Seven years ago, Kelly Simpson joined the district as a shared school nurse between Northside Elementary and Woodford County High School. She now serves as the District Health Coordinator and School Nurse Supervisor for Woodford County Public Schools. It is highly unlikely that, in the interviewing process for either of these positions, she was asked, “How would you ensure the health and safety of our students and staff should we experience a global pandemic?” It would be unfathomable and unrealistic to ask this question, and yet...
Hindsight is 20/20, as the saying goes, and the world did shut down due to a global pandemic. Though WCPS could not have predicted all that would occur during Mrs. Simpson’s time as the District Health Coordinator, it was known that the schools needed a dedicated, intelligent, innovative, and passionate person in this role. On a daily basis, Kelly exemplifies all of these characteristics and many more. If the world had to endure a global pandemic, Woodford County Public Schools is extremely grateful to have had Kelly Simpson leading the charge of health and safety in our schools. For her commitment to others, her work ethic, positivity, responsibility, and service, Kelly Simpson is the recipient of the 2019-2020 Woodford Outstanding Service Award for district-wide health services.
Mrs. Simpson has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years. Before coming to Woodford, she was employed by Baptist Health Hospital. Although becoming a school nurse was certainly a transition, Kelly says it was “an amazing adjustment.” By working in a school system, Kelly is able to combine many of her skills and interests. In fact, when Kelly graduated high school, she enrolled at Midway University with the intention of becoming an elementary school teacher. She instead decided to study computers and transferred to Lexington Community College to obtain a degree in Office Systems. After this venture, Kelly uncovered that her true desire was to become a nurse. Her current role combines all three areas of interest. Kelly says, “I feel blessed because I use both of my degrees since I do so much with computers as health coordinator. I get to combine wanting to be an educator and wanting to be a nurse with my computer skills.”
Even with the many ways Kelly’s role has transformed as a result of COVID-19, she maintains an enthusiasm and energy that are truly contagious. When asked about the added responsibilities, Kelly says, “I’m on call 24/7. That’s mainly due to communication with the health department and nurses. The school nurses are also on call.” (Kelly notes that the partnership between the schools, the nurses, and the Woodford County Health Department has been invaluable.) She remarks on ordering personal protective equipment for staff. Kelly says, “Who knew I would be ordering thread, elastic, and fabric for the jail to make masks.” She has helped develop and communicate new protocols, the decision tree, health screenings, and more. Additionally, Kelly strives to stay extremely up-to-date with information on the virus and vaccine. “I am always trying to get ahead of everything because I know that I’m going to be asked the next question, so I want to have the next answer.” It is important to her that she makes the students and staff of WCPS feel comfortable, safe, and healthy in a pandemic that has stripped people of comfortable feelings.
Garet Wells, Director of Staff and Student Services, emphasizes the critical role Mrs. Simpson has played. He says, “Kelly was already our district health coordinator and the school nurse assigned to Huntertown. She navigated those two separate roles expertly, not only dealing with health issues in her school but also managing her nurse team across the district and the variety of health needs found in a student population of approximately 4,000. Since the pandemic started, Kelly's role shifted to a complete focus on making our schools safe for our staff and students. She went from a typical routine start and end time of each work day to working well into the nights and over the weekends, as have all of our nurses for that matter. She does this to ensure Woodford County Schools takes all the steps we can for our school community's health and well being.”
Scott Hawkins, Superintendent, is also extremely grateful for Mrs. Simpson’s wisdom and dedication to creating a safe educational environment. He says, “Kelly has done a phenomenal job helping our district prepare for and navigate through these unprecedented times. Her kind and calm demeanor allows her to stay focused even in difficult circumstances.” Mr. Wells agrees with Mr. Hawkins and adds, “So much of what Kelly does and contributes to the district may go unseen because of the nature of her current role, but I just want everyone to know how vitally important she is. She has the knowledge, skills, and demeanor to fulfill the roles of school health coordinator. We are fortunate to have her in that role, and it is a privilege to work with her.”
It has been a joy for Kelly to work in Woodford County Public Schools. She loves the small-town charm that her position has allowed her to experience. She says, "Getting to work with so many community partners has been amazing..." Her role has also helped her establish positive relationships within the schools. "I find the teamwork and collaboration within WCPS to be phenomenal. Working with teachers, staff, students, and administrators really energizes me." What's more, Kelly says, "I’m thankful that I work here, and I’m thankful that my children are receiving a top-notch education in the district where I work."
What motivated Kelly to work hard prior to the pandemic is what motivates her to persevere through the stresses that have come with the virus: Kelly smiles and says simply, “I love my job and love everyone I work with. It’s my job to keep everyone safe.”
We couldn't have made it this far without you, Kelly! Thank you for putting your heart and soul into your job. Congratulations on receiving the Woodford Outstanding Service Award!
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