Mr. Cline represents Division One.

 Mr. Andrew Cline is beginning his seventh year on the Shelby County Board of Education. Mr. Cline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master 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 the impact that faculty and staff have on our students. When asked about his work on the board, he feels that the work, “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, which ensures we graduate well-rounded, socially responsible young adults that will be prepared to benefit society.” Mr. Cline served as a member of the Kentucky Schools Board Associations At-Large Board of Directors. 

The Division 1 election is in November 2026.

Phone: 321-1515

Email: andrew.cline@shelby.kyschools.us

Degrees and Certifications:

BA and MA in Public Health from the University of Kentucky

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."

The Division 2 election is in November 2028.

Phone: 502.321.5672

Email: sonyab1013@gmail.com

Degrees and Certifications:

LPN from Jefferson Community and Technical College and Associate's Degree/RN from St. Catherine's College

Mrs. Sarah Reed represents Division Three. 

Sarah Reed was born and raised in Shelby County, Kentucky. Her early years were spent on Main Street, near Plainview Avenue, before her family eventually settled on a farm on Buzzard Roost, near Waddy. As the daughter of a pastor and stay at home mom, and one of seven siblings, Sarah grew up rooted in faith, and hard work.
A graduate of Living Waters Christian School, Sarah went on to attend Morehead State University, where she played basketball. To help fund her education, she spent summers working in tobacco, throwing hay for local farmers, delivering newspapers for the *Courier-Journal*, and later working as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Shelbyville.
In 2001, Sarah married Aaron Reed and began her journey as an active-duty military spouse in Hawaii. Supporting her family during multiple PCS moves, and deployments, and raising children across the country was her most challenging—and proudest—role. After nearly 15 years of military life, the Reeds returned to Shelbyville in 2014, where they started several businesses they now manage together.
Today, Sarah and Aaron live on their 70-acre farm, where they raise cattle, sheep, goats, strawberries, hay, and more—along with their dogs, Henry and Libby, a few horses, and 1 rooster.
The Reeds have six children and have experienced a wide range of educational environments, including public, private, homeschool, co-ops, and Cultivate. With three graduates and three children currently attending Shelby County Public Schools, Sarah brings firsthand knowledge of diverse educational experiences.

“It is an honor to serve and positively impact the educational journey of Shelby County’s children. Our children are our most important possession and greatest investment. They deserve excellence and our best efforts to prepare them for success after graduation.”

The Division 3 election is in November 2028.

Phone: 502-633-2375

Email: sarah.reed@shelby.kyschools.us

Mrs. Freels represents Division 4. 

Mrs. Joanna Freels is a retired teacher and has served for thirteen years on the Shelby County Board of Education as well as ten-plus 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.

The Division 4 election is in November 2026.

Phone: 502.321.6194

Email: joanna.freels@shelby.kyschools.us

Degrees and Certifications:

BS and MA in Education from Western Kentucky University

Brenda Jackson represents District 5.

Ms. Brenda Jackson has retired from the Kentucky 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 has served over 37 years on the SCPS Board of Education. “I love being a board member, it has allowed me to work with members from different backgrounds and skill sets with the common goal of providing 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.”

The Division 5 election is in November 2024. 

Phone: 502-741-8305

Email: brenda.jackson@shelby.kyschools.us

Degrees and Certifications:

BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Kentucky State University.

Aidyn Weingartner is a senior at Shelby County High School. She serves as Vice-President of the Future Business Leaders of America is involved in SCHS theatre production, and is a Business CTE Student Ambassador. Aidyn serves as Vice-President of the Key Club, is a member of the Crochet Club, and has been a member of the RenCrew. She has worked at Taco Bell for three years and interned with the McDaniel Insurance Company. As a dual-credit student taking business courses at the ATC and JCC, she plans to go to college to study business and marketing. Her friends have been a big influence on who she is today, they are always there to cheer her on. Her parents have taught her to be strong-willed and she looks forward to serving on the SCPS Board of Education as a student representative. 

Karmen Parker is a senior at Martha Layne Collins High School. In her four years at MLCHS, she has participated in the Teen Court Program representing Shelbyvile juveniles. She has been a member of the Titan Dance Team, and the Lady Titan Tennis Team and is President of the Black Achievers Club. Currently, Karmen coordinates the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy Club. With a GPA of 4.42, she has taken AP and Dual credit courses. Her plans include attending the University of Kentucky to major in pre-law and becoming a medical attorney representing hospital staff members. She likes spending time with her friends and family and shopping with her grandmother. She looks forward to serving as an SCPS Board of Education student representative.