David Rust, Principal at R.A. Jones Middle School, recently received the Kentucky Music Educators Association District 6 "Administrator of the Year" award.  Nominations are made at the annual fall meeting of the District 6 music teachers from elementary through college.  District six is comprised of the eight northern most counties in Kentucky.  The award is given to administrator's who support and encourage music in their school. 
Since the 2010-2011 school year, Mr. Rust has worked with his music teachers, Dan Barnhill and Jason Stolz, on improving the music department at R.A. Jones.  Since 2010, the music department has grown from 130 students to over 300!  In addition, the school now offers three guitar ensembles and two percussion ensembles for students who wish to learn a musical instrument.  The guitar and percussion ensembles are a part of the daily schedule at R.A. Jones, along with the three bands and two choirs.  Mr. Rust built the daily schedule so that every student has an opportunity to participate in a performing musical ensemble.  Because of that flexibility, nearly half the school is enrolled in a performing musical ensemble!
In addition to modifying the schedule to allow more students in more music classes, Mr. Rust has also supported the music department financially as well as   made changes to the "traditional" way in which music is taught by allowing both music teachers to collaborate and be creative in the way they teach to achieve maximum results.
Mr. Rust is now one of several Kentucky Principals who will be up for the "State Administrator of the Year" award, which will be announced in February, 2014.  We wish him the best of luck!