On Sunday, November 15, Bullitt County lost a vital citizen, the Bullitt County Educational system lost a leader, and the Hatfield Family lost a grandfather, a husband, and a father.

Frank Hatfield was 82 years old when he passed, and throughout his life he built his career in the United States Navy.

After Hatfield left the Navy, he worked as an Agricultural teacher and principal of Shepherdsville High School. In 1966, Hatfield accepted the position as Bullitt County superintendent at the age of 33. He was offered the position by his predecessor superintendent, Dr. Thomas Jefferies. In an article published by The Pioneer News’ Thomas Barr, “I never applied for the job,” Hatfield told Barr, “I really never asked for it.”

However, Hatfield received the position, and he definitely made an impact on Bullitt County’s educational system. Before and during Hatfield’s leadership as superintendent, several poor counties in Kentucky were unfairly treated in distribution of wealth in schools. Bullitt County was no exception, as its schools could not compete with Jefferson County schools. With more funding available, Jefferson County students were able to experience greater educational opportunities, such as advanced classes.

Within Hatfield’s 21 years as superintendent, the population in Bullitt County schools grew 212% from 1966 to 1980, but Jefferson County still had more funding in schools. In 1984, Hatfield and several other superintendents from financially-disadvantaged school districts, created the Council for Better Education. Following the creation, Hatfield was named President of the council in May of 1984.

The council used all available funding from each school district to file a lawsuit against the state of Kentucky. In May of 1988, Judge Ray Corns in the Frankfort Circuit Court issued that the unequal distribution of funds in Kentucky schools was unconstitutional. Judge Corns ruled in the Council’s favor, and the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed and agreed with Judge Corns’ decision. Unfortunately, Superintendent Hatfield retired before the lawsuit ended, but he was able to give a deposition in the case.

Hatfield and his colleagues’ work continued to the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA), passed in 1990. The KERA focuses on how Kentucky schools are financed and evaluated.

Other accomplishments during Hatfield’s role as superintendent was the creation of multiple schools, such as all three district high schools, Hebron Middle, Bullitt Lick Middle, Brooks Elementary, Nichols Elementary, Mount Washington Elementary, Maryville Elementary, Old Mill Elementary, and the Bullitt County Technology Center.

Making a difference in either a family, community, church, or school is what everyone strives for in life. Hatfield was able to accomplish all of these and more as he once was the Executive Director of Kentucky’s Retired Teacher Association, a past president of Shepherdsville Lion’s Club, and a former member of the American Cancer Society.
The Livewire would like to send our condolences to the Hatfield family.