Owens Saylor named DCPS superintendent

Owens Saylor has been named superintendent for the Daviess County Public Schools district. 

The announcement was made Monday evening at the conclusion of a special meeting of the DCPS Board of Education. Saylor, who has served as deputy superintendent of Jessamine County Public Schools in Nicholasville since 2004, said, “Daviess County is among the state’s most respected districts and I hope to use that status to leverage incredible learning opportunities for our students.” 

Saylor continued, “Daviess County has been blessed with outstanding past and present leaders who care deeply about meeting the needs of children and families they serve. I am committed to that same goal and will work tirelessly to see that our students are provided every opportunity to grow into successful adults and leaders in this community.” 

Frank G. Riney III, chairman of the Board of Education, said he anticipates strong leadership from Saylor. The position was made available when Dr. Tom Shelton was named superintendent of the Fayette County Public Schools district. 

“We were fortunate to have three highly qualified candidates, each bringing very specific strengths to the table,” Riney said. “Owens obviously impressed with his enthusiasm and high energy level. Our priority is on increasing student achievement, and we believe his leadership will take us in that direction.” 

Saylor began his career in education as a band director in Florida in 1980. He moved to Jessamine County as band director in 1989. He was named assistant principal at East Jessamine High School in 1997, and was named principal of West Jessamine High School in 2000. 

Saylor attended the University of Kentucky, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education, master’s degree in music performance and his principal and superintendent certifications. 

His community involvement has included active membership at Southland Christian Church. He is also involved with the Jessamine County Meals on Wheels summer delivery team; and is a member of the Jessamine County Education Foundation. 

Saylor’s awards have included being named Jessamine County Teacher of the Year in 1999. He was appointed to the Kentucky STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Task Force in 2009 and serves on the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) board of directors. 

Saylor developed Jessamine County’s first African-American School/Community Alliance with the mission of “closing gaps and opening doors.” He also was successful in efforts to raise the academic standard for Jessamine County graduates, including the demonstration of essential technology and competency skills. 

“I am so proud and humbled to be selected as your Superintendent and I cannot wait to get started!” Saylor said.