Kate Ray Chosen for Leadership Institute for School Principals Class of 2023 -2024

McDaniel Learning Center Principal- Kate Ray


FRANKFORT, Ky.— A Laurel County Principal is set to begin a year-long executive-level leadership training course usually reserved for the nation’s top CEOs. Mrs. Kate Ray, McDaniel Learning Center Principal, was selected in March to participate in the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals by an advisory board comprised of business leaders and school superintendents. 

Mrs. Ray, one of 44 selected principals, will begin attending classes this summer at the Truist Leadership Institute in Greensboro, North Carolina, in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. The Truist Leadership Institute has customized a program to meet the specific leadership development needs of school administrators. 

Principals will also attend follow-up sessions in the fall and early next year. The Leadership Institute is supported by generous donations from businesses across the state. 

Since the program began in 2011, more than $3.5 million has been spent on over 500 principals from 105 Kentucky counties. 

Mrs. Ray was thrilled to be chosen for the Leadership Institute, adding, “I am honored and appreciative of the wonderful professional development opportunity extended to me by the Truist Leadership Institute and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation. After the pandemic, educators have been forced to reimagine schools. Since students are at the heart of every decision a leader makes, I feel certain we need strong leaders willing to serve and provide a vision for our future. In our building, we focus on the principles of RISE: Respect, Integrity, Service, and Effort. I hope to model these qualities while growing as a leader throughout the next year. Reflecting as a practitioner and yielding to the power of “yet” will create a culture and climate conducive to student success. Thank you, again, for providing this anchor for my own leadership skills, but also trusting me to impact the future of Kentucky public education.”

Congratulations, Mrs. Ray!