Campbell County Board of Education member Kailyn Campbell stepped down from the school board on April 15 after accepting a job back in the classroom.
In her remarks at the board of education meeting Monday, Campbell said she was initially told that accepting the job would not be a conflict of interest; however, after reaching out to the attorney general, she found out it was. Campbell said she had been employed at the Regional Schools Program in Cold Spring for roughly two months.
According to the letter from the attorney general, “Under Kentucky law, a member of a local board of education cannot be ‘‘directly or indirectly interested in the sale of the board of…services for which school funds are expended.’’ Kentucky courts and the Office of the Attorney General have interpreted this prohibition to mean that an individual cannot be a member of a board of education if he has an interest in services for which school funds are used.”
Campbell County Schools provides funding that supports its students enrolled at the Regional Schools Program, creating a conflict of interest.
“As most of you know, I have a background of being in the classroom; a little over two months ago, I accepted a job back in the classroom at the Regional Schools Program,” Campbell said during the meeting. “Sorry to officer Matt Meyer of the Campbell County Police Department over there who has to now see me every day. The school is there for many reasons, but the vision is to provide resources for successful transition in school, community and society, etc. Support for overcoming barriers and obstacles in learning and life and Partnership that enhance success in all areas, including: social, educational, vocational, and cultural.
We looked into it and were told there was no conflict of interest. But after reaching out to the attorney general, it seems to be a conflict of interest, so today I am making the decision to step down from the board of education. I would like to thank everyone in the district for all of their hard work that they put into the schools every day.”
Campbell said that since being elected to the board in November 2022, they have been able to give raises to all employees, start building the new Grant’s Lick Elementary School and fund and help with other school programs.
“I would also like to thank the community for believing in me, and hopefully you all understand, especially with a teacher shortage, I need to be back in the classroom where I’m helping even more,” Campbell said. “Lastly, I would like to thank everyone on the board for sharing this experience with me and I personally want to thank you, Dr. Wilson, for everything you are doing and have done for this great school system. I will still be around volunteering and helping in any way I can. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Campbell County Board of Education Chair Kimber Fender wished Campbell success in her new venture.
“From my perspective as board chair, it has been enjoyable getting to know you and having you be a part of our board,” Fender said. “Certainly, you have worked very hard on behalf of Campbell County Schools, and we greatly appreciate that. You’ve shown a clear commitment to student success both through your service on the board and as a teacher in the classroom.”
