JCPS to hold community forums this weekend to get feedback in superintendent search

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The search for Jefferson County Public Schools' next superintendent continues, and the firm assisting with the search wants to hear from the community.

Thursday, the district’s Superintendent Search Advisory Committee discussed key qualities they hope to see in the new leader. Some of those qualities included a person who understands Louisville's diversity, is focused on closing the achievement gap, and a leader who will reach out when help is needed.

“A bridge-builder. Someone who is community-centric. Who understands education. Who understands assessment,” said Micah Ali, who works for the firm assisting JCPS in the search, in summary.

The committee is guiding the hiring firm in its efforts to find a replacement for Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. The job application is open, and actively recruiting candidates.

“You do want people to begin to gather their paperwork, so we are actively recruiting right now,” Ali said.

Committee members said they wish for all candidates, both internal and external, to ensure the best possible leader is selected for the district.

Ali shared that in other districts he has worked with, the person hired for the superintendent job is not always someone with an education-centric background. In some cases, he said, the school district's chief counsel or chief financial officer has been hired for the job.

Community members not on the committee still have a chance to provide input. The district's survey will close 11:59 p.m. Friday. JCPS said it has nearly 5,000 submissions thus far.

“We want to give people an opportunity to have their voices heard. We also want to be transparent,” JCPS Board Chair Corrie Shull said.

In addition to the survey, two in-person community forums are scheduled for this Saturday. The first will be at 10 a.m. at the Academy @ Shawnee, followed by another at noon at Ballard High School.

Feedback collected from the survey and forums will be compiled into a leadership profile to help guide the selection process.

“That leadership profile will guide the process to select the candidate with the most potential to lead well,” Shull said.

JCPS aims to have a new superintendent in place by May to allow time for a transition period with Pollio before his July 1 departure. Pollio is retiring after leading the school district since 2017.

To fill out the survey, click here.

For more information, such as the superintendent search timeline, click here.

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