Ask Larry Begley for a personal description of himself, and he will say: “I am proud to introduce myself as the superintendent of Russellville Independent School District.”

Begley was officially elected to that position last Tuesday by the board of education of the Russellville Independent School District.

Although he spent some of his youth in nearby Muhlenberg County, he has lived in far Eastern Kentucky for over 35 years. Coming to Russellville will be a big adjustment for him and his family. Yet he couldn’t be more excited or eager to get started.

“I have signed a lease on an apartment in Russellville and absolutely love the whole community. Everyone made us feel welcome in our new home,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “The leaders in that district are second to none! I am the proudest member of RISD.”

Begley’s dad was in the Army and was stationed at nearby Fort Campbell when Larry was young. After his dad retired, he worked for Peabody Coal Company and the family lived in Central City. They moved to Perry County in Eastern Kentucky in 1983-84. He has an uncle who still lives in Muhlenberg County.

Larry Begley calls his wife Misty “the finest woman in the world.”  They have two daughters aged 20 and 18, Madison and Allison, who attend the University of Pikeville and Big Sandy Community and Technical School, respectively.  Their son, Alex Joseph, is 16 and still in high school; he plans on a career in the medical field.

The new superintendent graduated from M.C. Napier High School in Perry County.  From there he went to Eastern Kentucky University and obtained his bachelors. He earned two masters degrees from Morehead State University, one in Special Education and the other in Instructional Leadership. He then went to Murray State University to obtain his Superintendence Endorsement.  He is currently enrolled in the University of the Cumberlands’ educational doctorate.

He says, “I have had a wonderful life as an educator and I still love being an educator.  I have been a special education teacher, a football coach, an athletic director, an assistant principal, a principal and a director of special education. I love the outdoors and whether anyone thinks I am a fisherman, I see myself as one.” 

His entire career in education has been in Floyd County, beginning in 2002. Prestonsburg is the county seat of Floyd County.

Superintendent Begley will begin his job in Russellville officially on Monday, Jan. 4. “As soon as Misty gets our things in order in Floyd County and finds a job down here, she will join me. Hopefully sooner than later!  

“I am excited to be a part of the Russellville Independent School District and I am very proud to make Russellville my home. Philosophically, I simply believe that there is no wrong time to do the right thing.  I also know that no superintendent in the state can be more proud of their district and community.  I have been able to meet with the leadership of RISD and they are second to none!  I pledge to the community to try every day to do what is best for everyone in the Russellville School District and community.  I look forward to the time I can meet everyone and actually shake hands.”