EPSB Appoints New Executive Director

The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) today announced the appointment of  Robert L. Brown, of Harrodsburg, Kentucky as the EPSB Executive Director.  The EPSB met for a special meeting today in Frankfort, Kentucky to sign the contract.  Board Chairperson Cassandra Webb said that Brown exemplified the qualities that the board sought for the next executive director.

“Robert Brown has an in-depth knowledge of the EPSB and is a strong leader who understands the importance of collaboration and cooperation among our state and national education partners, educators, the public, preparation institutions, community leaders and elected officials,” Webb said.

Brown was chosen by the EPSB from a field of four finalists in a national search conducted over the past four months.  He has served as the EPSB’s Director of Professional Learning and Assessment for nearly eight years and has been on various state and national committees/work groups during his tenure with the agency.  While at EPSB, Brown has guided the teacher internship redesign initiatives associated with Senate Bill 1 of 2009 and led EPSB priority work groups, including review committees to review superintendent programs and assessment scores.  He also helped lead the work of master’s degree redesign and principal preparation redesign for Kentucky educators.

 

“It is a great honor to be selected by the Board to serve in this capacity,” Brown said.  “This agency, while small, does such crucial work to support and enhance Kentucky’s initiatives in education, and I look forward to continuing the progress we have made to forward student achievement in the Commonwealth.”

Brown has worked in Kentucky education for more than 27 years.  His previous experience includes work as an elementary and middle school teacher in math, social studies, language arts and science, and five years as an elementary principal in Harrodsburg.  Brown also has extensive district-level leadership experience, having served as assistant/acting superintendent of the Washington County School District, where he was curriculum supervisor, professional development coordinator, and district assessment coordinator along with numerous other administrative responsibilities. 

Brown received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s degree from Union College, and his school administration certificates from Eastern Kentucky University.    Robert and his wife, Cindy, are the parents of two children, Tyler, a sophomore at Eastern Kentucky University, and Corey, a senior at Mercer County High School. 

“I am excited that Robert Brown will be heading the Education Professional Standards Board,” said Education and Workforce Development Secretary Joseph U. Meyer.  “Robert’s vast experience at all levels of education will truly benefit the state as we work toward improving the education of all Kentucky children. The work of EPSB is vital to sustaining a qualified educator workforce in our schools and helping children succeed in academics and life.”

As executive director of the EPSB, Mr. Brown will oversee the daily operation of the agency, which was established as part of the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act to oversee the education profession.  The board is charged with establishing standards of performance both for preparation programs and practitioners; accrediting educator preparation programs at colleges, universities, local school districts, and with private contractors; selecting assessments for teachers and administrators; overseeing internship programs for new teachers and new principals; operating the Continuing Education Option for rank change program; administering Kentucky's incentive program for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; overseeing the alternative routes to certification; and issuing, renewing, investigating, suspending, and revoking Kentucky certificates for professional school personnel.

SOURCE: EPSB Press release