The Jefferson County Board of Education has narrowed down its search for the superintendent of Kentucky’s largest school system to two finalists: Ben Shuldiner and H. Brian Yearwood.
Ben Shuldiner currently serves as the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan, which has around 10,000 students, primarily from minority backgrounds and lower-income households. With over 25 years of experience in various educational roles including teacher, principal, and school board member, Shuldiner has made significant contributions to education. Under his leadership, Lansing experienced a 26% increase in graduation rates and achieved Michigan’s highest reading growth scores from 2022 to 2024. His reputation extends beyond Michigan; he was also recently considered for a superintendent position in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas.
H. Brian Yearwood most recently held the position of superintendent at Columbia Public Schools in Missouri, where he served nearly 19,000 students from 2021 until his retirement announcement in 2024, which was motivated by a desire to be closer to family in Texas. His career began as a teacher before he transitioned into administrative roles, including assistant superintendent at Manor Independent School District in Texas.
Both candidates bring a wealth of experience that Board chair Corrie Shull believes positions them well to lead Jefferson County Public Schools and foster student achievement. Initially, the search process attracted 34 applicants, with the Board aiming to hire a new superintendent before the current leader, Marty Pollio, departs on June 30.
Community members will have the opportunity to engage with the finalists during two forums scheduled for Tuesday, May 20. The first forum is set to take place at the JCPS Center for Professional Learning from 4-6 p.m., followed by a second forum at Stopher Elementary School from 7-9 p.m.
This open dialogue between the candidates and the community highlights a proactive approach to leadership transitions in education, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of community feedback in shaping the future of student learning in Jefferson County.