Welcome back to school, Shelby County! We're so excited for another excellent school year.
Watch the video below for an outline from Superintendent Josh Matthews on the achievements,, goals, and key values our staff are bringing to the classroom this year.
YouTube Video (LINK)
Take a quick tour with us through Heritage as we get ready to start the first day of school!
https://youtu.be/00vdiYcZB0c
Before students head back to class, Director of Transportation Nate Jebsen shares important updates to help everyone have a safe and successful start to the school year.
🎥 Watch the video below to learn about:
✅ New school bus stopping laws
✅ Possible route time adjustments during the first few weeks
✅ How to download and use the Stopfinder app to track your child's bus
Help us keep our students safe by watching, sharing, and spreading the word throughout our community!
⛓️💥YouTube Video (LINK)
(Spanish version of the video starts at 3:20!)
🚨With school starting this week in Shelby County, remember this important law change regarding school bus safety on the road! 🚌⬇️
On four-lane highways with a painted median, paved median, or center turn lane, traffic in BOTH DIRECTIONS must now stop for a bus with lights flashing and its stop arm out — not just two-lane roads like before. The only exception is on roadways divided by a raised concrete barrier or unpaved/grass median.
Please slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our students SAFE on their way to and from school! Let's start this school year off great, smart, and safe, Shelby County!🫶
Elementary teachers workin' hard at Day 2 of our Inspired Learning Conference! All our schools' educators came together to connect with colleagues and share classroom strategies, new and tried-and-true alike. We can't wait to see them shine as we start back next week!💙
PUBLIC HEARING On School Facilities
The Shelby County Board of Education will conduct a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on August 26, 2026 at the Central Administrative Office, 1155 West Main Street.
The purpose of the hearing is to hear and document public comments on the District Facility Plan as recommended by the Local Planning Committee and the Shelby County Board of Education for approval by the Kentucky Department of Education.
The Shelby County Board of Education will conduct a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on August 26, 2026 at the Central Administrative Office, 1155 West Main Street.
The purpose of the hearing is to hear and document public comments on the District Facility Plan as recommended by the Local Planning Committee and the Shelby County Board of Education for approval by the Kentucky Department of Education.
We're proud to announce that this summer we served 57,000 meals to Shelby County students and families! That's just over 35,000 more than last year! More than double! 🍽️👏
A massive thanks to our Food Services team across our district, all our schools, and our community who made this happen. The work they put in helps us be there for Shelby County families, even when school isn't in session. 🫶
Join the Shelby Saddlebred Optimist Club on September 12th for a day dedicated to supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, with access to valuable resources, free services, school supplies, family activities, safety demonstrations, and a free meal. Registration is required. See the flyer for details.
📅 Saturday, September 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.)
📍 Blair Center @ Southside Elementary School
Open to residents of Shelby and surrounding counties! Registration is required by calling (502) 649-1516
Don't forget: our elementary schools will be hosting KINDER CAMP this Monday, August 3rd, for all our new Kindergarteners and their families!
Drop-off begins at 8:30 with a parent info session at 11. We'll see you there for classroom reveals and meeting your Kindergarten staff/fellow families!🍎💙
🎥With school right around the corner, our Exceptional Child Education (ECE) teachers were hard at work today at the ECE Inspired Learning Conference! We chatted with ECE Director Stephanie Barrows about the steps these SCPS educators are taking to prepare and learn new strategies to support and help students grow in the best way possible.
(Thank you to our community and PTO partnerships that made this event happen!)👏
Shelby County Head Start is now enrolling and has tuition-based slots available! Families can take advantage of quality early learning, health and nutrition support, and resources that help children and families thrive.
Ready to get started? Apply today: https://www.ovecheadstart.org/program-application
Program Locations
📍 Shelby County Head Start / Early Head Start
821 College Street
Shelbyville, KY 40065
📍 Painted Stone Head Start / Early Head Start
150 Warriors Way
Shelbyville, KY 40065
📍 Clear Creek Head Start
279 Chapel Hill Road
Shelbyville, KY 40065
🗓️Physical Calendars are HERE! Reach out to your school or stop by our Central Office to get yourself a copy (both in English and Spanish!)
