About Kathy

Kathy in a blue shirt standing in front of a mural.
Kathy in a blue shirt standing in front of a mural.

Kathy Schiflett, M.S., worked 23 years for the Kentucky Administrative Office (AOC) of the Courts before retiring in 2021. After decades of public service, Kathy has decided to come out of retirement to run for the Fayette County School Board. This is her first time running for public office.

At the Kentucky Supreme Court of Justice, Kathy applied her quantitative and qualitative research and critical thinking skills to the Kentucky Supreme Court of Justice through roles that included research, consulting, evaluation analysis, grant writing, program supervision, and training – all with a focus on supporting Kentucky’s youth.

At the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, her work included:

  • Providing civic education opportunities to Kentucky students

  • Training judges, attorneys, court clerks, and court staff

  • Establishing and supervising the Court Interpreting and Translation Department

  • Serving on justice and fairness initiatives, including the Jefferson County Racial Fairness Commission

  • Working as a statewide grant coordinator and statistician within the Budget Department

  • Evaluating statewide court programs

  • Providing expertise in case management statistics

  • Assisting with implementation of the Research and Statistics Department

Kathy has lived in Lexington, Kentucky since 1989. She and her wife Reinette Jones reside in the Masterson Station neighborhood, where they’ve lived since 2000. Kathy and Reinette have been together since 1994. Reinette’s and Kathy’s daughter lives in the Northwest. Kathy loves learning, travelling, reading, working out, and gardening. She enjoys good conversation and a big laugh.

  • Whether represented by the Fayette County Educators Association or KY 120 American Federation of Teachers, Kathy recognizes that teachers want to feel supported by the school board.

    She supports teachers and staff having an opportunity to vote for Collective Bargaining Agreements. Teachers and staff should be allowed to make this decision for themselves.

  • Success starts at the top. Kathy believes strong oversight, accountability, and honest communication are essential for rebuilding public trust.

    Kathy will ensure each managerial audit letter and audit report be provided to the board and the public. Kathy is committed to ensuring the superintendent prioritizes and implements recommendations outlined in managerial audit letters. She will recommend that superintendent evaluations include progress toward audit priorities, financial responsibility, and operational accountability.

  • Taxpayer dollars should be treated with respect. Kathy believes our community deserves clear, easy to understand information about district finances, spending priorities, and major operational decisions.

    Kathy will work to ensure that all current financial documents requested by the board, except those related to personnel matters, are accessible to the public. She will make every effort to ensure that recommended accounting and financial standards are implemented by the superintendent and followed by the district administration.