Ramey receives state award

Ken Ramey was honored as 2016-17 State Superintendent of the Year during the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators Superintendent's Symposium last week.

The leader of Siloam Springs Schools was recognized during the association's annual luncheon on Thursday, which was attended by Governor Asa Hutchinson and Commissioner of Education John Key. The Symposium lasted two days and was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock.

Superintendent of the Year candidates are chosen for their leadership in learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement, according to Richard Abernathy, executive director of the AAEA. The state recognition program is part of the American Association of School Administrators' National Superintendent of the Year Program, and the award will put Ramey in the running for National Superintendent of the Year.

Ramey first learned he was the recipient of the award during the September School Board meeting. The meeting began with presentations of teacher of the year awards for each of the district's six schools. As the teachers and board members returned to their seats after a group picture, Richard Abernathy, executive director of the AAEA, and seven former recipients of the award came pouring out of the back room and caught Ramey by surprise.

Ramey has worked in education for 49 years, 24 of which were spent at the Siloam Springs School District. He has served as superintendent of the district since 2001. He previously served as Siloam Springs High School principal, Lincoln High School principal and as Prairie Grove Middle School Principal, athletic director and head football coach.