The Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) has named Dr. Brian Yearwood as the next superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). The JCBE and Yearwood agreed to a four-year contract beginning July 1, 2025. Yearwood will earn $350,000 per year.
“This is an incredible honor to be selected as the next superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools,” Yearwood said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me to serve this remarkable community.”
From 2021 to 2024, Yearwood served as the superintendent of the fourth-largest school district in Missouri, Columbia Public Schools. Under his leadership, the district achieved milestones, including a 16-point increase in its state Annual Performance Report (APR) score, reaching an impressive 86.5 percent. He said one key to students’ academic success is a shared commitment between the community and a school district.
“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.”
Yearwood spent the first 22 years of his professional career in four Texas school districts - Lubbock, Lamesa, Wharton, and Manor Independent School districts. He was a science teacher, tennis coach, assistant principal, and principal at the school level. At Manor, Yearwood was an assistant superintendent overseeing curriculum, instruction, human resources, and academics before becoming the district’s chief operations officer. He left Manor to become 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.”
Yearwood was born in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago to parents who were both educators. Seeking a brighter future, he moved to the United States at age 17 and was recruited to the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) on a tennis scholarship. He earned an associate degree from NMMI before continuing his higher education journey at Texas Tech University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in geology and teaching certificate in science, followed by a master’s degree in educational administration, and ultimately, a doctorate in educational leadership and statistics. Yearwood said his success and life’s journey can set a powerful example for JCPS students.
“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.
Married to his wife, Tina, a registered nurse, and father to two adult children, Yearwood enjoys playing tennis and chess.
Yearwood is taking the reins of JCPS from Dr. Marty Pollio, who is retiring from the District after more than 28 years as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent.
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