💼Shelby County Businesses: want some copies to hand out? Stop by Central Office and we'll gladly share with you a handful to give to your customers!
And finally, THANK YOU to Traditional Bank for sponsoring this year's printed calendars!
(Digital versions are available on our website⬇️)
https://www.shelby.kyschools.us/page/calendar
Kinder Camp is just over 2 weeks away! All of our elementary schools will be ready to meet our new Kindergarteners and their families August 3rd! Spread the word and we'll see you there!
Monday, August 3rd @ Your Child's School
8:30 – Student Drop Off
11-11:30 – Parent Info Session
Meet your school's Kindergarten Team, get a sneak peek of classrooms, and meet fellow families! Reach out to your school for more information.
OPEN PUBLIC FORUM FOR SCPS FACILITIES – 5:30pm, July 15th @ the Blair Center.
The Local Planning Committee seeks the opinions of Shelby County residents concerning potential amendments to the current District Facilities Plan. People wishing to make an expression will be encouraged to sign a speaker list and will be heard in order of their signing.
Citizens may also submit written expressions at the forum or by mail to Shelby County Board of Education, 1155 West Main Street, Shelbyville, KY 40066-0159 or by email before July 13, 2026, to jon.swindler@shelby.kyschools.us
‼️Today's meal kit pickup at Shelby County High School will be at the FRONT of the building due to work being done in the back lot.
Shelby County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Kayla Peege as the next principal of Shelby Academy.
Ms. Peege brings a strong background in instructional leadership, student support, and school improvement, along with a deep commitment to building positive relationships with students, staff, and families. She most recently served as Assistant Principal at Shelby Academy, where she played a key role in advancing the school’s academic and behavioral success.
During her time as assistant principal, Ms. Peege supported school improvement efforts, teacher growth, and student engagement while helping foster a positive school culture. She also served as the school’s Building Assessment Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and PBIS lead, and supported daily operations and implemented initiatives that promote both academic achievement and student well-being.
“Ms. Peege will do an excellent job leading Shelby Academy,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthews. “She has the background, experience, and leadership skills to guide the school into its next chapter. Mr. Roberts built a highly successful school that has served our students and families exceptionally well, and Ms. Peege will build on that strong foundation and continue moving the school forward.”
Before joining SCPS, Ms. Peege served in a variety of leadership roles in Oldham County Schools, including School-Based ARC Chair, District-Based ARC Chair, PASS Coach, and Highly Structured Classroom Teacher for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities. These experiences have contributed to her strong foundation in instructional leadership, special education, and continuous school improvement.
Ms. Peege holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Louisville, a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Campbellsville University. She has also presented at the state level, mentored fellow educators, and collaborated with district and school leaders to improve outcomes for students.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named principal of Shelby Academy,” said Ms. Peege. “It has been a privilege to serve our students and staff as assistant principal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the incredible work that Ben Roberts and our staff have established. I look forward to building on that foundation while partnering with our families and community to ensure every student is seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
As part of this leadership transition, current principal Ben Roberts will assume a new role as Director of Pupil Personnel, reporting to Director of Student Services Mike Clark. The assistant principal position at Shelby Academy will not be filled at this time.
“I am incredibly excited for Kayla, as well as for the students, staff, and families of Shelby Academy,” said Mr. Roberts. “Kayla is the ideal choice for this role, bringing years of experience, exceptional leadership, and a genuine ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships with students. Her dedication to education and commitment to student success will undoubtedly have a lasting impact. The future of Shelby Academy is bright under the leadership of Kayla Peege.”
Ms. Peege expressed her enthusiasm for the future of Shelby Academy and her commitment to its continued success.
