First Quarter Report 2025/2026
Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children
Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children Mission
We are committed to the belief that all children can learn and have a right to quality education.
KECSAC protects and assures this right by accessing resources and providing support to programs that educate State Agency Children.
Those children who do not receive an education of quality cannot realize their greatest potential.
We believe these goals are achieved through the process of interagency collaboration.
To accomplish the mission, all members of this statewide partnership must exemplify and publicly promote collaborative relationships with its partners and other associates.
Interagency Advisory Group
Lalah Brewer, Department of Education
Jeremy Camron, SACSAA President, Owensboro Day Treatment
Lacheena Carothers, Department of Juvenile Justice
Diane Gruen-Kidd, Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Shannon Jett, Department of Juvenile Justice
Mark Kopp, Superintendent, Franklin County School District
Ben Roberts, SACSAA President-Elect, Ascension Academy
Christina Weeter, Department of Education
Lorraine Wilbur, Department for Community Based Services
Angela Winkfield, Department for Community Based Services
“Working Together to Educate All of Kentucky’s Children”
In accordance with the KECSAC regulations, 505 KAR 1:080, the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children has a governing structure that includes oversight by an Interagency Advisory Group (IAG) composed of representatives of the state agencies, KDE, the State Agency Children School Administrators’ Association (SACSAA) and a superintendent from a school district that provides education to state agency children. This group is to provide recommendations for policy and procedure development for KECSAC. The independent representatives of the state agencies, including KDE, are appointed to serve on the IAG by their respective commissioners. The president and president-elect of SACSAA serve on the IAG and are elected to those positions by the membership of the independent organization. The superintendent member of the IAG is selected by standing members of the IAG, based on recommendations or nominations by SACSAA membership. All members of the IAG serve without compensation from KECSAC.
A Message from KECSAC Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Nolan
My Fellow Kentuckians,
During the first quarter of this fiscal year, KECSAC welcomed more than 50 new educators to our programs. Annually we provide a new educators training to provide historical perspectives on our shared work while also striving to provide our partners with the resources and depth of knowledge they need to help our students become successful. During our training in August, one of the featured speakers noted that, “fair doesn’t always mean equal.” It reminded me that our goal is to help each individual student achieve at their highest potential and it focused our attention on the need to provide individualized instruction and support. More importantly, it demonstrated our need to remember that each student has their own unique needs, they have varying learning styles and requires us to meet them where they are. This is something our partnering school districts do exceptionally well, and it is something we should all be proud of.
In addition to our new educators training, KECSAC partnered with the Kentucky Department of Education to implement the Kentucky Alternative Education Summit. KECSAC continues to be the leader in providing content specific resources for educators serving students in alternative and non-traditional educational settings. During this professional development event we provided up-to-date, meaningful, hands-on teaching strategies to teachers, administrators, juvenile justice youth workers, and vocational rehabilitation team members. For the first time, KECSAC also partnered with the KDE Office English Learners, Migrant & Neglected Students Branch in the Division of School and Program Improvement to highlight federal Title I programming. This partnership streamlined our shared professional development goals while continuing to offer innovative services to our shared school districts. As you can see in the following pages, our professional development series continues to impress our educators while providing much needed, hands-on, implementable skills for our teachers and administrators. You can learn more about those projects and many others in the following pages.
We have experienced many great accomplishments during our first quarter, while continuing to share the needs of our children with our state agency partners, legislators, and policy makers. The ambitious action agenda we are highlighting here could not happen without the broad base of support we have formed with our state agency partners, our local school districts and the teachers and administrators working on behalf of state agency children. We appreciate your continued support as we work to enhance the educational services provided to our students.
Sincerely,
Ronnie Nolan, Ed. D. Executive Director, KECSAC
Professional Development Updates
The 24th Annual KY Alternative Education Summit: Learning is FUNdamental!
The 24th Annual Kentucky Alternative Education Summit took place on July 29-30, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky. This highly anticipated event, presented by the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), brought together educators, administrators, and stakeholders dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of students in alternative settings.
Attendees enjoyed a diverse array of workshops that covered essential topics such as trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and effective instructional strategies tailored specifically for alternative education. These sessions equipped educators with practical tools that addressed the unique needs of their students.
