Blanton, Kirk take the helm as PFAD program continues
- Shanda Crosby
- Nov 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Rumor spread quickly through the halls of RDC Junior High on Friday (11-7) that Magistrate Robert Blanton, serving as Principal for a Day, might just cancel school. But despite hopeful whispers from students — including his own granddaughter — Blanton laughed off the idea, saying, “I don’t think Mr. Howard will let me do that!”
The longtime public servant spent time greeting students, visiting classrooms, and even taking part in the school’s Veterans Day breakfast and program.
“It’s been a great experience,” Blanton said. “I’ve seen the veterans celebration, been with the principal and assistant principal, and even saw my granddaughter — so it’s been a great day all around.”
Blanton, who serves as Clark County Fiscal Court Magistrate for District 6, said experiences like this are valuable for public officials. “I’m big on kids, civics, and public service,” he said. “It’s important for young people to see that when you give back to your community, you get something in return. When they see people out serving, maybe one day they’ll want to do the same.”
Blanton said the best part of the day was simply seeing the students. “So many different kids — and they all seemed happy to be here. It reminds me of my own school days,” he said.
Blanton began his public service career in 1975 with the City of Winchester. More than four decades later, he’s still dedicated to serving the community, currently finishing his third term as magistrate and recently filing for a fourth.
“It’s good to get back inside a school, to see what really goes on,” he said. “You can’t help but feel hopeful when you see the next generation learning, laughing, and growing.”
RDC Junior High welcomed a familiar face to the principal’s office Nov. 10 as Circuit Clerk Tony Kirk took on the role of Principal for a Day.
The event gave Kirk the opportunity to reconnect with a school community he has long been a part of, and to see firsthand the work that goes into running a school.
A former RDC substitute and longtime CCPS football assistant, Kirk’s connection to Clark County schools runs deep. The retired police officer worked with football teams at three of our schools before being elected Clark County Circuit Clerk.
As he interacted with students and staff, Kirk reflected on the importance of junior high as a formative time for students. “The mentorship here at this age goes a long way,” he said. “You have the opportunity to make some connections that last their lifetime.”
For Kirk, spending a day as principal was about honoring the hard work of educators. “I just know how much hard work the teachers and staff put into their work and everything they are doing for our kids behind the scenes,” he said. “It’s interesting to get a glimpse into the million other things that go into running a school besides teaching.”
Local leaders should not hesitate to take part in programs like this one, Kirk said. “It opens your eyes to, as Dustin Howard says, the greatness that is involved on the part of the teachers, staff and students, and also to see how well they're using our tax dollars.”
