JCPS assistant superintendent and state education commissioner finalist resigns

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – A finalist for Kentucky’s education commissioner vacancy has left Jefferson County Public Schools effective Friday.

Felicia Cumings Smith, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning at Kentucky's largest school district, did not respond to a message seeking comment on her departure.

She submitted her resignation July 10, citing a "personal decision."

"I appreciate the opportunities you and Dr. (Marty) Pollio have given me during my tenure," she wrote in her resignation letter, which was provided by JCPS in response to an open records request. "I believe the contributions I have made have supported the district in its turnaround efforts for children and teachers.

"I wish the district much success moving forward. I will be preparing a transition plan for you and feel confident the leadership team I have developed during this time will keep the work moving forward."

Smith was among three finalists to become Kentucky’s next education commissioner, and her resignation was submitted the same day the Kentucky Board of Education picked Jason Glass as the state's new education chief.

Glass, superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado, will earn $260,000 annually in the role.

Smith has been an assistant superintendent at JCPS since 2017. Before joining the district, she served as a senior program officer of K-12 education for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, director of Kentucky field work for the National Center on Education and the Economy, chief executive of the National Institute for School Leadership and associate commissioner at the Kentucky Department of Education.

She began her teaching career at JCPS as an elementary and reading resource teacher in 1996.