LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Oldham County School board selected a new superintendent Wednesday.

Claudette Herald, who served as deputy superintendent at Grant County Schools for the past eight years, was named to the role of superintendent for Oldham County Schools. She will replace Jason Radford, who decided against renewing his contract in 2025. 

“My family and I are extremely excited to come into the community and be a part of the community and the school system,” Herald said during the announcement at the Arvin Education Center.

The board had narrowed its search down to Herald and Dr. Nick Carter of Breckenridge County.

Herald served as deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent and director of pupil personnel for the last eight years in Grant County. According to a news release, she played a pivotal role in overseeing attendance services, including administration of home and hospital instruction programs for students unable to attend school due to illnesses or other circumstances.

“Also getting into the schools and meeting with building-level leadership — meeting with them to see what they're doing that's great, and how we can capitalize on that and just continue the movement forward,” Herald said.

Herald also worked on the district's safety initiatives. She served as the District Safe Schools Administrator by coordinating efforts to ensure a secure learning environment for students. She also led various administrative functions including the school district's Homeless Liaison, Foster Care Liaison and overseeing compliance with federal programs and reporting requirements.

“She is direct and knowledgeable, and we’re impressed with her background,” said Carly Clem, chair of the Oldham County Board of Education. “Her structure, her protocols, her discipline, her transition strategies — it was all there.”

The board of education approved a four-year contract with Herald. It includes a base salary of $205,000. 

According to a news release, Herald received her Master's of Science from the University of Kentucky and her Rank I from Eastern Kentucky University. 

“I have three children in Oldham County Schools,” said parent Angela Lange. “My biggest thing is just continue with the transparency that we’ve seen over the last four years with Dr. Radford, and make sure that we continue to grow.”

Carter has been superintendent of Breckinridge County schools since 2017.

Radford took over as the district's superintendent in 2021. He came from Oldham County from Boone County in northern Kentucky, where he led the district's Office of School and System Improvement. 

Herald officially starts her new role on July 1.

“So the issues they face as parents — I understand, and I can relate,” Herald said. “And we can get in there and solve them together.”

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