Incumbent for school board seat in Lexington’s 5th District challenged by former principal

In the race for Fayette County Public Schools’ District 5 board seat, incumbent Amy Green, an educator, is running against former principal Betsy Rutherford.

District 5 includes the area between Tates Creek and Harrodsburg roads, from south Lexington near Veterans Park to Baptist Health on Nicholasville Road.

Kentucky Registry of Election Finance records as of October 22 showed that Rutherford’s campaign raised $10,975.48. Total campaign expenditures were $10,716.31

Green’s campaign raised $7,562. Total campaign expenditures were $5,336.

Here’s what the candidates say are their priorities:

Amy Green

“I would be honored to be able to serve again as a board member for the Fayette County Public schools,” Green said. “I believe this work is a true calling, and I am dedicated to sharing my time, talent, and treasures to help our students reach their dreams.”

Green said she has a unique vantage point on public education.

“Education is who I am, and what I do,” said Green, 42.

Green is the parent of two current Fayette County students. She is vice chair of the school board, as well as a former PTA executive board member and school council parent representative. She is working toward a doctorate degree in leadership, with a focus on mathematics.

Green said she attended public schools in both Pennsylvania and Kentucky. She said her family didn’t have many resources, but she still excelled socially and academically because of public schools.

Green graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class. She earned a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where she obtained three college degrees.

She was first elected to the Fayette school board in November 2020.

Green said she was a school board representative for the board Audit Committee and the District Family and Community Engagement Advisory Council and was formerly the school board representative on the Fayette Equity Council Committee.

She has experience teaching math at both K-12 and university levels, including most recently as an instructor at UK. She previously taught at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Green said her priorities include making investments in high-quality instructional resources and curriculum, expanding educational opportunities, and improving access to academic and life experiences.

Green said it’s critical to continue to operate a well-run district that demonstrates the value and impact of public education, serves all students’ needs, and safeguards the integrity of our school system.

“By investing in student success, communication, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, we can push back against these threats and ensure that our public schools remain a cornerstone of our community and democracy,” Green said.

Green said students should feel engaged and valued, and be an integral part of their learning experience. The district should continue to invest and support the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally, she said.

Families should feel welcomed and heard as vital partners, Green said, and staff should be recognized for their talents and expertise, and included in the decision-making processes.

“Our community belongs in our schools,” she said.

Behind the scenes, Green said, she researches, asks questions, and seeks clarity to make informed decisions about what’s best for students.

“I am solution-oriented and proud of our team’s commitment to governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, including balanced budgets that reflect our commitments to our students, staff, and community, the first-ever board governance manual, financial transparency dashboard, and district safety tracker,” Green said. “True leadership is about more than just policy — it’s about empathy and connection,” Green said.

Betsy Rutherford

Betsy Rutherford, 61, has 32 years of experience in education.

“I care about all kids — not a cliche with me,” she said. Rutherford said she has “worked tirelessly in my career for all kids, and (I’m) an advocate for good teachers.”

Rutherford started her career as a special education teacher in Harlan, and then moved to Lexington to teach students with behavioral disorders at Morton Middle School.

She then transferred to Southern Middle School as a Special Education Consultant responsible for chairing special education meetings and ensuring students with disabilities received all identified services.

Then, in pursuit of becoming a principal, Rutherford moved to Garden Springs Elementary as a professional staff assistant.

She then served 10 years as principal at Russell Cave Elementary before retiring in 2015.

She remained in education, though, serving in interim principal positions at Booker T. Washington Elementary, Yates Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Millcreek Elementary, and Northern Elementary.

She then returned to the classroom during the 2018-2019 school year, serving as a fifth-grade teacher at Stonewall Elementary.

“My goals have always been that students learn at high levels,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford said she is committed to student achievement, transparent communication with the community, and fiscal responsibility that ensures the budget supports students’ needs.

She also noted the importance of schools in District 5 performing at a proficient level — the third-highest of four rankings for school test scores.

Schools performing below proficient have students affected by an achievement gap, and Rutherford said she aims to give them the necessary support for all students to catch up.

Rutherford said she’s the best candidate for the school board seat largely because of her experience in the district. She said she is willing to have tough conversations about the needs of students and won’t relent until she’s successful.

Rutherford said she is a problem-solver, critical thinker and team player — one who questions other team members, one who asks difficult questions, and above all is a good listener.

Rutherford is a member of Sunshine Women’s Mission Union at Immanuel Baptist Church, where she is the school liaison lead. She is also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Phi Mu Teacher Sorority, the Women’s Club of Central Kentucky, and the Kentucky and Bluegrass Retired Teachers associations.

Rutherford has four children and 11 grandchildren, including four in Fayette County schools.

This story was originally published October 24, 2024 at 5:00 AM.