Eleven years ago, Edmonson County native Rex Booth was a math teacher at Trigg County High School, and an assistant boys basketball coach alongside Mike Wright and the Wildcats — who that season finished 20-9 as Second Region semifinalists behind all-time scorer Deonquez Nance.
Life came full circle for Booth and his family Wednesday afternoon, when he, his wife Shannon and three children — 2-year-old Lachlan, 4-year-old Lola and 11-year-old Lilah — took in the news of the Trigg County Board of Education unanimously appointing him as the district’s next superintendent.
Sitting alongside Booth as he was approved was Wright, George Radford and former Crittenden County football coach Al Starnes.
Booth said he didn’t sleep much the last few days, after interviewing with officials last Thursday, but was ready to get back to Cadiz and Trigg County — a place full of people he loves, and knows well.
Booth told the gallery he was very much looking forward to a full tour of the renovated career technical center, and that while rigor and education were of the utmost importance, a push for students in trades was just as valuable.
In the middle of his doctoral studies, he said his dissertation is tied to Generation Z and the drive toward entrepreneurial efforts — as creativity and new concepts push graduates into the workforce.
And culture, he added, will be the foundation of what he and the board want to accomplish.
There was a surprise visitor in for Booth, as well: Bourbon County Superintendent Dr. Larry Begley.
In the rearview mirror for Booth, now, are a myriad of successful stops across the Commonwealth. Most recently, he had been serving as the Russellville High School Principal since June 2021. In August 2019, he returned to his Alma mater to serve as its 5/6 Center principal, and prior to that he served in various roles at Glasgow High School, Hopkins County Central and a previous stint at Russellville in both academic and athletic positions.
He earned his bachelor of science in mathematics and secondary education from Lindsey Wilson College in 2011, and later earned master’s degree and education specialist certification in school guidance counseling from the University of the Cumberlands in 2014. He added educational leadership – school principal Level 2 certification from Western Kentucky University in 2018, and is currently in pursuit of more education at Murray State University.
Booth’s wife is a Marshall County native, who also has a lengthy basketball coaching resume — one that began as a player and First Region champion under Lady Marshals Hall of Famer Howard Beth.
Former Superintendent Bill Thorpe’s last day at Trigg County is June 30, with next Thursday his final meeting in the district before assuming duties in the Marshall County Schools.
At least 10 applications were received for the position.
