LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dr. Brian Yearwood is officially the new superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. The Jefferson County Board of Education and Yearwood agreed to a four-year contract beginning July 1, 2025.
Yearwood will make $350,000 per year.
In a statement on the JCPS website, Yearwood said, “This is an incredible honor to be selected as the next superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me to serve this remarkable community.”
Yearwood comes to JCPS from Missouri, where he served as superintendent of Columbia Public Schools, the fourth-largest district in the state.
“This is a district (JCPS) that is full of promise, potential, strong student-centered programs, and passionate people - educators, parents and community members,” Yearwood said. “I look forward to building strong relationships with them that will be rooted in trust and transparency.”
Before Missouri, Yearwood spent 22 years in four different Texas school districts—Lubbock, Lamesa, Wharton and Manor Independent School districts. He has been a science teacher, tennis coach, assistant principal and principal. While at Mano, Yearwood was an assistant superintendent overseeing curriculum, instruction, human resources and academics. He also served as the district’s chief operations officer before leaving to become the superintendent in Columbia in 2021.
“Dr. Yearwood’s impressive career highlights his ability to boost student achievement, manage finances, and build community partnerships,” said Dr. Corrie Shull, JCBE chairman. “We are excited about the fresh energy and ideas he will bring to JCPS as we work together to build on our strengths, address challenges, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Originally from Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, Yearwood moved to the United States when he was 17 years old. Both of his parents were educators. He earned an associate degree from New Mexico Military Institute and then earned his bachelor’s degree in geology and a teaching certificate in science from Texas Tech University. He would continue his education by earning a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership and statistics.
“Success isn’t defined by where you start but how hard you are willing to work and how deeply you truly believe in your own potential,” he said.
Yearwood and his wife, Tina, have two adult children. He enjoys playing tennis and chess.
He replaces Marty Pollio, who is retiring from JCPS after more than 28 years with the district.
