Image of Amie Tooley and Kristi Lewis

Paducah Head Start Director Kristy Lewis and Paducah Public Schools Director of Human Resources Amie Tooley have been selected for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) 2023 cohort of Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership (KWEL). KWEL Cohort #6 is comprised of 38 school leaders across the Commonwealth who were selected through a competitive application process based on specific leadership criteria. Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership is a KASA leadership program designed to strengthen and advance the careers of women working in P-12 public education.

Tooley has worked in education for twenty-two years. She served as Director of Special Programs for the Paducah Independent School District for ten years before being named Director of Human Resources in 2022. Tooley’s KWEL mentor is Lou Carter, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services & Director of Pupil Personnel, Murray Independent School District.

Lewis has worked in education for 22 years. She has served as director of Paducah Head Start for eight years. Her KWEL mentor is Jackie Reid, Supervisor of Instruction, Marshall County Schools. 

Paducah Independent School District Special Services Director Sarah Anthony was inducted into KASA KWEL cohort #5 in 2022.

“Preparation is everything,” said KASA Executive Director Dr. Rhonda Caldwell. “The KWEL program provides a framework to support and guide cohort members to chart their path to high level executive positions within Kentucky’s public schools. The new cohort members join 168 female colleagues who are reimagining education today. They are the trailblazers who are identifying barriers to equity and excellence for every student for a stronger, healthier Kentucky.”