Apollo High School Media Specialist Jonathan Paff was recently named Kentucky’s 2025-26 Building Assessment Coordinator of the Year, earning statewide recognition for the detailed work he does to keep the school’s major testing programs running smoothly.
The award was presented at the Kentucky Association of Assessment Coordinators conference.
“I knew my principal had nominated me, but that was months ago, and I thought there was no chance I would ever win,” Paff said. “When they announced my name, I was surprised and amazed that I would get recognized for the work that I feel like I should be doing just in the job that I have.”
Paff has served as Apollo’s building assessment coordinator for four years, a role he took on after nearly two decades teaching social studies and moving into the school’s library as media specialist. The assessment duties quickly became a natural fit, he said, largely because of how much he enjoys organizing complex tasks behind the scenes.
Anytime a major state assessment rolls around, such as the ACT and the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA), Paff is the person who ensures Apollo’s testing operation meets strict Kentucky Department of Education and Office of Assessment and Accountability guidelines. That work ranges from building testing schedules to making sure students are in the right rooms, teachers have what they need, and every procedure is followed so students can perform at their best.
“Then when all the data starts rolling in … I work alongside our instructional coach to analyze that data, see how we can best use it with our teachers and our students to move our students forward in their learning toward proficiency,” he said.
Paff said he didn’t initially set out to become an assessment coordinator. After assisting with testing for a couple of months several years ago, he discovered the job suited him. At the same time, he had spent nearly 20 years as Apollo’s yearbook sponsor and was ready for something new.
“I see myself as an organizer, and it was something I enjoyed,” he said. “I reached out to the principal at the time and said, ‘If you’re looking for somebody to do this, I’d be willing to take on that role.’”
The nomination alone was meaningful, Paff said, because it came from someone who sees the work up close. Winning the statewide award, he added, felt like recognition not just of his efforts but also of the team that supports him through each testing cycle.
“I’m very grateful to be recognized for the work I’ve put in, along with the others who support me in making sure our assessments run smoothly,” Paff said.
