Nina Beck has been named the new executive officer of Exceptional Child Education (ECE) for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), effective July 1, 2026.
Beck brings more than 20 years of experience in classroom instruction ranging from elementary to higher education, district leadership and statewide systems collaboration. For the past five years, she has served as a contracted executive advisor integrated within the JCPS ECE leadership team. In this capacity, she served as a liaison to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSSEEL) to resolve complaints and manage indicator compliance. Notably, she supported the department through highly productive State Program Monitoring and Fiscal audits, both of which resulted in corrective action plans that have been successfully closed.
“I am honored to join JCPS and look forward to strengthening collaboration across departments to ensure we remain focused on what matters most—success for every student,” Beck said. “I am proud to work alongside the dedicated professionals in Exceptional Child Education and Early Childhood as we continue to strengthen communication and alignment across teams so that schools, students and families feel supported.”
Beck will replace outgoing ECE Chief Kim Chevalier, who is retiring from the district. As part of the district’s organizational realignment, the chief position will be eliminated, and Beck will step into the newly created executive officer role in July.
In her new role, Beck will oversee systems supporting students with disabilities across the district, upholding compliance with state and federal laws to safeguard the fundamental rights of every student. With these protections as a foundation, she will lead a more intentional effort to ensure students with disabilities demonstrate meaningful growth in academics while developing the social and critical-thinking skills necessary for long-term success.
“Mrs. Beck is a proven, student-centered leader with a deep understanding of systems alignment, compliance integrity and instructional improvement,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood. “Her experience and steady leadership will help ensure that our ECE services remain focused on equity, accountability and high-quality outcomes for every student we serve.”
Beck’s experience includes serving as the director of special education, preschool and 504 coordinator for Spencer County Public Schools. She also previously worked as a regional strategies consultant with the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, where she partnered with KDE and local district leaders across 14 school systems to advance Response to Intervention (RTI), co-teaching, transition services and compliance frameworks. Additionally, Beck served as a full-time faculty member at the University of Louisville College of Education, holding various leadership and instructional roles.
Beck began her education career in the classroom, teaching both general and special education in Texas and Kentucky. She holds advanced degrees in instructional leadership and education administration from the University of Louisville and is currently completing her doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction, with an anticipated completion in the summer of 2026.
“Louisville is home for my family,” Beck said. “My husband, Joe, and I grew up here, and our children were born here, so this opportunity is both professionally and personally meaningful. Go Cards!”