This story was written by Lia Salvatierra, our new Education Reporter. Find more of Lia’s reporting here. Do you have an NKY education story? Email lsalvatierra@linknky.com.
Bellevue Independent Schools Superintendent Misty Middleton doesn’t want the district to celebrate improvement just once.
“We want it to become part of who we are,” she wrote in an email to LINK nky.
Middleton has set a high bar since joining Bellevue in 2022, bringing Grandview Elementary School out of the state’s comprehensive support program within one year.
Grandview was identified as a candidate for that program in fall of 2022, when its state report card ranked it in the bottom 5% of Kentucky schools.
She credits the entire district for that shift.
“This is the direct result of our entire team coming together, taking an honest look at our data and systems, identifying areas for improvement, and doing the difficult work necessary to move the district forward,” Middleton wrote.
Middleton came to the district from Williamstown Independent Schools, where she worked for 19 years, the last six of those as superintendent.
Deciding to apply for and take the position at Bellevue was guided by God, Middleton told LINK nky.
Middleton grew up in Crittenden and is a graduate of Grant County High School and Northern Kentucky University.
But she’s a lifelong learner who began working toward additional degrees and certifications during her early years teaching.
Her resume as a leader also includes serving as an assistant principal, preschool director, instructional supervisor and assistant superintendent.
She believes the job of a superintendent is to maintain perspective on how decisions affect the district’s entire ecosystem, ranging from student needs to the financial health of the district.
“I have learned the importance of listening carefully, gathering information, making informed decisions and then having the courage to move forward with what is best for students,” Middleton said of her time with the district.
On top of pushing the district to improve academics, Middleton has also overseen major renovations to the district’s Grandview Elementary School, Leo Gilligan Stadium and Ben Flora Gymnasium during her tenure.
But separate from all those successes as superintendent, she’s also touting a new title as of this summer: “Nan.”
She’s proud to have welcomed her first grandchild in July.
When she’s not leading Bellevue, Middleton loves spending time with her family and outside on their farm, especially riding a four-wheeler or walking along the creek.
She’s currently under a two-year contract renewal, which she said is when she anticipates she’ll leave the position.
“Regardless of when that day comes, I want to leave Bellevue in a great place for the person who follows me and will continue giving my very best to this district until then,” Middleton wrote.
“I have no intention of being put out to pasture just yet!”
Lia Salvatierra is a journalist with Report for America, a service program that helps boost coverage of underreported topics and areas throughout the United States. To help LINK nky continue to provide this kind of reporting, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.
