Shelbyville, KY — Shelby County Public Schools has strengthened its commitment to student achievement with the appointments of Dan Pfaff as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment, and Brent Kidwell as the district’s new College and Career Readiness Coordinator.
Together, these two dynamic leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA) team led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Adam Hicks, with the overarching goal of creating a future-ready educational experience for all SCPS students.
Dan Pfaff – Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
With a unique combination of classroom excellence and strategic leadership, Dan Pfaff steps into his new role as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment, continuing his impactful journey within Shelby County Public Schools. Backed by a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, a JD / MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education, Pfaff brings unmatched interdisciplinary expertise to his work.
Over the last 20 years, Pfaff has taught courses from foundational core content, to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, to dual credit offerings as an adjunct professor that spanned from computer science to leadership to economics to law. As the district’s former Digital Learning Coordinator, he helped teachers strengthen their instructional effectiveness through the use of technology while cultivating inclusive learning environments—areas in which he thrived as a classroom teacher.
Pfaff has recently helped to lead the implementation of several major technology initiatives and was honored with the Spirit of DLAC Award at the 2024 Digital Learning Annual Conference. A leading advocate of the district’s local accountability model, he has also worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that nothing stands in the way of students maximizing their potential and pursuing their passions beyond the classroom.
“Mr. Dan Pfaff is one of the most talented individuals I have worked with,” said Dr. Matthews, SCPS Superintendent. “He is an intelligent and thoughtful leader who will excel in his new role. Mr. Pfaff is the kind of teammate who elevates the performance of everyone around him, and we are fortunate to have him serving in this capacity.
Brent Kidwell – Career and Technical Education Coordinator
Joining Pfaff on the CIA team is Brent Kidwell, newly appointed as the Career and Technical Education Coordinator. A proud graduate of Martha Layne Collins High School (Class of 2015), Kidwell is excited to serve the district where his educational journey began, bringing with him years of classroom innovation and a deep connection to the Shelby County community.
Kidwell has spent the past six years teaching science and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at Collins High School, specializing in the nationally recognized Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science curriculum. His instruction in courses like Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovations has equipped students with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in healthcare and the sciences.
In addition to his classroom work, Kidwell has been a tireless advocate for student engagement, leading the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club and serving as a Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach since 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Louisville, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development.
“I’m passionate about helping students find their path, whether it’s college, a career, or technical training,” said Kidwell. “This new role allows me to work alongside students, families, and educators to ensure every graduate is truly future-ready.”
Dr. Matthews said, “I am excited that Mr. Kidwell will be joining our college and career education team. He brings a strong combination of leadership ability and technical expertise that will help move our programs forward. Career readiness is an area of strength in Shelby County, and I am confident that Mr. Kidwell will not only maintain that standard but also expand and enhance it.”
With Dan Pfaff’s strategic leadership across disciplines and Brent Kidwell’s focus on postsecondary success, Shelby County Public Schools is building a comprehensive and student-centered approach to education. The district is confident these two exceptional leaders will help propel its mission forward—ensuring every student is prepared for success in college, career, and life.