The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) has named Rebecca Blakley, District Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator for McCreary County Schools, as the recipient of the 2026 District-Level Administrator of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership in expanding student support systems, strengthening school communities and advancing educational excellence across Kentucky.
Presented annually during KASA’s Annual Leadership Institute, the District-Level Administrator of the Year Award is the Association’s highest recognition for a practicing district administrator whose leadership has made a significant impact on students, educators and the profession.
Throughout nearly three decades in education, Blakley has served as a teacher, school counselor, principal and district administrator, consistently building collaborative systems that place students at the center of every decision. Her work has united educators, mental health professionals, families and community organizations around a shared commitment to supporting the whole child.
One of Blakley’s most significant accomplishments has been helping secure and implement the federal AUGMENT Grant, a five-year, $6.2 million investment that has expanded access to school-based mental health services throughout McCreary County. Through her leadership, students have gained access to critical support services that might otherwise have remained out of reach.
She also developed an innovative internship and mentorship program for graduate clinical counseling students, pairing future mental health professionals with experienced counselors and school leaders. The initiative has strengthened the district’s ability to meet student needs while helping address workforce shortages by preparing the next generation of school-based mental health professionals.
As the district’s MTSS coordinator, Blakley has helped create a comprehensive framework that integrates academic, behavioral and mental health supports into a unified system designed to help every student succeed. Her ability to translate research on trauma-informed practices and brain development into practical strategies has made her a trusted resource for educators across Kentucky.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Blakley remains deeply committed to serving her community. She regularly partners with Operation Share to provide essential supplies to families and helps lead a summer program that combines nutritious meals, therapeutic support, social-emotional learning and enrichment opportunities for students.
A KASA member for 23 years, Blakley has contributed extensively to the Association through committee service, professional publications and leadership development programs, including the Leadership Challenge and the Kentucky Women in Education Leadership Class of 2020.
“Rebecca Blakley represents the very best of district leadership because she understands that every system we build ultimately exists to serve students,” said Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, executive director of KASA. “She has brought together educators, mental health professionals and community partners around a shared vision that removes barriers and creates opportunities for children to thrive. Her leadership demonstrates that when we invest in the whole child, we strengthen the entire community.”
Blakley received the award during the opening general session of KASA’s 2026 Annual Leadership Institute, held July 29–31 in Louisville. This year’s conference, themed Kentucky’s Education Future in Focus, celebrated educational leaders whose vision and service are helping shape the future of Kentucky’s public schools.
“Great district leaders create the conditions for others to succeed,” Caldwell said. “Rebecca’s work has strengthened not only her own district, but also the broader educational community by demonstrating what is possible when collaboration, compassion and strategic leadership come together. She is a leader whose influence will continue to benefit Kentucky students for years to come.”
About the KASA District-Level Administrator of the Year Award
The KASA District-Level Administrator of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding practicing district administrator whose leadership, innovation and commitment have significantly advanced student success, strengthened schools and contributed to the profession of educational leadership. The recipient exemplifies excellence through integrity, collaboration and service to Kentucky’s public schools.
About KASA
The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) is the Commonwealth’s largest school administrator organization, serving more than 3,300 education leaders across Kentucky. Through leadership development, advocacy, networking and professional learning, KASA equips school leaders to provide every Kentucky student with access to an excellent public education.