The assistant principal at one Jefferson County Public Schools all-boys school is being promoted to principal at another all-boys school. Gerard Garrett Jr. is leaving W.E.B. DuBois Academy to lead Olmsted Academy North. Garrett will take the reins at Olmsted on July 1.
“We are excited to announce Mr. Garrett as the new principal at Olmsted North,” said Dr. Nathan Meyer, assistant superintendent of AIS. “He brings with him a diverse set of experiences that make him uniquely qualified for the position. He has demonstrated throughout his career an ability to forge a strong sense of community with students and staff members and a deep commitment to improving student outcomes.”
Garrett has been the assistant principal at DuBois for the past four school years. He began his education career as a special education teacher at Fern Creek High and Cochrane Elementary Schools before spending seven years beginning in 2013 at Doss High School as a special education teacher and dean of students.
“I am excited to become the new principal of Olmsted Academy North,” Garrett said. “My primary goal is to create a supportive and welcoming environment where every student is motivated to achieve academic excellence. I aim for Olmsted North Academy to be innovative and creative while meeting the needs of our student population. I want to maintain high expectations and a strong sense of school spirit.”
Garrett has degrees in social work from St. Catherine College and Kentucky State University along with master’s degrees in education and educational leadership from Spalding University and the University of Louisville, respectively. He is also a graduate of Jefferson County Leadership Academy's Equity Leadership Cadre program.
“As a member of the Racial Equity Cadre, I understand the importance of fairness and ensuring that the curriculum reflects the diversity of our students,” Garrett said. “The Racial Equity Cadre has prepared me to foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and progress. I am thrilled to work with the parents, students, faculty, and staff of Olmsted Academy North as we continue to build future leaders.”
By Mark Hebert