Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has named two new regional assistant superintendents and two new assistant superintendents as part of the district’s realignment. The new roles take effect July 1, 2026.
The leaders announced today are:
Shalonda Foster, assistant superintendent of curriculum and professional learning
Dr. Jill Handley, assistant superintendent of instructional programming
Kim Morales, regional assistant superintendent of high schools
Dr. Jessica Rosenthal, regional assistant superintendent of middle schools
Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood said the appointments will strengthen the district’s focus on alignment, accountability and student achievement.
“These leaders bring the experience, vision and commitment needed to move our district forward,” Yearwood said. “Our focus is clear—improving outcomes for every student, every year. This team will help ensure our schools have the support and direction necessary to make that goal a reality.”
Shalonda Foster named new assistant superintendent of curriculum and professional learning
Shalonda Foster currently works as assistant superintendent of secondary academics in the district’s Academics Division, where she leads districtwide academic systems supporting instruction, curriculum alignment and assessment practices across JCPS middle and high schools.
In her new role, Foster said she will focus on strengthening K–12 alignment in numeracy and advancing foundational and adolescent literacy while expanding high-quality professional learning for teachers and leaders.
“I am honored to continue my work with Academics in this new role,” Foster said. “I look forward to partnering with leaders and teachers to create meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for every student, every year.”
Foster has 19 years of experience in education and joined JCPS in 2011. Prior to working as an assistant superintendent, she spent two years as an executive administrator in the Academics Division’s Office of Teaching and Learning. She also previously served as the assistant principal and principal at Western Middle School for the Arts, as a resource teacher and language arts teacher at Crosby Middle School, and as a language arts teacher in Georgia.
Dr. Jill Handley named new assistant superintendent of instructional programming
Dr. Jill Handley has spent the last nearly three years as the district’s assistant superintendent of multilingual learners (ML). In that role, Handley oversees ML programs and ensures equitable access to high-quality education for JCPS students who are multilingual learners.
In her new role, she will expand that systems-focused work to support instructional programming for all JCPS students.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue advocating for multilingual learners and their families while expanding that work to support all students across our district,” Handley said of the new position. “My focus is on building clear, aligned systems that strengthen instruction in classrooms, better support educators and ensure every school has what it needs to help students grow and succeed.”
Handley has dedicated her nearly 30-year career to JCPS, working as a teacher, instructional coach and principal of Kenwood Elementary School for 16 years before moving into districtwide leadership.
Kim Morales named new regional assistant superintendent of high schools
Kim Morales brings more than 20 years of experience in urban school leadership and systemic reform. She currently serves as an executive administrator of High Schools, where she provides leadership, development and supervision for the JCPS Academies of Louisville principals and the academy model in 15 high schools.
Her work has contributed to the highest graduation and postsecondary readiness rates in district history.
“I am honored to partner with our strong principals to build on JCPS's steady growth in graduation and postsecondary readiness rates,” Morales said. “By prioritizing math and reading proficiency and transforming the high school learning experience, we will ensure every student graduates college and career ready and inspired for their future.”
Morales began her career in 2001 as a high school English teacher at Waggener. She became an assistant principal of Seneca High School in 2011. From 2014-2019, Morales served as Seneca’s executive principal, where she led the school through a successful turnaround transition.
Dr. Jessica Rosenthal named new regional assistant superintendent of middle schools
Dr. Jessica Rosenthal currently works as assistant superintendent of elementary schools–Zone 3, where she oversees 27 elementary school principals at schools that serve more than 15,000 students.
From 2018 to 2023, she worked as executive administrator of middle schools, supervising and coaching principals and supporting schools’ safety, instruction and operational needs.
Rosenthal called this a “full-circle” moment as she prepares to return to middle school after three years in elementary leadership.
“My time as an elementary assistant superintendent has given me a new lens on student readiness,” she said. “I am returning to middle school with that original passion, now armed with a deeper insight into our students’ foundational experience, especially in literacy and numeracy. I will use this learning to make the elementary to middle school transition seamless and ensure an incredible, impactful learning experience for each student during these formative middle years.”
Rosenthal began her education career in 2003 in Nashville as a middle school and high school English teacher. She joined JCPS in 2008 as a principal intern and later served nine years as principal of Hawthorne Elementary School before moving into district leadership.