The summit featured prominent keynote speakers who shared their insights on the latest trends and research in alternative education. These included Josh Shipp, former foster youth who shares his message of resilience to audiences across the nation. Dr. Stacy Mulligan shared how she transformed her alternative school in the Boston, Massachusetts area into an innovative, mold-breaking program. Kentucky’s own Gerry Brooks shared his funny and heart-warming experiences as a principal and father. Their expertise provided valuable perspectives that participants could apply in their own educational environments. Additionally, the event offered ample networking opportunities, allowing educators and administrators from across Kentucky to connect, exchange ideas, and form collaborations aimed at improving educational outcomes for students.
A highlight of the summit was the presentation of the SACSAA awards recognizing outstanding contributions in KECSAC education programs. These awards celebrated educators and programs that demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in their work. Furthermore, attendees were excited to participate in prize drawings, adding an element of fun and anticipation to the event.
Participating in the Kentucky Alternative Education Summit allowed attendees to enhance their skills, stay informed about the latest developments in the field, and discover strategies that directly impacted student
Former foster youth and Keynote Speaker Josh Shipp opened the event sharing his story and message of resilience with the audience.
Above: Participants in Lisa Smith’s breakout session worked with the science kits she taught them how to make and incorporate into lessons.
Right: Speaker Gerry Brooks shared his humor and heart-warming experiences as a father and principal.
Professional Development Updates
engagement and achievement. By bringing together a diverse group of educators and thought leaders, the summit inspired and empowered attendees to improve their practices and ultimately enhance the educational experiences for all students.
As the event concluded, educators and stakeholders reflected on the enriching experiences and valuable insights gained during this pivotal event, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to gather and continue the important work in alternative education.
Congratulations to our 2025 SACSAA and Student Award Winners!
Congratulations to our 2025 State Agency Children School Administrators Association (SACSAA) Award Winners! All our winners truly embody the characteristics of exceptional, innovative, and dedicated educators, staff and volunteers! They are making a difference in the lives of the children we serve and for future generations as well!
We would also like to congratulate our KECSAC Outstanding Students of the Year! These students embody the characteristics needed to overcome personal and educational obstacles to become successful students and thriving young adults in society. (The winners listed below are pictured from left to right.)
1. The first Russell W. Behanan Outstanding KECSAC Administrator of the Year winner is Sarah Vivian, former principal of The Academy in the Franklin County School district.
2. The Roy L. Chapman Outstanding Teacher of State Agency Children Award recipient is Julie Stith who is an educator at Hardin County Day Treatment in Hardin County Public Schools.
3. The KECSAC Outstanding Community Member of the Year award winner is Elle Travis with Yes Arts which works closely with The Academy in the Franklin County School District.
4. Our first student winner is Jaylen Roberts, of the
Laurel County Day Treatment program in the Laurel County school district.
5. The second Outstanding KECSAC Administrator of the Year is Tonya Means who serves as School Administrator at Frenchburg Success Academy in the Menifee County School District.
6. The Outstanding Support Staff of State Agency Children winner is Wanda Ridenour who is the school secretary at Cumberland Hall School in the Christian County School district.
7. Our second student winner is Isaiah Lee Miller (not pictured), of The Academy in the Franklin County school district.
Professional Development Updates
KECSAC New Educators Training 2025
The New Educators Training held on August 28, 2025, brought together a passionate group of teachers and administrators who were preparing to begin their work with Kentucky’s state agency children. The KECSAC team warmly welcomed the attendees, expressing excitement for the year ahead and gratitude for their commitment to serving a unique and important student population. Participants were reminded that the start of a new school year was not only an energizing time for students, but also a powerful moment of renewal for educators stepping into roles that require both skill and heart.
Breakfast and registration set the tone for a collegial atmosphere before the day officially began with a welcome from KECSAC Executive Director Dr. Ronnie Nolan. He provided an overview of KECSAC’s mission and outlined the agency’s dedication to supporting educators through collaboration, shared strategies and collective wisdom. Dr. Nolan emphasized how vital it was for professionals working with state agency youth to remain connected and informed, noting that KECSAC aimed to be both a resource and a partner throughout their journey.
