Jefferson County Public Schools has named two finalists in its search for the district's next superintendent. The Jefferson County Board of Education and the Superintendent Screening Committee selected Ben Shuldiner and Dr. H. Brian Yearwood as the top candidates.
Shuldiner currently serves as the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan. Yearwood most recently led the Columbia Public Schools district in Missouri.
Shuldiner brings over 25 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher, principal, professor, school board member, and superintendent. JCPS highlighted his work in Lansing, noting increases in graduation rates, improved attendance figures, and progress in reading growth scores between 2022 and 2024. He holds degrees from Harvard University and Baruch College.
Yearwood's career began as a physical science teacher and coach before transitioning to administration. He served as an assistant principal and principal before becoming an assistant superintendent in Texas. During his tenure as superintendent in Columbia, Missouri, his district saw an increase in its Annual Performance Report score. He earned multiple degrees, including a doctorate, from institutions including Texas Tech University.
The selection follows interviews with six candidates chosen from an applicant pool of 34. The national search firm Hazard, Young, Attea Associates assisted the board throughout the process.
The candidates are scheduled for final interviews and public Q&A sessions. Community sessions are set for May 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the JCPS Center for Professional Learning and 7 to 9 p.m. at Stopher Elementary School. Recordings of the sessions will be available online. Details regarding the superintendent search timeline are posted on the district website.
The search for a new leader began after current superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio announced in September that he would retire on July 1, concluding nearly three decades with the district. Pollio recently accepted a role as the next president of Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, also effective July 1..Community members have expressed interest in a leader who understands the local context of the district and city. Some groups prioritize a leader who will collaborate with community partners and address complex challenges.
"Both individuals have a wealth of experiences and credentials," Board Chair Dr. Corrie Shull said. "Both individuals are capable of evaluating student learning in our district, ensuring students continue to excel and our district will continue to flourish."