Superintendent Pollio names Dr. Kermit Belcher JCPS Chief Information Officer

Dr. Belcher’s work to support the JCPS Backpack of Success Skills

Headshot of Dr. Kermit Belcher, JCPS chief information officer

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio has hired award-winning educator Dr. Kermit Belcher as the first-ever chief information officer for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). Dr. Belcher currently serves as the assistant superintendent and chief information officer for Mason County Schools in Maysville, Ky., as well as an adjunct professor teaching educational technology at the University of the Cumberlands. Dr. Belcher joins JCPS on June 25.

“Dr. Kermit Belcher is a technology thought leader with a passion for developing and implementing digital strategies that strengthen deeper learning initiatives in the classroom,” Dr. Pollio said. “With his successful and experienced background in both information and operations, Dr. Belcher is undoubtedly the right person to lead the digital work that will support our bold new JCPS Backpack of Success Skills initiative this fall.”

During his 17-year career at Mason County Schools, Dr. Belcher developed a graduate profile based on a 21st century skills framework to ensure equity and deeper learning opportunities for all students. Additionally, he led Mason County Schools in becoming the first school district in Kentucky to offer a Project Lead the Way pipeline in technology, engineering, biomedical and computer science programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12. 

As the chief information officer for Mason County Schools, Dr. Belcher committed to providing access to technology for students and staff—and all students in grades six through 12 currently have a Chromebook for instruction. Under Dr. Belcher’s leadership, the district was one of the first in the state to provide 1:1 instructional devices for students in high school.  

During his tenure, Dr. Belcher provided instructional devices for English as a Second Language (ESL) students to assist with language barriers, instituted a student-operated help desk for student leadership development, published an iPad 1:1 integration guide on the Apple iTunes store, implemented cybersecurity plans and applied for and received more than $3 million in grant funding that has updated network infrastructure across the district.  

“I’ve admired the district's unity, vision and accomplishments over the past year led by Dr. Pollio, and it is truly an honor to join the outstanding team at Jefferson County Public Schools,” Dr. Belcher said. “JCPS is on the verge of transformation, and as chief information officer, my goal is to accelerate the work of students and staff through a digital conversion to fully support the JCPS Backpack of Success Skills initiative. The primary purpose for technology in schools is to enhance instruction, inspire innovation and promote deeper learning opportunities for all. Digital literacy and digital citizenship are essential skills for our students. Providing ease of access for all students to technology within a reliable, safe and secure network infrastructure is a top priority.”

In addition to his roles as assistant superintendent, chief information officer and adjunct professor, Dr. Belcher has served as a technology teacher, assistant principal and facilities director. He began his career in education at Marion County High School in Lebanon, Ky. Belcher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in technology education, a masters in vocational administration, a superintendent certification and doctorate in P-12 administrative educational leadership from Morehead State University.

The chief information officer position was among the recommendations from the recent Council of the Great City Schools’ organizational review of JCPS. Superintendent Pollio called for the review to improve the district’s organizational coherence.

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