Dr. Joseph Ellison III named Assistant Superintendent of High Schools

Ellison first came to JCPS in 2006

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio has named Dr. Joe Ellison III the new assistant superintendent of high schools. Ellison has been an educator for 20 years, most recently as an executive administrator for high schools in JCPS. He has held that job since 2020.

man standing in office
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be selected to serve our students and schools in this capacity,” said Dr. Ellison. “We will focus on deepening equity, access, and opportunity for our students to ensure their success in high school and in their lives after graduation.”

Ellison began his career teaching English and communications at Owensboro High School. He moved to Louisville in 2006 to become an assistant principal at Fern Creek High School. Ellison was also an assistant principal at Southern and Seneca High schools before he became principal at Collins High School in Shelby County in 2016.  

“I was once told by my high school guidance counselor that I would never be successful because I made C’s. I have worked every day since then to prove her wrong. This experience also fuels my passion to work for students and to support schools in making students’ dreams come to life. I am excited and extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead in this capacity and look forward to the difference we can continue to make in the lives of JCPS students,” said Dr. Ellison.

Ellison graduated from Cumberland College, received his master’s from Western Kentucky University (WKU) and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Urban Development from the University of Louisville (UofL). 

Ellison’s first day in his new job is Monday, July 12. He takes over the assistant superintendent post from Christy Rogers who retired at the end of June.