We are proud to congratulate SCPS Chief Financial Officer Susan Barkley for receiving the Distinguished Eagle Award from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO International). Read the full press release from ASBO below!
Frankfort, KY – August 7, 2025 - The Kentucky Association of School Business Officials (KASBO) is proud to announce that its president, Susan Barkley, has been named a recipient of the esteemed Distinguished Eagle Award by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO International). This award recognizes outstanding leadership and dedication to the field of school business management.
In 1997, Susan started at the West Virginia Department of Education as Coordinator of School Finance, advancing to Executive Director during her tenure. Since 2014 she has been the Chief Financial Officer for Shelby County Public Schools. She joined ASBO International in 2024.
"I'm truly grateful to be recognized by ASBO International,” said Barkley. “This honor wouldn’t be possible without the support and mentorship I’ve received from my supervisors and colleagues over the years. I’ve learned so much from them, and through my work in professional development, I strive to give back and support others in the same way.” Barkley went on to say, “Helping advance the school business profession ultimately strengthens public education, benefitting students, families, and our communities as a whole."
Susan has advanced the school business profession through leadership, innovation, and dedicated service, always focusing on supporting student success via sound fiscal management. She trains new superintendents in fiscal leadership as part of the finance faculty for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA). Susan has maximized resources through strategic budgeting, led salary schedule revisions to improve equity and retention, and successfully advocated for eliminating all student fees by securing alternative funding.
Serving as President of KASBO, and a Southeastern ASBO board member, she champions transparency and professional growth, mentoring future leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
“We are incredibly proud of Susan’s accomplishments and her dedication to the field of school business management,” said Pam Goins, KASBO Executive Director. “Her recognition with the Distinguished Eagle Award showcases her leadership and commitment to excellence. We are honored to have her serve as president of KASBO for the 2025/26 program year.”
Barkley will receive a $2,500 scholarship to present to a high school senior in Shelby County. Additionally, she will be honored, along with three other Eagle Award recipients, during the October 2025 ASBO International Annual Conference in Ft. Worth, Texas.