Lyon County superintendent receives statewide special education award
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Lyon County Schools Superintendent Miranda B. Reed received the 2026 Grissom Award for Innovation in Special Education during the Kentucky Board of Education’s meeting Thursday.
Reed and the Oldham County Schools Exceptional Children Services Program were selected as this year’s recipients.
Reed was recognized for work completed during her 18-year career in education, including her time as Lyon County’s director of special education. She became the district’s superintendent July 1.
In Lyon County, Reed created a peer mentoring program pairing general education students with classmates who have disabilities. Participating students develop leadership skills while earning academic credit.
Reed also helped introduce smart board technology into district classrooms and secured assistive technology through competitive grants. During an earlier position with Mayfield Independent Schools, she led a districtwide co-teaching initiative involving special and general education teachers.
“The greatest innovations happen when we listen to students, collaborate with families and educators, and focus on what every learner can achieve,” Reed said.
Reed previously received the 2023 West Kentucky Distinguished Administrator of the Year award. Her work has also been recognized for expanding opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Oldham County’s Exceptional Children Services Program was honored for initiatives helping students with disabilities prepare for college, employment and independent living.
Those programs include career exploration, internships in skilled trades, job-placement assistance and workshops helping families navigate employment, financial planning, Medicaid and guardianship.
The Grissom Award is presented annually to Kentuckians or organizations demonstrating leadership and innovation in improving educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
