LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Less than a week before Oldham County students head back to class on Aug. 13, Superintendent Claudette Herold joined WDRB Mornings to share her vision as she leads the district in her first year on the job.
Herold said she's been made to feel welcome in Oldham County and is looking forward the start of the school year Wednesday. She also said she plans to be a frequent visitor at the district's schools.
"... one of the things that the community and the students will see is that I'm going to be a part of their schools and put those on a rotation to be there every week in different schools and just be very visible," she said.
Herold said she'll bring a fresh perspective on education.
"I'm coming from a career and technical background so being able to enhance opportunities for our students in the career and tech side as as well as the college side," she said.
Oldham County, like other nearby districts, has faced problems getting enough teachers and bus drivers, but Herold said there have been improvements.
"It has been better this year than previous," she said. "I know our board has really focused on staff retention so being able to increase the pay to help retain teachers. We've seen a 20% decrease in the staff turnover going into this year, which is amazing."
Although Herold said they're in "pretty good shape to start school Wednesday" as far as bus drivers, they're always looking to hire more. She said the food service department is always on the hunt for additional staff.
Ongoing construction continues at South Oldham County High and Oldham County High School, and those projects will impact parking.
"We ask that our parents be very patient with us as we start school," Harold said.
Oldham County is still refining its cellphone policy as the board collaborates with high school principals. The plan is to allow a little more flexibility for high school students. No student will be allowed to use cellphones during instructional time, but they may "allow our high school students a little bit more flexibility in the cell phone policy." So high schoolers will be able to use their phones during class change as well as lunchtime.
You can watch the full interview with Herold in the video player below.
Claudette Herold said Oldham County has been very welcoming.
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