Mr. Cline represents Division One.

Mr. Andrew Cline is beginning his sixth year on the Shelby County Board of Education. Mr. Cline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Masters of Arts degree in Public Health from the University of Kentucky. Having 6 children, all school-aged, drove Mr. Cline to get engaged.  As a transplant from Maysville KY (Mason County), he felt like getting involved in the public school system would help him get to know the people, the culture, and the community. Mr. Cline loved school as a kid particularly football, orchestra, choir, and band. As a board member, he loves seeing the growth in students and the staff and loves the impact that faculty and staff have on our students. When asked about his work on the board he feels that the work on, “focused efforts on the transition to competency-based education to ensure our students are learning what is truly needed to compete in the marketplace when they reach adulthood.  A close second is the Profile of a Graduate adoption, that ensures we graduate well rounded, socially responsible young adults that will be prepared to benefit society.” Mr. Cline was recently elected to the Kentucky Schools Board Associations At - Large Board of Directors. 

Mrs. Blackburn represents Division 2.   

Mrs. Sonya Blackburn became a school board member in 2019.  Currently a registered nurse, Ms. Blackburn graduated from Shelby County High School in 1991 and went on to Jefferson Community and Technical College to attain her certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing. In 2004, she graduated from St. Catherine's College with an associate's degree in nursing. In high school, Ms. Blackburn remembers Susie and Boyd Phillips for their calm demeanor and the Christian beliefs they demonstrated in their everyday actions. As the newest member of the Board of Education, Ms. Blackburn wants to bring a fresh and different perspective to the board. She said, “I have learned more by being a visible board member. Attending school functions and listening to the staff and students has allowed me a better understanding.” She loves February because it is Black History Month. She is appreciative of her family, her niece Kai, and her Mom and could not do what she does without their love and support. 

Mr. Allen Phillips represents Division Three. 

Mr. Allen Phillips is a retired dairy farmer of 53 years currently raising corn, soybeans, and alfalfa hay with his son and granddaughters. He also has a cow/calf operation. Mr. Phillips was a graduate of Shelby County High School and attended the welding and tool and die school in Aberdeen, Maryland. Mr. Phillips has served on the board for thirty-two years. He ran because he wanted to be a voice for his community and the taxpayers of his district. Mr. Phillips said, “ I love to see the growth and progress of our school system and how we have been on the cutting edge with our buildings and our curriculum and I love watching our students becoming college and career ready.”

Mrs. Freels represents Division 4. 

Mrs. Joanna Freels is a retired teacher and has served for six years on the Shelby County Board of Education as well as ten years on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson Community and Technical College. Joanna attended Scottsville High School and received BS and MA degrees from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Ms. Freels ran for the school board after being approached by several people in the community to run because of her educational background. Ms. Freels loves Shelby County and loves making decisions that will improve our school district. “I love to be in the schools to see what is happening and to talk to the students and teachers. I want parents, students, and teachers to know I am listening and to know I am concerned. My door is always open.” Ms. Freels also prides herself on the implementation of reviving cursive writing in the classroom.

Brenda Jackson represents District 5.

Ms. Brenda Jackson is retired from KY state government serving five years as Auditor of Public Accounts as a departmental auditor and  28 years as a judicial auditor with the Administrative Office of the Courts. As a product of Shelby County Public Schools, Ms. Jackson attended High Street Elementary and was part of the first integrated class of Shelbyville High School, 7th -12th grades in 1964. Ms. Jackson graduated with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Kentucky State University. She ran for the school board to prepare the youth of our community who will be future leaders and caregivers. She said, “I loved Juanita Dale and Beatrice Boyd in Elementary School and Carolyn Goodson and Allie Kays in High School. These teachers showed true concern and encouraged me to do my best.”

Ms. Jackson is starting her 33rd year on the Board of Education. “I love being a board member, it has given me the opportunity to work with members from different backgrounds and skillsets with the common goal to provide the best education for our students. We have worked together to select superintendents with the same mindset. We have a very good school system. We have a supportive community. We recognize the need for continuous improvement.”