In a landmark event, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) hosted its first-ever joint leadership conference for Explore middle schools and Academies of Louisville high schools on July 16, 2024. The conference, themed “Leading on Purpose,” aimed at strengthening school leadership and fostering partnerships between middle and high schools, marking a significant step towards creating a seamless sixth- through twelfth-grade student experience.

Dr. Heather Benfield, Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools, opened the conference with a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between middle schools and high schools. Her introduction set the stage for a day focused on purposeful leadership and cross-level partnerships. Dr. Joseph Ellison, Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, followed with a powerful statement that became the day’s mantra: "Leadership is a shared endeavor." This philosophy underpinned the conference's goal of breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration across educational levels.

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio highlighted the district's journey in career and technical education (CTE). From the implementation of 5-star career themes in 2008 to the launch of the Academies of Louisville in 2017, JCPS has been at the forefront of integrating real-world experiences into education.

Dr. Pollio emphasized the success of these initiatives, noting, "Since instituting the Academies, JCPS has record graduation rates and record postsecondary readiness rates." The Explore program, introduced in 2022, extends this vision to middle schools. As Dr. Pollio explained, "It was important to invest in middle school and have kids engaged in schools." This engagement is crucial, as research shows student engagement typically peaks in third grade and declines thereafter.

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio highlighted the district's journey in career and technical education (CTE). From the implementation of 5-star career themes in 2008 to the launch of the Academies of Louisville in 2017, JCPS has been at the forefront of integrating real-world experiences into education. Dr. Pollio emphasized the success of these initiatives, noting, "Since instituting the Academies, JCPS has record graduation rates and record postsecondary readiness rates."

The Explore program, introduced in 2022, extends this vision to middle schools. As Dr. Pollio explained, "It was important to invest in middle school and have kids engaged in schools." This engagement is crucial, as research shows student engagement typically peaks in third grade and declines thereafter.