The search is on for a new executive director for the Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools after Vicki Quisenberry announced her retirement from the position after 13 years.
Daviess County Public Schools will post and hire for this role with the funds and oversight for the position coming from the Foundation. The DCPS Foundation’s mission is to attain and allocate resources to Daviess County Public Schools to enhance, enrich, and supplement learning opportunities for students, staff, and the community.
Quisenberry moved from the Foundation for DCPS board of directors to executive director at the request of former DCPS superintendent Dr. Tom Shelton.
““It is incredibly rewarding to know the work the Foundation does benefits every single student in Daviess County Public Schools. Kids on Campus, First Generation Scholars Program, and Exploration Station are some of my fondest memories,” said Quisenberry.
Under Quisenberry’s leadership, the Foundation for DCPS purchased vision machines that test all students within the district and provided partial funding for the district’s police force vehicles. In addition to writing grants, Quisenberry coordinated product donations with local businesses to schools, organized fundraising events and has worked with alumni and staff to set up scholarship funds.
“While the large dollar funding is impactful, small requests like $100 to purchase flags from all of the native countries represented by students at one of our elementary schools are instrumental in promoting inclusivity and acceptance of differences crucial to our growth as a progressive community,” she said.
Part of the responsibilities included organizing fundraisers on behalf of the organization.
“Our most successful fundraising event was recognition of distinguished alumnus Houston Hogg with the ‘Black in Blue Dinner and a Movie’ event that brought Academy Award winning director Paul Wagner to Owensboro,” Quisenberry said. “The documentary honored the breaking of the color barrier at the University of Kentucky football by a DCPS alumnus and putting a star in downtown Owensboro recognizing Houston’s commitment to fostering children in need.”
The board plans to hire an executive director to help advance the Foundation’s mission and vision. Dr. Caleb York, assistant superintendent of human services, emphasized the vital role of the Foundation for Daviess County Public Schools in supporting the district.
“Vicki’s leadership with the Foundation has played a major role in supporting our schools,” he said. “The Foundation’s efforts enable all of our schools to meet student needs and collaborate effectively for the benefit of every child. Their partnership in our Grow Your Own Scholarship, title sponsorship of the DCPS Umbrella Project: Mental Health Summit, and the initiation of programs have been pivotal in advancing the success of our schools and students. We are excited to find someone who will continue to be a strong advocate and valuable contributor to Daviess County Public Schools and the mission of the Foundation for DCPS.”
Clint Hardy, chairman of the board of directors for the Foundation, expressed appreciation for Quisenberry’s contributions to the mission of the Foundation.
“Vicki has served as a champion for the students and faculty of Daviess County Public Schools through her leadership as executive director of the Foundation,” he said. “Our goal is to facilitate the creative projects, ideas and opportunities identified by our teachers and faculties which will enhance the educational experience of our students. These outside the box initiatives don’t always fit the traditional school funding model. That’s where the foundation through our community supporters and Vicki’s leadership has been able to help.”
