Ryan Neaves

Ryan Neaves took over as superintendent of Berea Independent on July 1. Photo provided by Ryan Neaves

Ryan Neaves is bringing a wealth of expertise in climate and culture to his new role of superintendent at the Berea Independent School District.

Since he started on July 1, Neaves said they’ve had a great start to the school year, and he’s been able to meet with teachers about goals and priorities. He hopes to foster a transparent environment with teachers where they feel supported in their work.

“Creating an environment where teachers want to be part of the educational experience and provide engaging, enriching, empowering opportunities for all students is something that is deeply entrenched with who I am as a professional,” Neaves said.

He said his background coming from an impoverished childhood has allowed him to better connect with students in diverse populations and better work with teachers wherever they’re at.

Neaves grew up in rural Grant County and graduated from Grant County High School. Both of his parents had limited education, and his family did not have a vehicle. He said he rode the bus to school for two hours every day and missed out on extracurriculars due to transportation barriers.

“I get a little bit passionate and somewhat emotional about the fact that kids like me aren’t supposed to wind up in the superintendent seat,” Neaves said. “Coming out of that cycle of poverty and getting into education, working with kids like me, understanding that teachers are sometimes the only positive adult that those kids are going to experience in their lives … any impact that I can have on creating good, solid educational experiences for kids in all walks of life is of paramount of importance to me.”

Neaves has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. He went to Northern Kentucky University for his bachelor’s degree in middle grades education with a concentration in English and social studies. He also has a Master of Arts in teaching in secondary social studies and an educational specialist degree in school principalship, both from the University of the Cumberlands.

Neaves started his career teaching middle school at Summit View Academy (Kenton County) in 2013. Then he worked as an 8th grade English teacher at Tichenor Middle School (Erlanger Independent) from 2015 to 2021.

Neaves said he discovered a love for teaching literature and helping students connect deeper with stories.

“I really enjoy being able to teach them the joy that can be found in literature, but also the experiences that you can gain from connecting with characters and analyzing a text and looking at things from that lens of authorial intent,” he said.

In 2021, Neaves got an opportunity to return to his home county to work as the K-12 principal at Williamstown Independent Schools.

“That was one of the most rewarding things to go back to Williamstown, which is in the Grant County community, to be able to give back to where I was from,” Neaves said.

In addition to teaching, he spent a decade coaching track and field, using athletics as a tool to develop leadership and confidence.

Neaves was drawn to Berea Independent because of its size and the opportunity to respond to challenges. He said his experience driving positive internal change at Williamstown will help inform his role in Berea.

At Williamstown, he led efforts in climate and culture, academic achievement and providing equitable learning environments for all students. He focused on giving teachers the support they need and fostering strong community in the school.

At Berea, Neaves said he will focus on rebuilding and maintaining programs that are already in place. He said he’s impressed with the district’s unique fire safety career and technical education pathway, which is led in partnership with the city and with local adjunct professors and teachers.

He is also focused on building relationships and trust with staff. He invites teachers to talk with him about what they want to see happen at Berea.

At the beginning of the fall semester, Neaves and school staff participated in a city-wide scavenger hunt where they made connections with all types of community partners.

“I believe in taking that time at the beginning of the year to build community and build support and build trust with teachers by giving them classroom time, but also building natural engaging opportunities for them to get to know each other,” Neaves said.

He said when teachers feel supported and empowered in the educational process, it often leads to greater success for students and teachers.

“If you create an environment where teachers want to work and teachers want to teach and do the jobs that they are hired to do, then you’re going to get kids that want to be at school,” he said. “You’re going to get higher attendance rates; you’re going to get higher enrollments. I really want to set Berea apart as the premier educational experience in and around Madison County.”

Neaves said his passion for education drives every decision he makes, and he looks forward to continuing to impact not only his local community, but education as a whole.