Outgoing Ludlow Independent Public Schools Superintendent Mike Borchers attended the final board of education meeting of his career on Thursday. The meeting featured heartfelt goodbyes from the board members and culminated with the unveiling of the rechristened district football field, known for its distinctive red turf, as Mike Borchers Field in honor of his nearly 30 years of service with the district.
“It’s been a great ride,” Borchers said.
Borchers announced his retirement in February and will officially leave his post at the end of this month. Borchers has spent his entire educational career in the district, serving in various roles, including teacher, coach, and curriculum director.
He assumed the role of superintendent in 2011. His tenure has seen numerous changes throughout the district, most notably the addition of the red turf to the football field at James Rigney Stadium and the ongoing renovations throughout the school buildings.
Borchers’ retirement coincides with the retirement of Jennifer McMillen, the district’s director of student services, who has served alongside Borchers throughout much of his time as superintendent. McMillen was honored in March by Gateway Community and Technical College for her service to both the district itself and to the region’s post-secondary educational landscape.
“You guys have done far more than your job description ever required, and you guys have put your heart and soul into this place for essentially the last 30 years,” said Board of Education President Wesley Dorger. “You’ve positively affected thousands of kids’ lives, and it’s arguable that no two other people have done more for the education of kids in Ludlow than the two people sitting here.”
Additionally, Borchers gave a presentation on the state of the district at the meeting. Highlights from the presentation include the following:
- A 100% graduation rate in 2024
- 79% of graduates have college credit
- New renovations to the stadium, baseball field, softball field, administrative building and playground
- Ludlow High School ranked as #3 high school in Northern Kentucky and #18 throughout the state , according to U.S. News and World Report
- 100% teacher retention rate in 2024, not including retirements
“I just hope our kids get to keep growing like we’ve grown over the last 29 years,” Borchers said.
Borchers will be succeeded by Jason Steffen as superintendent in July. Tonya Brummer, who formerly served as the elementary school principal, will assume Steffen’s former role as the district’s director of teaching and learning.
The district plans to have a ceremony commemorating the renaming of the field in September before the first football game.