Dr. Pollio Named 2022 KY Superintendent of the Year

Award presented by KY Association of School Administrators

July 30, 2021 —Dr. Marty Pollio, superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, was named the Kentucky 2022 Superintendent of the Year (SOY) by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA).

The award is presented annually through a competitive application process based on a superintendent’s talent and vision in the areas of leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and community involvement. The Kentucky award, made possible through a partnership with KASA and American Fidelity Assurance Company, is the springboard to the national award given by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

“The SOY award is in its 35th program year, and we are honored to recognize Dr. Marty Pollio,” said Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, KASA executive director. “It is designed to pay tribute to his visionary leadership in moving the Jefferson County Schools forward.”

Pollio was presented the award at KASA’s annual leadership conference in Louisville, July 30, 2021. Pollio received a bronze eagle sculpture, a $5,000 scholarship for a Jefferson County high school senior, a commemorative ring, and travel reimbursement to the AASA National Conference on Education in February. He now moves on to compete with other state winners to become a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award, given by AASA in February 2022.

After serving as the principal at Doss and Jeffersontown High schools from 2007 to 2017, Pollio accepted the head position as interim superintendent in 2017, moving to the superintendent’s position in February of 2018. As superintendent, he immediately began to make strides through a three-pronged approach focused on reducing learning gaps with the adoption of Three Pillars: The Backpack of Success Skills, a Racial Equity Policy and a Culture and Climate initiative. In addition, Pollio has implemented Six Essential Systems for a Strong Learning Climate that provide coherent, comprehensive support to teachers as they change their instructional practices to improve student learning.

“The SOY award is the most prestigious a public-school superintendent can receive. Dr. Pollio is the role model for others. Not only has he led the Jefferson County Schools to greater heights, he is leading his community through his personal commitment to lifelong service and equity,” said Dr. Caldwell. Pollio is a leader among leaders who willingly shares his time. In addition to the work he does within his district in Jefferson County, he shares his expertise as a Board Member with: Metro United Way, Fund for the Arts, Kentuckian Works, and the Kentucky Science Center. He also serves on the President’s Council of the University of Louisville, and was recognized by the Courier Journal Newspaper as 1 of 12 people to watch in 2021 who are committed to the advancement of Louisville.

KASA is the largest school administrator group in Kentucky, representing more than 3,200 education leaders from across the commonwealth. Formed in 1969, KASA connects education leaders to policymakers, legislators, and other interest groups, and provides numerous benefits and services to Kentucky’s school administrators.