The first session, led by Karen King, sparked lively engagement as she presented “Why Won’t They Listen? Keys to Teaching At-Risk Youth.” Her insights into communication, trust-building and classroom dynamics resonated deeply with those eager to better understand how to reach students who often present unique behavioral and emotional challenges. Attendees reflected on their own experiences and left with strategies they were ready to apply immediately.
Following this, Angela Austin and Peggy Shearer guided participants through the KECSAC Program Improvement Process, clarifying requirements and procedures while highlighting the support systems available to ensure success. Lunch provided an opportunity for informal networking and reflection as new team members exchanged ideas and aspirations for the year ahead.
The afternoon session shifted to a critical topic with Diane Gruen-Kidd from the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities leading a review of Trauma Informed Care. Her presentation reinforced the importance of understanding the impact of trauma on learning and behavior, and participants explored practical ways to integrate empathy and structure in their work.
The day concluded with an open Q&A and wrap-up, allowing attendees to voice questions, share takeaways and connect with KECSAC staff one-on-one. Educators departed not only with new knowledge, but with renewed enthusiasm and reassurance that they were entering a community that valued their dedication. The event served as both an orientation and an affirmation—each participant left better prepared, more confident and inspired to provide the highest quality of education to Kentucky’s children.
A group of educators new to KECSAC programs gathered to learn about this population of students and programs.
Speaker Karen King spoke to the group about keys to teaching at-risk students.
DBHDID Representative Diane GruenKidd lead a review of trauma-informed care and its importance in alternative settings.
Policies and Ongoing Initiatives
KECSAC IAG Meets During First Quarter and SACSAA Holds Fall Meeting
During the first quarter of the 2025/2026 school year, KECSAC’s Interagency Advisory Group (IAG) met once on August 12 at the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) office, which is also KECSAC’s office location. The State Agency Children School Administrator’s Association (SACSAA) also met for their annual Statewide Fall Meeting on September 5, at the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort, KY.
During the August IAG meeting the group discussed the end of fiscal year 2025 budget items as well as budget updates for the 2026 year, status changes for any KECSAC programs for the upcoming school year, and discussed upcoming Cognia updates to the Program Improvement Monitoring Tool, the Alternative Programs of Distinction process, and upcoming professional development. Advisory group members also shared news on their various partnering agencies.
The Fall SACSAA meeting was held in person at the Kentucky Historical Society, with about 65 attendees. The meeting and training opened with a welcome from Dr. Nolan and SACSAA President Jeremy Camron who recognized all the new administrators this year. Representatives from the KY Association of School Administrators (KASA) also spoke to the group about the benefits of being members. Then the group turned in their ballots to vote for the new SACSAA PresidentElect out of three candidates and Ben Roberts, administrator at Ascension Academy in Shelby County was chosen by the group. KECSAC updates were shared with the group including budget information and upcoming professional development. Administrators then had networking time where they discussed questions and shared out with the group. The meeting closed with three presentations covering the use of data, community engagement in programs, and what to expect at the program improvement visit. Administrators earned 3 EILA hours for attending.
KECSAC Program Improvement Process Updates
As part of KECSAC’s ongoing program improvement process and continual growth model for helping local school districts meet the educational needs of state agency children, KECSAC Program Improvement Specialists perform annual site visits and monitoring of each of the 70 funded KECSAC programs, operating in 46 local school districts across the Commonwealth for 2025/2026. Throughout the monitoring period (which coincides with the school year) programs receive individual in-person visits, virtual visits if necessary, or “team” visits where both Specialists conduct a joint monitoring at the same program. At the time of this quarterly report 13 visits had been conducted for the year. KECSAC will continue to use the Program Improvement Monitoring Tool and SIDE document that aligns our monitoring standards to Cognia standards, which KDE uses for their school monitoring. In addition to the Cognia standards, the monitoring tool also includes standards that relate to alternative settings and KECSAC requirements as well. A self-assessment is also used to gauge how programs view their own progress and strengths prior to the monitoring visit.
Newly Elected President Elect Ben Roberts spoke briefly to the group of administrators before voting took place.
Budget Updates: Fiscal Year 2026 Program Allocations
