Damon Fleming

Damon Fleming took over as superintendent of Hopkins County on July 1. Photo courtesy Damon Fleming

(MADISONVILLE, KY) – Superintendent Damon Fleming of Hopkins County Schools brings a strong foundation of academic and professional experience to the role.

Fleming’s credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University, master’s degrees in special education and educational administration from Western Kentucky University and Murray State, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands.

Before entering a career in education, Fleming spent 13 years in law enforcement. Fleming said he felt called to education and believed he could be more proactive in supporting young people and making a lasting impact.

Fleming served as a special education teacher after resigning from law enforcement, and a few years later became a principal of an alternative learning center for middle school and high school students. Both roles were at Muhlenberg County High School.

“I really enjoyed working with those students a lot for a few years,” Fleming said.

Fleming explained many of his students in Muhlenberg County faced socio-economic challenges, learning differences or simply needed a more supportive setting. He said his experiences at the learning center shaped his belief that all students can succeed with proper guidance.

As he advanced in his career, Fleming served as director of student services in Daviess County, overseeing areas such as school safety, health services and student discipline. He joined Hopkins County Schools in 2019 as an assistant superintendent, which led to becoming superintendent.

“I felt like I was at that point in my life where it was time to make that transition, and I wanted to do something different and help in a different way,” Fleming said.

Fleming credits his transition from law enforcement to education to a lifetime of influence from past teachers of his who have always believed in him. From elementary school through high school, the support of educators helped shape his aspirations.

Fleming said that throughout his career, he has served under great leaders who would never ask anyone to do anything that they would not do themselves, and that has impacted his leadership style. He said it is important for others to see that you are also willing to do the work, and he believes in modeling the expectations he sets for shared responsibility.

“We’ve all seen the posters: don’t be a boss, be a leader. But that really does mean a lot. It really affects your people,” Fleming said.

As superintendent, Fleming said he is focused on expanding opportunities and access for all students in Hopkins County. He wants every student, no matter the route they take, to graduate high school with skills that will lead to success.

Fleming said one of his priorities is introducing career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle schools to expose students to new opportunities and help them make informed choices. Fleming aims to expand dual credit offerings, strengthen early college programs and continue the development of individualized learning plans.

“Getting them exposed at an earlier age where they can start making some of those decisions will help them down that pathway,” Fleming said.

Fleming said he is also passionate about growing future leaders within the district. Through Hopkins County’s Rising Leaders Academy, he has worked with aspiring administrators to help them understand that leadership is about action and not title. He said that you can be a leader from any position, and a title does not define it.

“A classroom teacher is a leader. A cook can be a leader. A custodian can be a leader … And instead of wishing for change and hoping for change, go create that change, go take on those initiatives,” Fleming said.

As a resident of the area with personal and professional ties to Hopkins County, Fleming said leading this district feels like home, and it has made the transition smoother.

“I spent a lot of time in Hopkins County as a child,” Fleming said.

He said the success of a school district and its surrounding economy is deeply interwoven. He’s committed to working with local leaders and businesses to align educational programming with workforce needs so that students are ready for the opportunities waiting for them after graduation.

“I really think we’re so co-dependent. I mean, in order to be a great school district, you can only be as great as your community will support you and allow you to be, and you have to have those partnerships,” Fleming said.

When challenges arise, Fleming said his motivation comes from staying connected to the students. Though he is no longer in the classroom every day, he said he is focused on visiting schools frequently. His visits to the schools are not only to evaluate but to experience what it’s like to be a student and staff member in Hopkins County Schools.

Fleming said he hopes that his tenure as superintendent will be remembered for expanding opportunities, fostering growth and making Hopkins County Schools a place where students and staff feel empowered to succeed.