Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Harlan Independent School District Superintendent Charles (C.D.) Morton was named Superintendent of the Year by Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) at the SESC Board meeting in London on April 10.

Kay Dixon, Executive Director for Southeast Southcentral Educational Cooperative (SESC), talked about Morton receiving the award during a recent interview. She has known Morton for some time.

“I have served as a superintendent with C.D. in his career as well as him being my board chair currently at SESC,” Dixon said.

According to Dixon, Morton received the distinction for multiple reasons.

“We have a partnership with EKU, and they always want to honor superintendents for the work they do,” Dixon said. “They have a nomination process where they open nominations. They post it on the web, and we post it on our sites. Anyone can nominate a superintendent. Its competitive, and there are always several names that are submitted.”

Dixon explained Morton possesses several traits which make him an excellent superintendent.

“Characteristics that really stood out are how involved he is in his district and how personally he is attached to everything that is going on at Harlan Independent,” Dixon said. “There were comments about the progress he has made, their (Harlan Independent’s) facilities are just wonderful now.”

Dixon mentioned Morton has been involved with multiple upgrades to the district involving instructional programming as well as school facilities.

“I’ve worked with C.D. myself,” Dixon said. “He is a true champion for Harlan Independent. That’s where his heart is, and he pours his whole heart and soul into that district and is very grateful for the opportunity to work in that district.”

Dixon pointed out a superintendent faces multiple challenges.

“A school superintendent is a balance between having your hand in and being very involved in the processes going on in your district but also having faith in a strong leadership team behind you.”

Dixon added Morton is approaching retirement at the end of the current school year.

“Those are going to be big shoes to fill, but I know he’s going to stay very involved in that community and will still be contributing within that community as a retired superintendent,” Dixon said. “You can always count on him.”

Morton shared some thoughts on being named Superintendent of the Year.

“I was humbled and honored,” Morton said. “There are lots of superintendents in our region that do a phenomenal job,” Morton said. “It was great to be recognized by my colleagues and by Eastern Kentucky University for the work that we’ve done in the community, and it certainly made me proud for our school district and community.”

Morton mentioned he enjoys the job of superintendent.

“I have loved being in this job,” Morton said. “It’s challenging. One of the great things about working in a school system is the dynamics, there are no two days and no two years alike.”

Morton says he finds many aspects of the job enjoyable.

“It’s rewarding to get to work with people who are dedicated and have dedicated their lives to helping young people find a better path and be prepared for the next step. The kids, the faculty and staff obviously make this job great. I would not be able to accomplish anything if it weren’t for the amazing team of people that are around me.”

Morton stated he has always been proud to be the Superintendent of Harlan Independent School District.

“This job, for me, was always a dream job,” Morton said. “I wanted to work really hard and make the people that came before me proud of what we were able to do.”