“As principal, I look forward to continuing the incredible work already established at Shelby Academy,” she said. “I believe every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and I am committed to ensuring students leave our school with greater confidence in themselves academically, behaviorally, and personally. I also believe our staff are our greatest asset, and I am dedicated to supporting, empowering, and investing in our educators as we continue working together to provide the best possible opportunities for our students.”
Shelby County Public Schools is confident that under Ms. Peege’s leadership, Shelby Academy will continue to thrive and build upon its strong tradition of excellence.
Ms. Peege brings a strong background in instructional leadership, student support, and school improvement, along with a deep commitment to building positive relationships with students, staff, and families. She most recently served as Assistant Principal at Shelby Academy, where she played a key role in advancing the school’s academic and behavioral success.
During her time as assistant principal, Ms. Peege supported school improvement efforts, teacher growth, and student engagement while helping foster a positive school culture. She also served as the school’s Building Assessment Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and PBIS lead, and supported daily operations and implemented initiatives that promote both academic achievement and student well-being.
“Ms. Peege will do an excellent job leading Shelby Academy,” said Superintendent Dr. Matthews. “She has the background, experience, and leadership skills to guide the school into its next chapter. Mr. Roberts built a highly successful school that has served our students and families exceptionally well, and Ms. Peege will build on that strong foundation and continue moving the school forward.”
Before joining SCPS, Ms. Peege served in a variety of leadership roles in Oldham County Schools, including School-Based ARC Chair, District-Based ARC Chair, PASS Coach, and Highly Structured Classroom Teacher for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities. These experiences have contributed to her strong foundation in instructional leadership, special education, and continuous school improvement.
Ms. Peege holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Louisville, a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Campbellsville University. She has also presented at the state level, mentored fellow educators, and collaborated with district and school leaders to improve outcomes for students.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named principal of Shelby Academy,” said Ms. Peege. “It has been a privilege to serve our students and staff as assistant principal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the incredible work that Ben Roberts and our staff have established. I look forward to building on that foundation while partnering with our families and community to ensure every student is seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
As part of this leadership transition, current principal Ben Roberts will assume a new role as Director of Pupil Personnel, reporting to Director of Student Services Mike Clark. The assistant principal position at Shelby Academy will not be filled at this time.
“I am incredibly excited for Kayla, as well as for the students, staff, and families of Shelby Academy,” said Mr. Roberts. “Kayla is the ideal choice for this role, bringing years of experience, exceptional leadership, and a genuine ability to build meaningful, lasting relationships with students. Her dedication to education and commitment to student success will undoubtedly have a lasting impact. The future of Shelby Academy is bright under the leadership of Kayla Peege.”
Ms. Peege expressed her enthusiasm for the future of Shelby Academy and her commitment to its continued success.
“As principal, I look forward to continuing the incredible work already established at Shelby Academy,” she said. “I believe every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and I am committed to ensuring students leave our school with greater confidence in themselves academically, behaviorally, and personally. I also believe our staff are our greatest asset, and I am dedicated to supporting, empowering, and investing in our educators as we continue working together to provide the best possible opportunities for our students.”
Shelby County Public Schools is confident that under Ms. Peege’s leadership, Shelby Academy will continue to thrive and build upon its strong tradition of excellence.
Congrats to our very own Dr. Adam Hicks for being elected as the Kentucky United We Learn (KUWL) Council Vice Chair! Dr. Hicks will play an important role in advising the future of education across the state. 👏 #CompleteTheCircle 🔵
MAGIC SCHOOL BUS UPDATE: Due to this morning's weather, both locations will be at the Wright Elementary gym today (6/18). To enter the Wright gym, head to the back of the building on the right side.
We'll see you later today for our FINAL of fun and learning!
Magic School Bus Update: for families attending this week's East side location, the exact address is 755 Summit Drive. We'll see you there!
Have you checked out next year's calendar yet?🗓️ The '26-27 School Year Calendar is available now on our website! Printed versions will begin being available this July at our schools and throughout our community. Get ahead and save a digital version now at the link below!
https://www.shelby.kyschools.us/page/calendar