After 17 years, Cook resigns from Corbin School Board

After nearly 17 years of service with the Corbin Independent School Board of Education, Chairperson Debbie Cook is stepping down.

Cook has served on the Corbin Independent School District Board for nearly 17 years, 12 of which she has spent as chairperson.  During her tenure as a board member, Corbin Independent Schools has made great strides in education, including being ranked 3rd in the state on the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System. Additionally, the district has made significant improvements to each of its classroom buildings remodeling the Middle School, adding the Freshmen Wing and Media Center at CHS, adding additional classrooms at both Corbin Intermediate and Corbin Elementary, and opening Corbin Primary.  Remodeling has just begun at CHS that will add a significant number of classrooms.

"It’s been a very hard decision to make. There were a lot of things I had to take into consideration," Cook said. "Serving the school district has been a real pleasure and I’m proud of what our schools have accomplished."

A former teacher and guidance counselor prior to moving to Corbin, Cook realizes the importance that education plays in a child’s lifetime of successes.  She loves children and will continue to be an advocate for education, in particularly, Corbin Independent Schools.

Cook made the decision to resign from the board due to the demands of her new job and changes in her family.   She has recently retired after a career in state government and has started on her second career as the Director of Children’s Ministries at Central Baptist Church.

"I am excited about my new opportunities and want to be sure that I give 100 percent to the children," Cook said.  "Children are so important and it is crucial they have a strong spiritual foundation as well as a strong educational foundation."

"I will miss serving on the board, but I will continue to be a supporter of Corbin Independent Schools," she continued.

Cook said another factor in her resignation was that two of her children may be seeking jobs with the school district. State nepotism laws forbid the hiring of immediate family members of a school board member.

Based on records dating back to the 1940s, Superintendent Ed McNeel states that Cook ranks 3rd in the number of years serving on the Board of Education, only behind Bobby Goins, who served 24 years; and Vernon Wilder, who served 20 years.

"Cook is recognized as a board member with strong dedication and commitment to excellence," McNeel said. "She has set the example for what a great board member stands for, paving the road to the greatest for Corbin Schools."

The selection process for Cook’s replacement on the board is under the direction of the Kentucky Commissioner of Education pursuant to KRS Statute 160.190. According to Corbin Independent School District spokesperson Susie Hart, a three-member committee of school board members from elsewhere in Kentucky will be created by the Commissioner to interview nominees to replace Cook. The Kentucky Department of Education will advertise for applicants interested in being a board member and the committee will conduct interviews. A selection will be made within 90 days. Cook was serving the first year of a four year term. She won reelection to the post last November.

Cook’s replacement would serve until the next scheduled General Election.

"This is a void that will be most difficult to fill," McNeel said. "But, we are Corbin and we strive to be our best as a new person is selected to serve."