Josh Blevins began his tenure as superintendent of Henry County on July 1. Photo courtesy Josh Blevins
New Henry County Superintendent Josh Blevins said he hopes to continue a tradition of excellence as he starts leading the district.
Blevins said he’s been getting to know the district, connecting with people and getting a sense of the district’s priorities and what’s important to the faculty, staff and community.
“My vision coming in is to learn as much as I can about Henry County, the community and the schools,” Blevins said. “We want to create a student experience that’s second to none. We want excellence to be our standard, and I hope that my legacy will be reflected in a tradition of excellence for Henry County.”
Blevins graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with an undergraduate degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in middle grades mathematics. He earned both a master’s degree in instructional leadership to gain his principalship certification, as well as his superintendent certification, from the University of the Cumberlands.
Blevins started his career in 2005 as a math teacher at Casey County Middle School. He is a Casey County alum, graduating from Casey County High School in 1999.
After four years as a math teacher, he became the assistant principal of Casey County High School, then principal for eight years. Blevins then took on the role of director of district-wide programs for the Casey County Board of Education, where he led efforts in public relations, grant writing, professional development and new teacher induction, among other duties.
Blevins said he enjoys connecting with students in schools and helping build future generations.
“School is such an integral role in everyone’s life,” he said. “To know that I’m a part of something like that is validating on many levels. It’s the connection, it’s the collaboration, it’s all things that we do as a collective profession that helps serve students and families every day. Hopefully, we’re making a positive impact and shaping lives for many years to come.”
For the past four years, Blevins served as an educational recovery leader at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), consulting with schools on ways to improve their academic success.
After serving at KDE, Blevins said he wanted to get back into a role that worked more directly with students.
“I’ve thoroughly loved every aspect of the position (at KDE); yet I found myself being drawn to this role where I could have a more direct impact on students, staff and schools through collaboration, leadership and shared purpose of creating and designing student experiences that we could all be proud of,” Blevins said. “I was determined to only seek positions that I wanted my family to be a part of, essentially, and Henry County checked all of those marks for me this year.”
Blevins said he wanted to become part of a close community and felt that Henry County was the right fit.
“My first priority is just connecting with the staff, the students and the community, learning about who and what they want to represent, creating those shared values,” he said. “But ultimately, my priority would be connecting and aligning all of the work, creating sustainable systems for improvement and school accountability.”
Blevins began his tenure with Henry County on July 1.
Blevins said he wants to focus on the district’s Portrait of a Learner, which is a locally developed, community-informed vision that outlines the essential skills, knowledge and dispositions every student needs to thrive. He also said he wants to focus on staff growth, professional learning and creating more vibrant learning experiences for students.
“Creating those vibrant learning experiences perfectly aligns with my intent and purposes as a new superintendent,” he said. “It’s amplifying the amazing things that are already happening there and building that pride of the schools in the community and strengthening that collaboration.”
Blevins said his passion for education comes from the belief that school combines purpose, service and the opportunity to impact future generations.
“Education is about possibility,” he said. “The most exciting part is helping others develop the best version of themselves, whether it’s students, teachers, leaders and staff. I want to help create the conditions where people discover their strengths, pursue their passions and achieve great things. I want what we do to be purpose-driven and defined by excellence. My goal has never been to tell people what they can do or become. My goal is to help them realize the potential that already exists. I want our students to continue asking questions, dreaming big and believing in the possibilities.”
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