Career pathways
Connecting education to real opportunity.
Stephen expanded apprenticeships and co-op opportunities, including Kentucky’s first registered dental assistant apprenticeship.
Superintendent · Education leader · Community builder
Leadership
that shows up.
Strong systems, trusted relationships, and more opportunities for students.
10+ years of executive K–12 leadership
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About Stephen
Building stronger schools from the inside out.
Stephen McCauley is an experienced Kentucky superintendent whose leadership helped stabilize and grow a once-struggling district, strengthen its financial position, expand student opportunities, and rebuild community confidence.
His approach combines clear communication, disciplined systems, visible leadership, and a belief that every major decision should begin with students.
Superintendent of Paris City Schools
How he leads
Three commitments guide the work.
Build trust
Communicate clearly, answer difficult questions honestly, and keep leadership visible.
Expand opportunity
Connect students with careers, colleges, arts, athletics, businesses, and community organizations.
Strengthen systems
Build durable financial, instructional, personnel, and operational systems that support students over time.
Leadership in action
Fastest-growing school districtin Kentucky in 2025.
The district’s growth was supported by disciplined financial management, major facility investment, stronger community confidence, and expanded opportunities for students.
Facilities transformed
Major construction, renovations, athletic improvements, infrastructure, and a new preschool center.
Recallable nickel taxes
Passed with little to no organized opposition.
Salary increases
Staff salaries increased by at least 18% during his tenure, with many increases higher.
Outside funding
Raised through partnerships and community support.
Foundation endowment
Supporting approximately $40,000 in annual contributions.
+6.37%Enrollment increase from 2023 to 2024. The historical line shows direction only; exact intermediate totals are not asserted.
2025Fastest-growing school district in Kentucky
Student opportunity
More ways for students to find their path.
Belonging
Creating more ways for students to participate.
Programs grew across athletics, archery, esports, music, theatre, track, football, and college partnerships.
Partnerships
Turning community relationships into student support.
Local partnerships supported preschool, childcare, intervention services, youth leadership, facility improvements, and expanded student experiences.
What you can expect
A superintendent who is part of the community.
I will celebrate students publicly.I will support teachers and staff.I will answer difficult questions honestly.
Experience
Leadership built across every level of district operations.
Superintendent
Paris City Schools
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Paris City Schools
Operations · Transportation · Human Resources
District-wide leadership
Director of Pupil Personnel
Paris City Schools
Connect
Strong systems.Strong relationships.Stronger opportunities.
Stephen brings together executive experience, operational discipline, community visibility, and a lasting commitment to students.