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University, his master’s from Xavier University in Cincinnati and his doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands.

Before starting a career in education, Steffen pursued business while living in California. Upon his return to Kentucky, he felt pulled towards being more involved in his community by teaching kids and coaching sports.

“When I returned, I took a position as a 7th-grade social studies teacher and haven’t looked back in 23 years,” he said.

Steffen taught for a few years before becoming an assistant principal. He joined the staff at Ludlow in 2011 and served as the elementary school principal for 10 years. He transitioned to the central office three years ago, which led to the superintendent position.

Steffen said he never saw himself being superintendent, but when opportunities arise, one should take them.

“You look at an opportunity and never want to turn one down,” he said.

While Steffen loves teaching social studies and being in a classroom with kids, being superintendent gives him an even bigger platform to work with high school, elementary and preschool students.

“I love leading staff. I love leading teachers. I love being in the building with kids,” he said.

Steffen wants to expand elementary school academic and extracurricular opportunities, such as introducing different sports. Steffen hopes this expansion will reach the high school so that those students can have more options too.

Academically, Steffen wants every junior and senior enrolled in a dual credit or career pathway track. He said he wants to increase the opportunities students in the district get through Enzweiler Building Institute to develop trades.

“So really it’s just a year of growing and improving,” Steffen said.

Along with improving opportunities for students, the district is improving their facilities. Steffen said the schools in his district are currently in the middle of renovation. His priority is to make sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently in the classroom this upcoming school year, but this renovation will be a positive.

“The end result, we know, is going to be great, but getting there is going to be a little painful at times,” he said.

Throughout these efforts, Steffen wants his community to know his connection to the community is vital to the success of the district.

“The families down here are more friends than they are parents of students,” he explained.

Steffen said he enjoys the tight-knit community that comes with living in a small county. Just a walk down the street to grab a coffee or lunch in the summer gives him the opportunity to connect with his district.

“I am just so excited to be here in Ludlow leading this district because it’s been a huge part of my life.”