A headshot photo of a woman smiling.

Sheri Satterly

On July 1, Sheri Satterly began her tenure as Frankfort Independent School District’s new superintendent. She will replace former superintendent Houston Barber, who has served in the role since 2015.

Satterly started her career in the arts, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education at Cumberland College. She served as a music teacher and choir director at Hogsett Elementary School (Danville Independent) for eight years. Although passionate about her work and her students, Satterly also craved a job with more stability and impact than her current position.

After a year in the classroom, Satterly returned to school, earning a master’s degree in school counseling from Eastern Kentucky University in 2009 and then a master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in 2012. She is currently working on a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of the Cumberlands.

Satterly, in addition to her love of the arts, is passionate about helping students through the college admission process and the transition to work life. She spent two years as a guidance counselor at John W. Bate Middle School (Danville Independent) and then three more at Danville High School (Danville Independent). It was at this point in her career that a principal from her building recognized her talent for leadership and encouraged her to pursue a role in administration.

A photo of a family laughing together.

Sheri Satterly (left) began her tenure as Frankfort Independent School District’s new superintendent on July 1. She and her husband, Jeremiah (top right), and sons, Chapman and Jack (center and bottom right), love to spend time outdoors. Photo courtesy of Sheri Satterly.

When considering her transition from the classroom into administration, she saw leadership as an opportunity to “provide impact on a greater level.”

Satterly returned to John W. Bate Middle School as principal for an additional three years and then became assistant superintendent for the county.

With 18 years of educational experience in Danville, Satterly emphasized her dedication to community.

“At the district level, I am a huge proponent of knowing the people. I knew almost every kid, every face, and every name,” said Satterly “I loved being able to impact that many people. My number one thought in every decision I make and every question I ask is, ‘Is this what’s best for kids?’ And so I can ask that question from this seat and affect 900 kids instead of 25.”

Satterly is excited to join the Frankfort community. She sees it as a place where students are more than just a number and looks forward to creating personal connections with each kid. She wants to become a part of not only “the learning community but Frankfort as a whole.”

Satterly and her husband, Jeremiah, have two young children, Chapman, 9, and Jack, 4. As a family, they love to camp on the weekends and stay active through sports, running and bike riding.