Superintendent Shively placed on probation by state board

Kentucky's Education Professional Standards Board has placed Paducah Schools superintendent Donald Shively on probation.

The five-year probation stems from a photo that surfaced in 2020 of Shively in blackface.

At their February 14 meeting, the state board accepted an agreed on an order reprimanding Shively "for his offensive characterization of African Americans," according to the board meeting agenda.

"The school environment must be welcoming to all who come to learn and teach," the agenda reads. "Such racist and deplorable conduct interferes with students' ability to learn and staff's ability to teach in a safe and welcoming environment for all people. The board will not tolerate any further misconduct from Shively."

They placed Shively on probation for five years and said he is aware that any further violations could result in new disciplinary action. 



Photo courtesy of Paducah Public Schools.