# Posthumous honor for Shelton, Kentucky education advocate **Published:** 2026-06-04T19:56:42.000Z **Source:** [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/06/tom-shelton-named-recipient-of-2026-david-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/posthumous-honor-for-shelton-kentucky-education-advocate The [Kentucky Board of Education named longtime educator Tom Shelton the recipient of the 2026 David Karem Award for Excellence in Education Policy during its June 4 meeting in Frankfort](https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/06/tom-shelton-named-recipient-of-2026-david-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/), recognizing his decades of advocacy for equitable school funding and educational reform across the Commonwealth. Shelton, who died unexpectedly in February at age 62, served in numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including as superintendent of both [Daviess County Public Schools and Fayette County Public Schools](https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/shelton-remembered-for-his-dedication-to-public-education/article_9154f68f-110e-5685-8615-675a023d7b38.html). He later became executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents and executive secretary of the Council for Better Education before his most recent role as president and CEO of United Way of the Bluegrass. "With a brilliant mind for policy, procedure and finance, he will be remembered most for his tenacity in securing adequate, equitable funding for Kentucky schools," his nominators wrote. Tom's daughters, Abby Shelton Sizemore and Audrey Shelton, accepted the award on his behalf during the ceremony, which included Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher and Kentucky Board of Education Chair Sharon Porter Robinson. The [Karem Award honors former Kentucky Board of Education member and state legislator David Karem and recognizes state policymakers, education leaders or citizens who have made notable contributions to improving Kentucky's public education system](https://www.prichardcommittee.org/prichard-committee-president-receives-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/). Recipients demonstrate outstanding leadership and a commitment to collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Colleagues remembered Shelton as a passionate advocate who fought relentlessly for students and educators. "Tom was one about continued education," said fellow superintendent Kevin Evans. "He was always looking to grow, but always looking to help others grow in their roles." ## Sources - [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/06/tom-shelton-named-recipient-of-2026-david-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/) - [Kentucky Teacher article on Tom Shelton being named recipient of 2026 David Karem Award](https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/06/tom-shelton-named-recipient-of-2026-david-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/) - [Messenger-Inquirer article remembering Shelton's tenure at Daviess and Fayette County schools](https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/shelton-remembered-for-his-dedication-to-public-education/article_9154f68f-110e-5685-8615-675a023d7b38.html) - [Prichard Committee article explaining the Karem Award](https://www.prichardcommittee.org/prichard-committee-president-receives-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Kentucky Teacher, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/06/tom-shelton-named-recipient-of-2026-david-karem-award-for-excellence-in-education-policy/.