Owensboro Public Schools has named Rocky White as the next Director of Alternative Programs for the district. White will be replacing Kevin Thompson, who has accepted a position as the district’s Director of Pupil Personnel effective July 1, 2023.
White has served Owensboro Public Schools for the past 14 years, the last four as assistant principal of Owensboro Middle School. Prior to his time as assistant principal, White taught grades five through eight and oversaw the district’s night school and credit recovery programs. He began his career in education at Breckenridge County Schools where he was a special education teacher from 2004-2009. White also served in the United States Army prior to his career in education.
In his new role as Director of Alternative Services, White will serve as principal of Emerson Academy and will work closely with the Director of Pupil Personnel and other district staff to ensure that students in alternative placement receive a quality, achievable education as they pursue graduation.
“I truly appreciate the confidence placed in me for this position by Dr. Constant, and the OPS Administrative team,” said White. “I have spent most of my adult life preparing students to be productive members of our community. I began this journey in the service of our country in the US. Army, and continued doing so into my career as an educator. I feel a deep commitment to our students will continue to help them achieve even through difficult obstacles that might be in their way.”
White earned a Bachelor of Arts in Middle School Education from Kentucky Wesleyan College and his Masters in Exceptional Education from Western Kentucky University. White also earned his principal certification from the University of the Cumberlands.
“I am excited for this new opportunity to work with our OPS students, and the OPS Alternative Education staff in helping students develop the requisite academic, social, and workforce skills to be successful after leaving our school system,” said White.
Having experience in different careers is something that OPS Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Constant, thinks will make White a perfect fit for this position.
“Rocky brings a great story with him to the position,” said superintendent Dr. Matthew Constant. “His military experience coupled with his experience as a master teacher in the classroom along with this assistant principalship at OMS makes him a perfect fit for the position. He is passionate, has many innovative ideas for us to consider, and is ready to hit the ground running.”
White is married to his wife Shelly and together they have three sons; Thomas, Rocky, Jr. and Josh. White will officially take over his new position July 1, 2023.