By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – After deliberating some nine hours, the Fayette County School Board on Friday evening named Daviess County Superintendent Tom Shelton its new superintendent.
The forty-seven year old Shelton succeeds the out-going Stu Silberman who announced his retirement earlier this year, but has since been named Executive Director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.
Shelton also replaced Silberman at Daviess County when the administrator left to take the Lexington position some seven years ago.
Shelton edged out Jessamine County Superintendent Lu Young, and Clark County Superintendent Elaine Farris to lead the state's second largest school district. All three finalists spent part of the week meeting with various stakeholder groups and the media.
During a public meeting on Wednesday evening, Shelton said he promised if he got the job he would foster collaboration between teachers, staff, and the community. He added that his first priority would be to "learn and build relationships."
Shelton will reportedly sign an initial three year contract worth $240,000 annually. His first day on the job will be September first.