Dr. P. Kay Carl was born and grew up in Ashland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Wittenberg University, her Master's of Education Degree at Case Western Reserve University, both Ohio institutions. Following college, Kay taught as a parish worker for the Lutheran Church in Indiana, California and Ohio. She went back to Wittenberg University as Assistant to the Dean of Women. Subsequently, she taught and was a counselor in North Bergen, NJ. She arrived in Las Vegas in 1970 and was hired by the Clark County School District as a counselor for Sunset High School, the first night high school developed in the United States. Dr. Carl served in the Pupil Personnel Services Department and then returned to Sunset High School as director. The years as principal of Kit Carson Sixth Grade Center, which was part of the desegregation plan for the district in effect at that time, were some of the most exciting years in her career. "It was a unique experience to have blossoming adolescents all together for a year," she remembers. During those years, Kay sought and earned her Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As the Clark County School District expanded, there were new schools to open and Kay was asked to open Frank Kim Elementary School. "The staff at Frank Kim was exceptional. It was a pleasure to work with them everyday," Kay reports. However, at the end of the first year at Frank Kim, Brian Cram, newly appointed CCSD Superintendent, asked her to serve as Assistant Superintendent in the Elementary Division. The division was later expanded to include the curriculum department. Dr. Carl retired as Assistant Superintendent Elementary and Curriculum Divisions after 30 years of outstanding service for CCSD in July, 2000.

In each of the positions held by Dr. Carl, she touched thousands of children's lives and left a lasting impression on individuals who worked with her. Her dedication and intense focus on meeting the concerns of children, directly or indirectly under her supervision, was exemplary.

When asked to reflect on her years as assistant superintendent, Kay expressed great pride in the 3 and 4 year old programs, the revision of the elementary curriculum, the System for Quality Schools, the training program for assistant principals and principals, the development of new school prototypes for the building program and the opening of 68 new elementary schools. Kay also mentioned with satisfaction, the hiring of full time health aides, the establishment of the educational computing specialist position as well as her unwavering support of fine arts and school libraries.

Dr. Carl has belonged to several professional organizations and has presented at various educational conferences. She was instrumental in the formation of the Clark County Counselor's Association and the Clark County Association of School Administrators. Many awards have been bestowed upon her including an Outstanding Alumni Citation from Wittenberg University. Outside the field of education, Kay has a passion for travel, environmental issues, Lakers basketball, the Cleveland Browns, the UNLV Lady Rebels, art museums and classical music. 

Since retiring from CCSD, she has continued to stay involved with the education of young people. She is currently the program manager for Clark County Reads, a literacy initiative of The Public Education Foundation, and serves on the Board of the Nevada Public Education Foundation.  She volunteers for the CCSD Jason Project, United Way committee on education, and is President of the congregation at Reformation Lutheran Church.  She travels extensively when time allows.  Belize is one of her favorite places.  She is seen at the Carl school every week working with struggling readers.

Kay is deeply grateful for the support of family members and friends who nominated her for the honor of having a school named Kay Carl Elementary School. Kay believes all the educators in her family are part of the lineage and legacy associated with this school and thus all are "Champions"!