Deaton emphasizes listening as she takes office

Amanda Deaton has long been an advocate for families in the courtroom. On Tuesday, she expanded that dedication to the Nelson County Board of Education.

Deaton began her first term as she was sworn in at Tuesday night’s meeting, and she says listening will guide her approach on the five-member board.

“In order to make good decisions, I believe we have to listen to the ideas and perspectives of others,” she said.

Deaton said she looks forward to learning more about how the school district that serves nearly 4,500 students operates and how its services can benefit its students and county.

“I have much to learn as a school board member, but there are people with the knowledge and skills I lack,” she said. “I look forward to listening to and learning from teachers, students and community members in order to successfully serve our community as a school board member and move our school district forward.”

Deaton said part of her motivation to run for the Board originated during the debate over the District Facility Plan, when the local planning committee that develops the document approved a community campus model to combine the county’s four middle schools into two and unite them on the high school campuses at Nelson County High and Thomas Nelson.” 

“I knew that I could be a capable advocate for students, parents and community members.” 

Deaton said her top priority is improving student achievement, especially in reading.

“The ability to read well paves the way for future success, both in and out of the classroom,” Deaton said. “Our students are not where they need to be in reading, and this needs to be at the very top of our list of priorities.”

Deaton was elected in November to represent Nelson County’s District 4, which comprises the Cox’s Creek area. She graduated from Nelson County High School before earning her undergraduate at Samford University and her law degree from the University of Kentucky. She has practiced law for 17 years, serving clients in the areas of civil litigation, family law, probate and estate planning. She is married to William Deaton and has three children, Oliver and Knox Blincoe, who are high-schoolers, and Ellis Deaton, who is in elementary school. 

She said her personal and professional background prepared her for her new role.

“Being a parent and having children in the district gives me a valuable perspective and makes me even more personally invested in the success of our district,” she said. “As an attorney, I have spent my career analyzing information, negotiating and advocating for clients. These are certainly skills that will come in handy from a school board perspective.”

Nelson County Schools Superintendent Wes Bradley said Deaton brings a strong connection to the community that will prove an asset as the district develops the future of local student accountability systems better tailored to the specific needs of Nelson County and its families.

“Amanda is an engaged parent and community member. Amanda’s perspective will further energize our community and ensure the district is moving forward,” Bradley said. “Nelson County families and our educators are fortunate to have Mrs. Deaton as their advocate.”