Longtime educator and former Daviess County Public Schools Superintendent Tom Shelton was posthumously recognized Thursday with the 2026 David Karem Award for Excellence in Education Policy during the regular meeting of the Kentucky Board of Education.
Shelton, who died unexpectedly in February, spent decades shaping public education in Kentucky. He lived in Owensboro for more than 25 years, building a respected career in both public education and nonprofit leadership. He led Daviess County Schools as superintendent from 2004 to 2011 and later served as superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, and executive secretary of the Council for Better Education.
The David Karem Award, named for former Kentucky Board of Education member and state legislator David Karem, is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to education policy and the improvement of Kentucky’s educational system. Recipients are recognized for leadership, collaboration, and service on major boards, commissions, and organizations.
In nominating Shelton for the award, former Kentucky education leaders Tim Hanner and Stu Silberman praised his lifelong advocacy for public schools.
“Tom’s greatest strength was his passion for doing what was right for public schools,” they wrote. “He drafted policies, took bold stances, and advocated for marginalized groups. He was a leading expert on public school finances in Kentucky, and he trained and coached many former and current district administrators in school finance and school law.”
Hanner and Silberman said Shelton worked closely with lawmakers throughout his career to help shape education policy and improve school funding.
“With a brilliant mind for policy, procedure, and finance, he will be remembered most for his tenacity in securing adequate, equitable funding for Kentucky schools,” they wrote.
Shelton’s daughters, Abby Shelton Sizemore and Audrey Shelton, also contributed to the nomination, describing a father who balanced a demanding career with a deep commitment to family.
“Despite high work demands, we were always Dad’s priority – lunch in the cafeteria, classroom check-ins, sideline visits at football games, or wading through floodwaters after a tornado (in a suit) to ensure we were safe before checking schools,” they wrote.
They said the same care was extended to students across the districts he served.
“He cared deeply about every child’s right to education, hot meals, safe rides, and loving teachers,” they wrote. “Thousands benefited from his career; we feel lucky to have been loved by him.”
Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher said Shelton embodied the spirit of the award.
“Dr. Shelton was all in for making sure all students had the educational opportunities to move forward and be successful,” Fletcher said.
Julie Pile, chair of the Kentucky Board of Education Awards Committee, said Shelton’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
“Tom Shelton dedicated his life to improving opportunities for Kentucky’s students and strengthening public education across the Commonwealth,” Pile said. “His leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to doing what was right for children left a lasting impact on schools, educators, and communities throughout Kentucky.”
Shelton’s final professional role was as president and CEO of United Way of the Bluegrass, a position he accepted in October 2025. At the time, Shelton told Owensboro Times that the move represented a return to his nonprofit roots and an opportunity to continue serving others.
“I wouldn’t be where I am at all if I hadn’t had the life experiences and career experiences I had in Owensboro,” Shelton said. “It’s where I raised my family, where I learned how to lead, and where I was shaped as a person and a professional.”
