Ronda Cosby and Shalonda Foster begin their new positions in July
By Juliann Morris
June 28, 2023–Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has tapped two experienced district administrators to lead implementation of curricular and instructional resources and professional learning in the Academics Division.
Ronda Cosby is the new assistant superintendent of elementary academics, and Shalonda Foster is the new assistant superintendent of secondary academics. They begin their new roles in July.
RONDA COSBY NAMED ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF ELEMENTARY ACADEMICS
Cosby joined JCPS in 1993 and has spent 26 of her 30 years in the district as an elementary educator.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to lead in providing inclusive, relevant, challenging, and engaging curriculum and instruction for our elementary students,” Cosby said. “Students in 2023 are part of a world that is changing rapidly, and our instructional practices and viable curriculum must reflect the world in which they live.”
In 2019, Cosby became the founding principal of the Grace James Academy of Excellence. She successfully established the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) school that features an Afrocentric curriculum for females.
The educational community greatly respects Cosby for her commitment to high quality educational experiences for all students, said Dr. Terra Greenwell, chief academic officer.
Cosby is a fierce advocate and practitioner of deeper learning, and her leadership will continue to help principals and teachers seek authentic engagement and student-centered learning, Greenwell said.
“Ronda leads with a heart for learning and with a passion for equity,” Greenwell said. “She was also one of the first adopters of Expeditionary Learning in 2017 after she saw the impact it could have on students. Her 26 years of experience working in and leading in elementary will benefit our principals as they rethink the way we approach literacy.”
Prior to joining Grace James, Cosby served as principal at Chancey Elementary School for 13 years and also served as a counselor at Brandeis Elementary. She began her career as a teacher at Laukhuf and McFerran Elementary schools.
Cosby holds a Superintendent Certification, Principal Certification, Master of Arts in Elementary School Counseling, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, all from the University of Louisville. She was named as a JCPS Principal of the Year in 2022 and also won the Hilliard Lyons Principal Award (2019) and the LG&E/KU ExCEL Award (1999).
“In academics, we have the audacious responsibility of educating the next generation of citizens that will positively impact the world,” Cosby said. “We have to get it right for the humanity of all who will come after us. In my new role, I am humbled to be a part of this journey.”
SHALONDA FOSTER NAMED ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SECONDARY ACADEMICS
Shalonda Foster has spent the last two years as an executive administrator in the Academics Division’s Office of Teaching and Learning. In that role, she provided coaching and support to more than 150 academic instructional coaches, designed and implemented professional learning for school leaders and teachers, and identified curricular and instructional resources, tools, and approaches to increase student achievement.
“I am excited to serve JCPS students, educators, families, and the community in a new role,” Foster said. “As the assistant superintendent of secondary academics, it is my mission to ensure that all middle and high school students are provided with high-quality curriculum and resources, as well as equitable access to engaging and relevant instruction based on best practices.”
Foster exhibits a deep level of understanding when it comes to academic systems, Greenwell said. She has been instrumental in curriculum selection, student grading and progression, and deeper learning initiatives.
“She has a clear vision for secondary academics that includes visibility in schools, collaboration with district teams, and a strong service delivery model for our secondary principals,” Greenwell said. “She is committed to identifying and creating high quality resources and a coaching model for resource teachers. Shalonda brings a positive and straightforward approach to her leadership and has worked hard to build efficacious relationships with national partners.”
Foster has 16 years of experience in education and joined JCPS in 2011. Prior to working with the Teaching and Learning team, Foster served as the assistant principal and principal at Western Middle School for the Arts. She also worked as a resource teacher and language arts teacher at Crosby Middle School. Prior to joining JCPS, Foster worked as a language arts teacher in Georgia.
Foster holds a School Superintendent Certification from Georgetown College, an Educational Specialist in Instructional Leadership and School Administration from Bellarmine University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, both from the University of Louisville.
“I am passionate about the work of JCPS Academics,” Foster said. “I look forward to leading and collaborating with school and district leaders, coaches, and teachers to ensure high levels of success for the amazing students of JCPS.”