Prichard Committee names Silberman as new executive director

Here's the press release with the big news:

Veteran educator recognized as state, national leader for student achievement, school improvement

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 2, 2011) – Long-time school superintendent and education leader Stu Silberman was named Wednesday as executive director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.

Silberman, who recently announced his retirement as superintendent of the Fayette County Public Schools, has been recognized by state and national education organizations for his student-centered leadership initiatives and his successful efforts to raise student achievement.

Silberman said, “It has always been my intent to make a difference in the lives of our children through public education, and I have been blessed to serve in positions that have enabled that opportunity. It is still my intent to make this difference, and I am honored by the opportunity to do this with the Prichard Committee. I have been a believer in the work of the Prichard Committee since I arrived in Kentucky in 1995. I believe this organization has and will continue to have a huge impact on the future of Kentucky’s kids.”

Silberman succeeds Dr. Robert F. Sexton, the committee’s founding executive director who died in August 2010. Under Sexton’s leadership, the Prichard Committee became a nationally recognized model for citizen engagement on behalf of improving education at all levels. The nonprofit citizens’ organization, with members from across Kentucky, was founded in 1983.

“Since Bob Sexton’s death, we have focused on honoring his legacy by continuing the important work that framed his career of public service,” noted committee Chair Sam Corbett of Louisville. “The board is thrilled that Stu Silberman has agreed to lead that effort in the years ahead. We know he will bring his own special energy, creativity and vision to the Prichard Committee as we continue our push for the best possible education for every student in the Commonwealth.”

Silberman became superintendent in Fayette County in 2004 following nine years in Owensboro as Daviess County superintendent. His 37-year career in education also included service in Tennessee as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and deputy superintendent. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and completed post master’s studies in educational leadership at the University of Alabama.

Silberman, who will assume the Prichard Committee position on September 1, emphasized that his decision to accept the Prichard Committee position played no role in his retirement as Fayette County’s superintendent, which is effective August 31.

“When I announced my retirement I said that I was still interested in doing something where I could make a difference for kids but at the same time be more available to my family,” he said. “I had no idea that it would happen this fast. To work with an organization that has made such a difference for kids is truly a blessing, and it is my hope to be able to continue the great work that has been going on.”

Among his many honors, Silberman has been named the Kentucky Superintendent of the Year three times and a National Superintendent of the Year finalist. The University Council for Educational Administration recognized him with its National Excellence in School Leadership Award in 2010, when he also was named National Administrator of the Year for World Languages. His community and civic activities have included serving on the boards of the United Way, Boy Scouts and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra and memberships in the Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations.

Stu and his wife, Kathy, have three grown daughters and one granddaughter.