Barren County Schools board chair named KSBA Board Member of the Year

GLASGOW, Ky. – Barren County Board of Education Chair Shelly Groce was recognized for a state honor on Wednesday.

According to a release, Shelly Groce was selected as the 2026 Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) Board Member of the Year.

The award honors a board member who exemplifies leadership best practices, passionately advocates for public education, demonstrates the highest ethical standards, actively engages in KSBA training, and exhibits a strong understanding of district governance and operations, according to the KSBA website.

Groce has served the Barren County Board of Education for more than a decade.

According to the release, Groce helped the school district expand career pathways, workforce development partnerships, increase staff compensation, and invest in innovative facilities and programs.

Find out more about the award ksba.org.