Sharla Six

Anchorage Independent Superintendent Sharla Six was hired after serving as the interim superintendent during the 2024-2025 school year. Photo provided by Sharla Six

After serving as interim superintendent for the 2024–2025 school year, Sharla Six was officially selected as the next superintendent of Anchorage Independent on July 1.

“The experience so far has been both inspiring and humbling,” she said.

Anchorage Independent, located in Jefferson County, operates one K-8 school – Anchorage Public School – with around 400 students.

Six has led an extensive 35-year career of dedication to leadership and service to the Kentucky education system. She has served in various educational positions, ranging from staff to administrative, showcasing her ability to lead.

Both of Six’s parents were educators which inspired her to begin her own journey in education.

“I’m not sure there has ever been a time when education wasn’t part of my life,” she said.

Her education career kicked off after earning her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Alice Lloyd College in Knott County. She began teaching and went on to earn her master’s degree in school counseling and K-12 educational leadership from Morehead State University.

She then received her Rank 1 certification in educational leadership and administration from Morehead State in 2007.

Six taught in the classroom for seven years at Martin County Schools in Inez, Kentucky, and then went on to serve in various leadership roles throughout her career.

“My experiences in public education have prepared me for the role of superintendent by giving me a deep understanding of both the instructional and organizational sides of education,” she said.

She said that working in schools has shown her the power of strong relationships, clear communication and high expectations.

“Serving in district roles expanded my perspective, teaching me how systems, structures and resources must align to support both teaching and learning,” she said. “I’m hopeful the lessons learned prepared me with practical skills and the values needed to lead Anchorage Public School with vision and purpose.”

Six said that she wasn’t sure if being superintendent was ever a goal in the beginning of her journey.

“Throughout our careers, we choose to grow professionally in the areas we feel drawn. I think my desire to become a superintendent evolved later and it took some time to find a good fit,” she said.

One of the most eye-opening experiences for Six since stepping into the role has been the impact of small decisions.

“Small decisions can ripple across the daily lives of students, staff and families,” she said. “The challenges we’ve faced in the last year reveal the power of strong systems, clear communication and collaboration.”

This insight has shaped her leadership style. One that shows transparency, responsiveness and accountability.

“Every district needs different types of leaders at different times,” she said. “For those aspiring to become a superintendent, do your research and find a district whose needs match your skillset.”

Six believes education to be an equalizer.

“Our society’s most powerful tool for ensuring every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to opportunity,” she said.

She believes that public education opens doors to knowledge and skills and cultivates character, creativity and resilience.

“When we commit to teaching every child well, we strengthen both their future and the future of our communities,” she said.

Six’s top priorities for Anchorage Independent in her first year are to strengthen communication, refine systems that support teaching and learning, and continue shaping a strategic plan as a framework for the district over the next few years.

Six has even bigger long-term goals for the district.

“I want to ensure every child has access to innovative, engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and build the skills they need to thrive in our rapidly changing world,” she said. “We want to strengthen our systems of support, so our students are equipped to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.”

Six’s end goal is to help students grow into “future-ready learners” who are well prepared for higher education and a career, and ready to lead a life of leadership and service.

As Six begins her journey at Anchorage Public School, she’s focused on building strong connections, improving systems and setting a clear path forward for the students and her community.