Will oversee 29 JCPS elementary schools
By Mark Hebert
May 30, 2023 - A former teacher and school principal has been named the new assistant superintendent of elementary school, Zone 3. Jessica Rosenthal is currently the executive administrator of middle schools for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and will begin working with the elementary school team in June.
“During my time as executive administrator, I have worked closely with many new and experienced principals as they lead through change and toward improvement,” Rosenthal said. “This coming year brings a great opportunity to lead Zone 3 through the changes of new start times, the school choice plan, and district-wide curriculum adoption.”
Rosenthal will oversee the operation of 29 elementary schools in Jefferson County along with state agency schools. In her current post as executive administrator (EA) of middle schools, she is the “right hand person” for the assistant superintendent of middle schools - supervising and coaching principals, providing daily support for schools’ safety, instructional and managerial needs and serving on multiple district committees.
“Jessica Rosenthal has excelled at every step on her education career ladder,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent. “She has proven to be an extraordinary educator and leader. The students, families and school staff at every Zone 3 elementary school will be well-served by her talent and leadership.”
Rosenthal began her education career in 2003 in Nashville as a middle school and high school English teacher. She came to JCPS in 2008 as a principal intern before serving nine years as the principal at Hawthorne Elementary School. She has been the EA for the middle school team since 2018.
“In my career, I have enjoyed working at every grade level from Pre-K through high school,” she said. “I am looking forward to returning to elementary Zone 3 and working with the amazing leaders and educators in Zone 3.”
Rosenthal received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Education from Harvard University. She has certifications for superintendent and Rank 1 elementary literacy and is working on her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville. Rosenthal is taking over the assistant superintendent position from Joe Leffert, who is retiring.