Superintendent · Education leader · Community builder
Leadership
that shows up.
Strong systems, trusted relationships, and more opportunities for students.
10+ years of executive K–12 leadership
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About Stephen
Building stronger schools from the inside out.
Stephen McCauley is an experienced Kentucky superintendent whose leadership helped stabilize and grow a once-struggling district, strengthen its financial position, expand student opportunities, and rebuild community confidence.
His approach combines clear communication, disciplined systems, visible leadership, and a belief that every major decision should begin with students.
Superintendent of Paris City Schools
How he leads
Three commitments guide the work.
Build trust
Communicate clearly, answer difficult questions honestly, and keep leadership visible.
Expand opportunity
Connect students with careers, colleges, arts, athletics, businesses, and community organizations.
Strengthen systems
Build durable financial, instructional, personnel, and operational systems that support students over time.
Leadership in action
Fastest-growing school districtin Kentucky in 2025.
The district’s growth was supported by disciplined financial management, major facility investment, stronger community confidence, and expanded opportunities for students.
Facilities transformed
Major construction, renovations, athletic improvements, infrastructure, and a new preschool center.
Recallable nickel taxes
Passed with little to no organized opposition.
Salary increases
Staff salaries increased by at least 18% during his tenure, with many increases higher.
Outside funding
Raised through partnerships and community support.
Foundation endowment
Supporting approximately $40,000 in annual contributions.
+6.37%Enrollment increase from 2023 to 2024. The historical line shows direction only; exact intermediate totals are not asserted.
2025Fastest-growing school district in Kentucky
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Instructional progress
Measurable gains at every level.
District data reflects stronger readiness, improved academic performance, and fewer students performing at the novice level across the system.
Stronger readiness and academic performance.
21%
increase in postsecondary readiness
72%
increase in Proficient and Distinguished Reading + Math
Fewer students at novice and a higher overall index.
30%
reduction in Novice Reading + Math
34.7%
increase in the overall index score
A strategic preschool partnership changed kindergarten readiness.
57%
kindergarten readiness after moving from well below the state average of 46%
The improvement followed a strategic partnership with the YMCA to provide full-day preschool.
District-reported instructional outcomes provided by Stephen McCauley.
Student opportunity
Pathways that connect school to what comes next.
Stephen has used business, nonprofit, college, and community partnerships to turn career exploration into real student experience.
Registered apprenticeship
Building a pathway into dental careers.
A community partnership created Kentucky’s first registered dental assistant apprenticeship, giving students a direct connection between school, professional training, and a high-demand career.
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Bluegrass Federal Bank
Student teller and bilingual partnership
Students gained workplace exposure through a student teller program, while the bilingual partnership connected language skills with service, finance, and community relationships.
Law office apprenticeships
Local law-office placements introduced students to professional expectations, legal careers, and the day-to-day work of a community-based practice.
CMWA · Watch the story
Human Resources co-op
A Human Resources co-op created hands-on experience in workplace systems, communication, personnel support, and professional responsibility.
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Explore more student opportunities+
College and career pathways
Apprenticeships, co-ops, college partnerships, and work-based learning helped students connect classroom learning with a clearer next step after graduation.
Arts, athletics, and belonging
Opportunities expanded through volleyball, archery, esports, track, football, string instruments, theatre experiences, and college partnerships.
Partnerships serving students and families
Relationships with the YMCA, Georgetown College, Lexington Children’s Theatre, Claiborne Farm, the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the Hinkle Foundation, and other local partners supported programs, services, and facilities.
Visible leadership
A superintendent who is part of the community.
Stephen’s leadership is intentionally visible. Students, staff, and families see him in classrooms, at games and performances, during community events, and in the everyday moments that shape district culture.
I will celebrate students publicly.I will support teachers and staff.I will answer difficult questions honestly.
YMCABoard member
Chamber of CommerceBoard member
Educator of the YearParis–Bourbon County Chamber · 2020
Superintendent of the YearJAG · 2022
Communication in practice
A consistent, multi-format communication practice — weekly videos, newsletters, and legislative updates since 2020.
Weekly updates from the superintendent+
Celebrating student achievement+
See how Stephen shows up+
Present for students
- Regular attendance at athletic events and club activities
- Performances, concerts, awards programs, and student celebrations
- Classroom visits and participation in student activities
- Support for every club, group, and team
Public advocate
- Celebrates student and staff accomplishments publicly
- Shares district progress through consistent communication
- Builds relationships with families, businesses, and civic leaders
- Represents the district at community events and local partnerships
Experience
Leadership built across every level of district operations.
Superintendent
Paris City Schools
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Paris City Schools
Operations · Transportation · Human Resources
District-wide leadership
Director of Pupil Personnel
Paris City Schools
Connect
Strong systems.Strong relationships.Stronger opportunities.
Stephen brings together executive experience, operational discipline, community visibility, and a lasting commitment to students.