Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) Associate Executive Director David Baird to the eight-member Kentucky School Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC). Baird’s appointment was one of several education-related actions recently made by the governor.

The SFCC, part of the state Finance and Administration Cabinet, assists school districts with school facility construction and technology funding. It distributes state funds to eligible districts certified by the Kentucky Board of Education. The commission issues bonds in its name and enters lease agreements with local boards of education to finance construction of new facilities and major renovation of existing facilities. It is responsible for allocating General Assembly appropriations for the financing of construction and implementation of technology on a timely and objective basis.

The SFCC also helps school districts conduct bond sales for timely and accurate debt service payments. It ensures that school districts receive and match the state contributions for technology.

Baird has been KSBA’s associate executive director for five years and has spent more than 30 years in education, including 16 years as superintendent of the Eminence Independent school district.

Joining Baird on the SFCC also as newly appointed members are:

  • Vearl Pennington, former Bath County school district board member and KSBA regional chairman
  • Ralph Hoskins, retired Jackson County school district superintendent
  • Don Cecil, retired Magoffin County school district superintendent
  • James E. Parsons, an attorney and adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University

All are appointed to four-year terms with the exception of Parsons, who fills an unexpired term through 2012.

Other K-12 related appointments

Beshear also recently made several appointments to the state Educational Professional Standards Board. They are:

  • Allen Kennedy, a member of the Hancock County Board of Education and a director-at-large on the KSBA Board of Directors
  • Anthony Strong, superintendent of Pendleton County school district
  • Ellen E. Blevins, curriculum specialist, Barren County Board of Education
  • Bradley A. Bielski, vice president of academic affairs, Thomas More College
  • Barbara Ann Boyd, a teacher with the Jefferson County school district
  • Marie Renee McMillen, a teacher with the Marshall County school district
  • Laranna L. May, a teacher with the Carter County school district

The governor also reappointed Owensboro Independent Board of Education Chairwoman Nancy E. Eskridge to a seat on the Kentucky Commission on Women.