Dear Jefferson Academy & Summit Academy Community,
On Tuesday evening, the Jefferson Academy Board of Directors selected two final candidates in the search for our next Executive Director.
We are pleased to announce and congratulate Mr. Cory Harbor and Dr. Ann Schultz as the two finalists advancing in the selection process. Both candidates bring significant experience and a strong commitment to educational leadership, and we thank them for their dedication and professionalism throughout this process. We encourage you to visit the following webpage to view information about the two final candidates, including their resumes:
https://www.jajags.com/page/executive-director-search
We would like to provide a brief overview and reminder of the comprehensive process that has brought us to this important milestone.
On November 18th, the Board contracted with McPherson and Jacobson, LLC, to lead the process of a nationwide search for an Executive Director. Dr. Walt Cooper of McPherson and Jacobson, LLC and retired Cheyenne Mountain School District Superintendent, supported the Board through an inclusive and thorough search grounded in community input.
In November and December, principals gathered feedback from staff, and a community-wide survey provided families and community members the opportunity to share their perspectives. This valuable input directly informed the development of a leadership profile outlining the key skills, experience, and attributes desired in our next Executive Director. The Board reviewed and formally approved this profile during a special session on December 17th.
The position was posted nationally on December 18th across multiple recruitment platforms and remained open through January 29th, resulting in a strong and competitive pool of applicants from across the country. On February 11th, the Search Committee, composed of school leaders and both current and past BOD members, reviewed the qualified candidates with 3 candidates rising to the top of the lists. The Board worked closely with Dr. Cooper to carefully review applications and video screenings, and thoughtfully narrow the field to two finalists.
We are pleased to announce that these two candidates will now advance in the final stage of the selection process. Families, staff, and community members are invited to participate in a public forum on March 9th, where candidates will engage in discussion and respond to questions. Final interviews will take place on March 10th during a Board Special Session, which will be open to the public and held via Zoom in the same format as our monthly Board meetings. Additional information about the forum and public interviews can also be found at: https://www.jajags.com/page/executive-director-search
Following the forum and final interviews, the Board plans to select and announce the next Executive Director on March 17th. The selected candidate will officially begin serving as Executive Director in July.
To ensure a fair, thorough, and respectful process for all applicants, candidate identities remained confidential until the finalist stage.
We are deeply grateful for the engagement, feedback, and partnership of our Jefferson Academy Charter Schools community throughout this process. Your involvement has been essential as we seek strong, mission-aligned leadership to guide JACS into its next chapter.