Wendy Duvall is enhancing science education in Owensboro Public Schools, focusing on early learning and community involvement.

Duvall feels fortunate to have the right leaders in place. She mentioned that many superintendents get to choose their team, but she was confident in her existing staff from the start. The culture at OPS has made it easy for her to settle in, and she’s particularly excited about the curriculum changes.
One of her main focuses has been on science education. Duvall highlighted that OPS is now emphasizing science from kindergarten onward. They’ve adopted a new curriculum called Amplify Science, which combines hands-on activities with digital tools to engage students.
She noted that this is the first time OPS has conducted science walkthroughs to ensure that science is consistently taught across all grades. Duvall wants to close the gap in science education, especially since it often gets overlooked in elementary schools.
Duvall also mentioned that while reading and math assessments were already in place, adding science to the mix really enhances the overall educational experience. She pointed out that science scores in the state aren’t great, and it’s crucial for students to have a solid foundation in science, especially with its relevance in technology and various fields today.
She’s been impressed with the real-world learning opportunities available to students, like the civics panel hosted by Owensboro Innovation Academy. Duvall is also excited about a new tool drive for carpentry and masonry programs, hoping to gather donations to help students succeed in their future jobs.
Community involvement has been a highlight for her, especially a partnership that provided free shoes to students at several elementary schools. Duvall was thrilled to see the joy on the kids’ faces as they picked out their shoes.
Another inspiring event was the Women in the Trades initiative, which encouraged female students to explore careers in construction and design. Duvall believes it’s important for her to be visible in the schools, visiting each one weekly and encouraging board members to engage with students during luncheons.
Looking ahead, Duvall doesn’t plan on making many more changes this year. Instead, she wants to focus on refining what they’ve already started. She believes they’re on the right track and emphasizes the importance of supporting students’ academic and social growth, including their mental health needs.