Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, September 27, 2010

Two recent awards acknowledged Superintendent Stu Silberman’s dedication to developing effective leaders and expanding world language programs in Fayette County Public Schools.

In national recognition of his commitment to training school officials, he received the 2010 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award.

The honor came from the University Council for Educational Administration, an international consortium of research universities committed to advancing the preparation and practice of educational leaders for the benefit of children, schools and society. The award was presented by Lars Björk, chairman of the College of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership Studies at the University of Kentucky.

“I am very humbled and honored by this recognition and want to thank the University of Kentucky for taking time to nominate me for this honor. Although I am the recipient, it represents the great leaders we have in our school district,” Silberman said.

Mike Burke, director of Technology in FCPS, cited the positive impact of Silberman’s influence.

“Stu’s leadership style is one that seeks to bring out the best in others while at the same time setting the highest possible standards,” Burke said. “Stu understands that in some ways, everyone is or can be a leader, and it is through everyone’s collective leadership that we all succeed and the district prospers.”

On the state level, Silberman recently received the 2010 Outstanding Administrator Award from the Kentucky World Language Association. He was nominated by Alicia Vinson, the World Languages Immersion Program coordinator in Fayette County Public Schools.

“It’s critical that we begin teaching world languages as early as possible,” Silberman said. “The acquisition of a second language helps with brain development, which leads to increases in all areas of achievement.

“I’m proud of the work of our staff to expand our world language offerings and grateful to Rep. Ben Chandler for helping us receive the federal dollars to help pay for many of our new teachers.”