Tim attended Jefferson Community College and graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Policy Analysis. He has an MBA from Bellarmine University, a Doctorate in Leadership Education from Spalding University and Post Graduate Certificates from the University of Kentucky in Teaching and Learning and Instructional Communication. Tim and his wife Shelley live in Jeffersontown. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Tim Shaughnessy for School Board

Tim Shaughnessy attended Jefferson Community College and graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in policy analysis. He has an MBA from Bellarmine University, a doctorate in leadership education from Spalding University, and postgraduate certificates in teaching and learning and instructional communication from the University of Kentucky. He lives in Jeffersontown with his wife, Shelley.

A Lifetime in Preparation

Tim Shaughnessy has engaged with JCPS and community stakeholders as a state senator, associate provost, policy maker, and corporate officer. He has seen the system from every chair in the room.

Senate 1989-Present

Senator Shaughnessy, Tim

Born August 22, 1957. Roman Catholic. Corporate Officer for Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare. Former Vice Pres, Jewish Hospital Health Care Services. Jefferson Community College. UofL, BS. Bellarmine College, MBA.

GA Directory 2010.indd

Tim Shaughnessy has worked as an associate provost and as a corporate officer for Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare. He previously served as vice president of Jewish Hospital Health Care Services.

Tim has worked as an associate provost and as a corporate officer for Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare. He previously served as vice president of Jewish Hospital Health Care Services.

Senate 19

Jefferson

Democrat
Senate 1989-Present

Senator Tim Shaughnessy

Born August 22, 1957. Roman Catholic. Visiting Scholar in Community College Leadership, KCTCS.

GA Directory 2012 updated.indd

Tim served as a state senator from 1989 through at least 2012.

2026 Kentucky General Election

In the Kentucky State Senate
Voted for the Kentucky Education Reform Act — and its required funding
Sponsored the lottery-funded KEES college scholarship program
Funded a third campus of the Governor’s Scholars Program
Doubled the fine for speeding through school zones
Championed the “Bucks for Brains” research initiative

Develop a Strategic Plan that Addresses the 2026 State Audit toward:
Safe schools
Teacher support
No New Taxes
Lower overhead
Balancing budgets
Learning outcomes
Align Clear Objectives with Funding, Action, Support, and Accountability
Engage the Community to Develop the Jefferson Scholars Academy to Prepare ALL Students with a Plan for Success in Their Next Steps through:
College & Career Planning
Success Skills & Certification to entry Employment
Navigating Artificial Intelligence
Completing a Semester of College in High School – at No Cost

The Jefferson Scholars Academy

The Jefferson Scholars Academy will provide ALL students the opportunity to complete a semester of college in high school at no cost.

Modeled after a Maryland statewide education initiative — Jefferson Scholars will explore their interest and aptitudes through a preparatory program designed for continuous success in reading, communication, math, and science from elementary, through middle school, to high school graduation, and beyond.

Said he sponsored a lottery-funded college scholarship program and funded a third Governor’s Scholars Program campus while serving in the Kentucky State Senate.

Proposes the Jefferson Scholars Academy to provide all students with a no-cost college semester during high school.

- Said he sponsored a lottery-funded college scholarship program and funded a third Governor’s Scholars Program campus while serving in the Kentucky State Senate.
- Proposes the Jefferson Scholars Academy to provide all students with a no-cost college semester during high school.

Access to Education

The Jefferson Scholars Academy will provide ALL students the opportunity to complete a semester of college in high school at no cost.

Modeled after a Maryland statewide education initiative — Jefferson Scholars will explore their interest and aptitudes through a preparatory program designed for continuous success in reading, communication, math, and science from elementary, through middle school, to high school graduation, and beyond.

Scholars will attain industry-valued success skills; certification for entry employment in Kentucky’s high wage, high demand, high skilled sectors; and the capacity to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence.

Modeled after a Maryland statewide education initiative — Jefferson Scholars will explore their interest and aptitudes through a preparatory program designed for continuous success in reading, communication, math, and science from elementary, through middle school, to high school graduation, and beyond.

Scholars will attain industry-valued success skills; certification for entry employment in Kentucky’s high wage, high demand, high skilled sectors; and the capacity to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence.

Jefferson Scholars can graduate high school with a semester of college credit and their individual strategic plan for continuous learning and sustained success in whatever comes next in their lives.

Proposes the Jefferson Scholars Academy, a preparatory program focused on reading, communication, math, science, career skills, and artificial intelligence.

- Proposes the Jefferson Scholars Academy, a preparatory program focused on reading, communication, math, science, career skills, and artificial intelligence.

School Curriculum

A Path Forward – The Shaughnessy Plan
Develop a Strategic Plan that Addresses the 2026 State Audit toward:
Safe schools
Teacher support
No New Taxes
Lower overhead
Balancing budgets
Learning outcomes
Align Clear Objectives with Funding, Action, Support, and Accountability
Engage the Community to Develop the Jefferson Scholars Academy to Prepare ALL Students with a Plan for Success in Their Next Steps through:

Proposes a strategic plan with no new taxes, lower overhead, balanced budgets, and funding aligned with clear objectives and accountability.

- Proposes a strategic plan with no new taxes, lower overhead, balanced budgets, and funding aligned with clear objectives and accountability.

School Facilities & Resources

A Path Forward – The Shaughnessy Plan
Develop a Strategic Plan that Addresses the 2026 State Audit toward:
Safe schools
Teacher support
No New Taxes
Lower overhead
Balancing budgets
Learning outcomes
Align Clear Objectives with Funding, Action, Support, and Accountability

Proposes a strategic plan that prioritizes safe schools.

- Proposes a strategic plan that prioritizes safe schools.

Student Wellbeing

Proposes a strategic plan that prioritizes teacher support.

- Proposes a strategic plan that prioritizes teacher support.

Teachers

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Tim Shaughnessy

- Proposes the Jefferson Scholars Academy to provide all students with a no-cost college semester during high school.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Alante' J. Gaines

Lillian Brents

Phil Haming

Robert Kahne

- Board of education members work as a team to lead the school district by setting policy, providing resources, and overseeing employees. 
- The board of education is responsible for the local school budget. It reviews expenditures, allocates funds, and approves facility plans. The board may levy taxes if deemed necessary.
- The board of education hires and directly supervises the district superintendent.
- School board of education numbers are elected in staggered even-numbered years through a nonpartisan election and serve four-year terms. Most boards in Kentucky consist of five members. 
- Independent school districts elect board members at large; county school districts elect board members from divisions. 
- School board members do not receive a salary. They may be compensated for costs associated with state-mandated activities. 

Governs the local public school system and allocates the education budget. 