Former EIS superintendent Bush remembered for integrity, support of students

Former Elizabethtown Independent School District Superintendent Kelli Bush is being remembered as “a fierce champion for all students and a servant leader who inspired others by her example and encouragement.”

A statement from the Bush family says Bush died Sunday at the age of 53 due to complications of cancer.

EIS Superintendent Paul Mullins says Bush leaves behind a wonderful legacy.

“It’s with great sadness that we mark the passing of a remarkable educational leader, Kelly Bush, whose passion for all students to be successful and love for the Elizabethtown Independent School District was second to none,” Mullins said.

Bush was a teacher and principal at Morningside Elementary School from 1999 to 2012. She served as EIS assistant superintendent from 2012 to 2020 and as superintendent from 2020 to 2023. Most recently, Bush was grant co-director for the Green River Region Educational Cooperative.

“She was loved by all that knew her,” Mullins said. “Kelly’s hard work and dedication has positively touched many generations of Panthers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family and friends.”

Hardin County Schools Superintendent Terry Morgan also paid tribute to Bush in a statement. Morgan said: “We worked closely together during the pandemic. We acknowledged that we would be competitors when it came to extracurricular activities, however, we also realized the benefits of working together for the betterment of our community. She was famous among her fellow superintendents for her ethical leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, always prioritizing integrity above all else. We have certainly lost a colleague and a great friend.”

Funeral services for Kelli Bush will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, with burial to follow in the Lebanon Junction Cemetery. Visitation for Kelli Bush will be Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.