Kathleen Reutman Bryant received the third annual Dr. Johnnie Grissom Award (Strive for Achievement Through Instructional Equity) from Kentucky Board of Education chairman David Karem and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday during Wednesday's KBE meeting. Bryant is executive director of Student/Community Services for the Boone County school district. Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 7, 2011

Kathleen Reutman Bryant received the third annual Dr. Johnnie Grissom Award (Strive for Achievement Through Instructional Equity) from Kentucky Board of Education chairman David Karem and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday during Wednesday’s KBE meeting. Bryant is executive director of Student/Community Services for the Boone County school district. Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 7, 2011

Kathleen Reutman Bryant received the third annual Dr. Johnnie Grissom Award (Strive for Achievement Through Instructional Equity) from the Kentucky Board of Education on Wednesday.

Bryant is executive director of Student/Community Services for the Boone County school district. She was nominated by Karen Cheser, Boone County’s assistant superintendent for Learning Support Services.

“There are few educators in Kentucky today as passionate about helping all children as Kathleen Reutman Bryant,” said Cheser in her nomination letter, “and none as tirelessly and quietly persistent in working as an advocate for their needs.”

Kentucky Board of Education Chair David Karem presented the award.

“In her current position, Kathy goes above and beyond in many ways, such as finding resources for the growing number of homeless students; ensuring that limited funds are spent on the neediest students through Title I; and championing the rights of the youngest students, even before they come to school,” Karem said. 

The Dr. Johnnie Grissom Award is presented annually to an individual or group with outstanding accomplishments to help all students achieve at high levels through instructional equity and to closing the achievement gap.

The award was established to honor the work and dedication of the late long-time Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) employee Johnnie Grissom, who served as an associate commissioner. 

Grissom was employed by KDE from 1993 to 2010. She previously served as a director at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and as a teacher of special needs and gifted students in Red Springs, North Carolina.

Grissom received the award named in her honor in 2009. The LaRue County School District received award last year.