Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has announced the appointment of three experienced, visionary instructional leaders to step into principal roles at Fern Creek High School, J.F. Kennedy Elementary, and Olmsted Academy South.
Jarrod Hunt – Fern Creek High School
A familiar and trusted face at Fern Creek High School, Jarrod Hunt has been named the school's new principal. Hunt joined Fern Creek’s staff in 2010 as a classroom teacher and became the building assessment coordinator in 2014. After two years in that role, Hunt was promoted to an assistant principal in 2016, a position he has held for the last decade.
His comprehensive leadership has touched nearly every facet of the school’s operations, from designing the master schedule and managing budgets to directing systemic student interventions and expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
“Mr. Hunt brings a clear vision for student success and a strong belief that all students can learn at high levels when they are supported by a positive school culture and strong academic systems,” said Dr. Joseph Ellison, assistant superintendent of High Schools. “His deep understanding of Fern Creek’s transformational journey positions him well to lead with purpose and build on the momentum that has been collaboratively created.”
Hunt holds an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership & Administration from Bellarmine University and is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisville. A national presenter on data-informed Professional Learning Community (PLC) systems, Hunt said he is fully prepared to lead the Tigers into a new era of academic excellence.
"I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to serve our Fern Creek students, staff, and community in this new capacity, and I am excited to lead Fern Creek into its next chapter,” Hunt said. “We will continue our collective work of ensuring high-level learning is a guaranteed reality for every single student."
Analese Cravens – Kennedy Elementary School
Analese Cravens steps into the leadership role at J.F. Kennedy Elementary with more than 20 years of dedicated service in education.
Most recently serving as the principal of Zachary Taylor Elementary, Cravens is recognized for her collaborative spirit and her ability to orchestrate significant academic turnarounds.
Under her leadership, Zachary Taylor Elementary successfully exited Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) status for African American students and students from low-income households, while substantially raising overall state assessment scores.
Cravens holds a Principal Licensure/Education Specialist degree from Asbury University and a master’s degree in Education: Literacy from Walden University. Her extensive background also includes serving as an assistant principal, literacy coach, and reading interventionist.
“We are proud to announce Analese Cravens as our new principal for Kennedy Elementary,” said Dr. Nate Meyer, assistant superintendent for the Enhanced Support Zone. “Analese joins us as an experienced and deeply respected leader, transitioning from her successful tenure at Zachary Taylor Elementary. Known as a student-first instructional leader, she will excel at developing dynamic systems that foster an exceptional learning environment. We are thrilled to welcome her expertise to the Kennedy community.”
Cravens will aim to enhance academic performance annually while also fostering a robust and inclusive professional culture that supports both student development and faculty well-being, she said.
“Kennedy Elementary’s commitment to empowering students within a nurturing and secure environment, facilitated by authentic and rigorous learning experiences, aligns perfectly with my professional philosophy,” Cravens said. “I am honored to lead the Kennedy community toward excellence, embodying the spirit of our motto: ‘It’s our time to shine!’"
Dr. Johana Gomez – Olmsted Academy South
Dr. Johana Gomez will take the helm at Olmsted Academy South, bringing a passionate focus on school culture, multilingual learner support, and relationship-centered leadership.
Gomez recently served as an assistant principal at Doss High School, where she led the Health Science Academy, spearheaded the school-based Racial Equity Committee, and developed innovative professional learning resources like Every Interaction Matters.
Her leadership earned her the Assistant Principal of the Year Award in 2025 at the JCPS Educator of Colors Awards.
“We are thrilled to welcome Johana Gomez as the new principal of Olmsted South Academy,” Meyer said. “Bringing invaluable experience from her recent leadership at Doss, Johanna has a proven track record as a dynamic culture builder. Her passion for creating inclusive, high-energy environments will be instrumental in deeply engaging our students, families, and the broader community. We look forward to watching Olmsted South thrive under her leadership.”
A bilingual educator with international teaching experience, Gomez earned her Ph.D. in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in 2025. She called leading OAS “both a privilege and a responsibility I deeply value.”
“My goal is to create a school environment where every student feels seen, supported, challenged, and inspired to grow academically and personally every day,” she said. “I believe strong relationships, high expectations, and a culture of belonging are the foundation of student success. I also believe families are a vital part of the educational journey, and I look forward to building meaningful partnerships grounded in trust, communication, collaboration, and shared purpose. Together, I am confident we can continue building on the strengths of Olmsted Academy South while creating opportunities that empower every student to succeed and feel proud of who they are becoming.”