FRANKFORT — A Clark County principal is set to begin a year-long executive-level leadership training course usually reserved for the nation’s top CEOs.

Kara Davies of Clark County Preschool was selected in March to participate in the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals by an advisory board made up of business leaders and school superintendents.

Davies, one of 50 selected principals, will begin attending classes this summer at The BB&T Leadership Institute in Greensboro, North Carolina, in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation.

The BB&T Leadership Institute has customized a program to meet the specific leadership development needs of school administrators.

Principals will also attend follow-up sessions in the fall and early next year in Kentucky.

“I am honored to be part of the BB&T and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Principal’s Leadership Institute,” Davies said. “I anticipate this experience will lead to growth in my leadership capacity, and I hope to build strong relationships with other leaders that can be mutually beneficial in our leadership journey. It is vital that principals achieve their potential in order to ensure the students of Kentucky achieve their potential.”

Elementary, middle and high school principals from across Kentucky representing both public and private schools applied for the institute, which is supported by generous donations from businesses across the state.

“The business community takes great pride in supporting the Leadership Institute for School Principals,” Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson said. “Employers value the importance of effective leadership in the private sector, and the same is true for schools. That’s why we think it is important principals experience executive-level training similar to what is provided for corporate leaders.”