Shelby County Public Schools is pleased to announce that Johnna (JJ) Black has been named the Director of Secondary Schools. With 17 years of administrative experience, including 13 years as a principal, and a wealth of expertise in middle school teaching and instructional coaching, JJ brings a remarkable track record of leadership and achievement to this critical role.
Throughout her career, JJ has made significant contributions to the field of education, receiving multiple honors and awards for her dedication and leadership. Notably, she was selected as a member of the 2024 Kentucky Women in Education Leadership cohort. She also received the 2021-2022 District Core Value Award for Accountability, the WOW Award for Increasing Student Achievement, and the "Everyday Hero" Award presented by WKYT Lexington to honor individuals who go above and beyond to serve their communities.
In addition to her extensive experience, JJ has been a prominent voice in educational innovation. She has served as an EdLeader 21 Presenter, representing SCPS on both state and national stages to showcase the district’s work in Personalized Learning and the Profile of a Graduate. She has also been a district-wide leader in Standards-Based Grading, helping transition SCPS from a traditional grading system to a more effective, standards-based approach that supports personalized learning.
One of JJ’s standout achievements includes leading a low-performing school to achieve high distinction, maintaining that success through ongoing efforts.
"Teaching middle school and junior English has been some of my most beloved times in the classroom," JJ reflects. "I enjoy the unique challenges and opportunities that come with middle school and high school students. This new position brings me back to my teaching roots while allowing me to grow in my understanding of high school education."
In her new role as Director of Secondary Schools, JJ is excited to bring her proven instructional strategies to high school programming. "I recognize the need to adjust to the unique dynamics of high school students, but I’m confident my broad knowledge base and adaptability will allow me to connect quickly with my colleagues and refine my approach to best meet their needs. I have a proven track record of creating engaging, results-driven learning environments, and I plan to leverage that experience to make an immediate impact," she shared.
As Director of Secondary Education, JJ will support Shelby County Public Schools' mission by ensuring the district's secondary students are prepared for college and career success. She will also coordinate district-wide professional development for principals and staff, collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and oversee the development and implementation of instructional programs across secondary schools.
JJ’s leadership will also extend to providing support to secondary principals, guiding curriculum development, and ensuring the alignment of instructional strategies with state and federal standards. She will also be responsible for the induction of new secondary faculty and staff, and she will continue to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.
"As I begin this new chapter in SCPS, I am grateful for each opportunity I've been given," JJ expressed. "I look forward to serving my colleagues in a new and different way. I see this as my next step in exemplifying life-long learning."
Dr. Josh Matthews, Superintendent, said, “I am excited to welcome Mrs. Black to our district leadership team. Dr. Hicks, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and I were committed to finding someone with a deep understanding of highly effective teaching strategies, a dedication to setting high expectations, and a proven track record of supporting teacher growth and increasing student proficiency. Mrs. Black checked every box. With her extensive middle school experience and demonstrated administrative success, we are confident she will be an incredible addition to the team.”
Dr. Adam Hicks, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment added, “JJ Black is a valued leader who has shown a consistent commitment to excellence, and who has spent over two decades serving Shelby County communities and families. Her unwaveringly high expectations for students, teachers, and staff will immediately impact our district’s middle and high schools.”
The Shelby County Public Schools community is excited to welcome JJ Black into her new role and looks forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on the district's secondary education programs.