Groundswell Summit Plans for the Future of Education in Kentucky

NEWS RELEASE
June 10, 2025

Contact: Lisa McKinney, Communications Director, The Prichard Committee
(cell) 859-475-7202
lisa@prichardcommittee.org

PADUCAH, Ky. — More than 300 education stakeholders from across Kentucky gathered in Paducah for the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence’s 2025 Groundswell Summit, marking a pivotal assembly for education and economic wellbeing in the Commonwealth.

The two-day “Assembly for Education” was held June 9-10 at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center. It featured tours of innovative local education-related facilities and programs as well as the Great Schools Showcase—where families, educators, and community leaders shared innovative ideas and success stories that are making a real impact in education.

“Last November, Kentuckians made it clear at the ballot box when they voted down Amendment 2—they see public education not just as a system, but as a promise we all share. A promise of opportunity, connection, and a stronger future for our state,” said Brigitte Blom, President and CEO of the Prichard Committee. “At this summit, we’re asking: what’s next? We called on people across Kentucky to bring their stories, their aspirations, and their bold ideas to the table. This was an opportunity to come together, renew our commitment, and shape a new vision for every child’s success. At the center of that vision is community partnerships, which are key to achieving the promise of public education.”

The summit also featured a rich program of distinguished speakers and opportunities for engagement designed to foster dialogue and action around improving education:

Michael Matsuda – A nationally recognized education leader known for innovation and compassion, Matsuda has transformed opportunities for students through the Career Preparedness Systems Framework and co-authored Educating for Purposeful Life.

Savannah Barrett – A dedicated champion for rural and Native artists, Barrett co-founded the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange and leads efforts in grantmaking, leadership development, and community bridging.

Dr. Anton R. Reece – As president of West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, Dr. Reece utilized his visionary, creative leadership to actively build partnerships, convene teams with transformative results and intentionally reach out to rural and underserved communities.

The Summit also included an award ceremony recognizing outstanding schools and educators across the commonwealth. The committee presented the Prichard Committee Award of Excellence posthumously to Dr. Jim Votruba — a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape Kentucky’s education landscape in profound and lasting ways. Prichard Committee Member Penny Christian was honored with the Beverly Nickell Raimondo Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership toward improving student achievement among Kentucky students.
Additionally, the Prichard Committee recognized:

• 48 Family Friendly Schools and Early Care Centers that have shown exceptional dedication to creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive school environment for students and families

• 32 Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership Fellows, who have displayed a deep dedication and commitment to improving education in their communities

This year’s presenting sponsor was eKadence Learning Foundation, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing access to innovative technology solutions that empower educators to prepare students for confident, purpose-driven success in college, career, and life.

“At eKadence, we believe learning thrives when students, educators, and communities are connected through purpose-driven tools,” said Brad Caldwell, Director of Education at eKadence. “We’re honored to sponsor the Groundswell Summit and to partner with the Prichard Committee in reimagining student success and supporting Kentucky’s bold vision for education.”

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The Prichard Committee believes in the power and promise of public education –early childhood through college– to ensure Kentuckians’ economic and social well-being. We are a citizen-led, non-partisan, solutions-focused nonprofit, established in 1983 with a singular mission of realizing a path to a larger life for Kentuckians with education at the core.