Commonwealth Education Continuum

In order for students to earn degrees and credentials that lead to sustainable, competitive-wage careers, it is imperative that their educational experience, from preschool through postsecondary education, provides an equitable opportunity to successfully transition to the next level.

In December 2020, the Commonwealth Education Continuum (CEC) was formed out of the moral imperative to strengthen the education pipeline. The Continuum is co-chaired by Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) President Dr. Aaron Thompson, and Kentucky Commissioner of Education Dr. Jason Glass and consists of 28 members whose expertise ranges from early childhood to the workforce.

Guiding Documentation

Membership

Dr. OJ Oleka, president of the Association of Kentucky Independent Colleges and Universities
Lisa Rudzinski, Education Professional Standards Board
Amy Neal, executive director of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood
Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators
Dr. Jim Flynn, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents
Dr. Lu Young, board chair of the Kentucky Board of Education
Ashli Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Dallas Kratzer, grant program manager of the Cyber Security and Workforce Development Outreach, Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs
Dr. Paul Czarpata, interim president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Lucas Mentzer, board chair of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
David Horseman, associate commissioner of the Office of Career and Technical Education, Kentucky Department of Education
Eddie Campbell, president of the Kentucky Education Association
Gene Hutchins, executive director of the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
Rep. James Tipton, Kentucky House of Representatives
Kerri Schelling, executive director of the Kentucky School Boards Association
Sarah Akin, board president of the Kentucky School Counselor Association
Sen. David Givens, Kentucky Senate
Sen. Max Wise, Kentucky Senate
Stephanie Ebbens Kingsley, interim executive director of the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board
Logan Justice, P-12 student representative
Kathleen Christian, president of the 16th District Parent Teacher Association
Priyadarshini Chandrashekhar, postsecondary student representative
Jenny Sawyer, executive director of admissions, University of Louisville
Dr. Corinne Murphy, dean of Western Kentucky University
Dr. Robert Jackson, president of Murray State University
Robert Hayes, director of the Student Transitions and Family Programs, University of Kentucky
One member to be named from Adult Education, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet

Subcommittee Membership

As part of broadening the scope of the group, the continuum established workgroups consisting of a mix of students, families, and those who represent and work with students - particularly those who are historically underserved by our education system. These subcommittees will be responsible for creating deliverables and producing specific outputs, which might differ across groups based on the assigned topic area.

Early Postsecondary Opportunities

Led by Commissioner Glass and Dr. Paul Czarapata, this group will focus on such subjects as dual credit, advanced placement and other types of college credit-bearing courses and preparation.

Sandra Baker, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Stacy Bassett, College Board
Dr. Dan Connell, Morehead State University
Brad Hall, University of the Cumberlands
David Horseman, Kentucky Department of Education
Eugene Hutchins, Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
Carla Kersey, Kentucky Educational Development Corporation
Marybeth Lawson, GEAR UP Kentucky
Anthony Mires, AdvanceKentucky
Dr. OJ Oleka, president of the Association of Kentucky Independent Colleges and Universities
Jenny Sawyer, University of Louisville
Rep. James Tipton, Kentucky House of Representatives
Christine Tarquinio, Louisville Metro Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Kathleen “Kakie” Urch, University of Kentucky
Dr. LorryBeth Wilson, West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Transition to Postsecondary

Led by President Thompson and Dr. Lu Young, this group will focus on college access and readiness.

Ben Brandstetter, Brandstetter Carroll Inc.
Stephanie Devine, Teach for America Appalachia
Bob Jackson, Murray State University
Mary Jackson, GEAR Up Kentucky
Shauna King-Simms, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Barry Lee, Casey County Board of Education
Shawn Lyons, Transylvania Unversity
Elizabeth Mays, EdjAnalytics
Ebony Muldrow, University of Louisville
Sarah Ochs, Western Kentucky University
Carolyn Noe, Northern Kentucky University
Samantha Reynolds, Henderson Community College Workforce Solutions
Matthew Ruark, Kentucky Wesleyan College
Sheri Satterly, Danville Independent Schools
Sara White, Berea College

Educator Workforce and Diversity

Led by Lt. Governor Coleman and Dr. Corinne Murphy, this group will focus on student outcomes.

Terri L. Bradshaw, Kentucky Capital Development Corporation
Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, Kentucky Association of School Administrators
Eddie Campbell, Kentucky Education Association
Penny Christian, Kentucky Parent Teacher Association
Dr. Ginni Fair, Northern Kentucky University
Dr. Jim Flynn, Kentucky Association of School Superintendents
Elly Gilbert, Kentucky Department of Education
Dr. Kimberly Haverkos, Thomas More University
Logan Justice, P-12 Student Representative
Dr. Dallas Kratzer, Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs
Vivian Lasley-Bibbs, Kentucky Department for Public Health
Bren Martin, Prichard Committee
Dr. Soraya Matthews, Perspective Education Professional Services
Dr. Sheri McGuffin, AdvanceKentucky
Dr. Margaret Mohr-Schroeder, University of Kentucky
Jessica Romious, Council on Postsecondary Education
Dr. Lisa G. Stephenson, West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Last Updated: 1/16/2022