Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA)

Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) Department of Information

Rhonda Caldwell, Deputy Director

Phone: (502) 875-3411

[email protected]

NEWS ADVISORY

July 22, 2014

Union County’s Bruce Bell recipient of statewide Fred award

(FRANKFORT, Ky.)— The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) announced Bruce Bell, custodian for Union County Public Schools (UCPS), July 18, 2014, as the winner of its statewide Fred Award.

One of three finalists, Bell was presented the award at the culmination of KASA’s Annual Leadership Institute, the largest gathering of school administrators statewide. Mark Sanborn, author of The Fred Factor, delivered a message by video as part of the ceremony.

The Fred Award recognizes non-administrative staff, students, and volunteers statewide whose daily efforts are deemed extraordinary and integral to a positive learning atmosphere in their school communities. The first Fred Award was presented in 2008 to Mr. Fred Strange, a custodian at Grant’s Lick Elementary School in Campbell County.

“Super Bruce,” as he is known to students at UCPS, is a custodian, a volunteer, and a mentor. Although his job doesn’t require it and he doesn’t get paid to do it, Bell began volunteering his own time every day to assist Morganfield Elementary School (MES) custodians after staff reductions. He also takes time to mentor MES students by reading to the children and mentoring boys with discipline issues.

District staff say “there is no task Bruce won’t tackle.” A visitor to UCPS may find him high-fiving students as they load the buses, clearing snow off every vehicle in the parking lot, or cleaning in such minute detail that he can be found dusting the hands of the lobby clock.

Superintendent Patricia Sheffer said “Super Bruce” has become an icon for the district’s mission.

"Our UCPS motto is SMOVE (Smile + Move), and Bruce is the epitome of a SMOVER. He is always up for adventure, greets each day with joy, and above all, is a humble and eager servant. Bruce is a role model not only for our students and employees, but for each of us as humans,“ she added.

The Fred Award is coveted among school districts as it is a way to honor those critical support staff members who often aren’t recognized. The award was inspired by Fred Shea, the postman who is the

subject of Mark Sanborn’s national bestseller, “The Fred Factor.” Finalists are selected for this award by a statewide judging panel representing leaders from school districts across the commonwealth.

“Bruce is one of those extraordinary individuals with a pure and absolute devotion to others. He is a bright, shining presence in the lives of these children, showing them the value of hard work, selfless acts, and the power of positive thinking. He lives to serve, and the example he sets for the children of Union County is worthy of highest recognition,” KASA Deputy Director Rhonda Caldwell said.

Other finalists for the award are Neil Litton, school volunteer/aid for Muhlenburg South Elementary School (Muhlenburg County Schools) and Glenn Pierce, custodian, East View Elementary School (Daviess County Schools).

Prior to the ceremony, Bell and the finalists attended a reception in their honor, which provided opportunity for them to meet each other, talk with Fred Shea, and learn the SMOVE dance, led by Bell.

Video footage captured in each of the finalists’ districts was presented during the final award presentation July 18. Each finalist received a $250 check, overnight lodging at the Galt House Hotel, and a distinguished marble plaque detailing the award. The winner, Bell, received a $500 check.

The Kentucky Association of School Administrators is the largest school administrators group in Kentucky, representing more than 3,000 education leaders from across the commonwealth. Formed in 1969, KASA connects education leaders to policymakers, legislators, and other interest groups and provides numerous benefits and services to Kentucky’s school administrators.

Photo credit: Union County Public Schools Additional photos available upon request.