Groce Named 2026 Kentucky School Board Member of Year
Barren County board chair Shelly Groce received the Kentucky School Boards Association's top honor for board service.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Administration
Shelly Groce received the 2026 Kentucky School Board Member of the Year Award at a ceremony held November 12, 2026, at Barren County Schools Central Office. Kerri Schelling, executive director of the Kentucky School Boards Association, presented the award on behalf of the association and American Fidelity.
Why it matters
The award recognizes leadership, advocacy, ethical standards and effective school district governance across Kentucky school boards. It highlights the role local board members play in shaping education policy for communities statewide.
The Kentucky School Boards Association established the award in 2022, and American Fidelity has supported it since inception. Groce has served on the Barren County Schools Board of Education for 12 years, including five years as chair.
The players
Shelly Groce
Groce is a Barren County school board member and board chair who received the 2026 Kentucky School Board Member of the Year Award.
Kentucky School Boards Association
The association is the statewide organization representing Kentucky's local school boards, which established the award in 2022.
Kerri Schelling
Schelling is executive director of the Kentucky School Boards Association, who presented the award to Groce.
The details
A panel of former association presidents and past award recipients selected Groce, whose selection was announced in February 2026 at the association's annual conference. The award was presented at Barren County Schools Central Office, where Groce has missed only one board meeting in more than a decade of service.
Timeline
2022: The Kentucky School Boards Association establishes the award.
February 2026: Association announces Groce's selection at its annual conference.
November 12, 2026: Award is presented at Barren County Schools Central Office.
Season Trajectory
The Kentucky School Boards Association established this award in 2022 to recognize board governance across the state. Groce's recognition continues that effort to highlight longstanding local board leadership.
Kentucky residents served by Barren County Schools are represented by board members whose service is recognized through this statewide award. Parents and community members can attend public board meetings to observe governance decisions directly.
The takeaway
Local school board service shapes education decisions for Kentucky families, and recognition programs like this one highlight members who sustain consistent attendance and ethical governance over many years.
Further reading
Explore more Administration coverage on Kentucky school board leadership and governance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCLU Radio.
