Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood announced today the appointment of Dr. Alicia Averette as the new executive officer of Student Support and Community Engagement, effective July 1.
A veteran educator with 28 years of experience in public education, Averette has served the District as a teacher, school counselor, principal, and District leader.
In her new role, Averette will lead JCPS’s efforts to align student support services, remove barriers to learning, and foster intentional partnerships between schools and the community.
"I am honored to serve as executive officer of Student Support and Community Engagement," Averette said. "My goal in this role is to ensure that student support services are aligned to remove barriers and create the conditions for every student to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Averette will transition into this role as part of the district’s ongoing organizational realignment. She currently serves as the assistant superintendent of Student Support Services, where she leads coordinated efforts to expand equitable access to supports and deepen family engagement.
Her leadership—which spans school counseling, mental health services, Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs), Elev8 Student Learning Centers, community support services, crisis response, and parent and family engagement—is rooted in the belief that academic success is inextricably linked to social and emotional well-being.
"Dr. Averette has been a steadfast leader in our District for nearly three decades, consistently proving that student success is built on a foundation of strong support and community trust," Yearwood said. "Her extensive experience as a teacher, counselor, and administrator makes her uniquely qualified to lead this division as we continue to remove barriers and create equitable opportunities for every student in JCPS".
Averette holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Spalding University, a Superintendent certification and multiple degrees and certifications from the University of Louisville and other regional universities.
Averette’s deep roots in the district give her a broad perspective on the needs of JCPS students. Success depends not just on strong academics but also on “strong support systems, meaningful relationships, and intentional partnerships between schools, families, and the community,” she said.
"I am committed to strengthening those systems and supporting our schools so students have access to the resources and opportunities they need," Averette said. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside our staff, families, and community partners to support the success of our students and district."