Liberty Public Schools wins Carnegie award; board hears reports and names next superintendent

Liberty Public Schools on Monday told its board that the district has been named a recipient of a Carnegie Award for Impact and shared several administrative updates on enrollment, staffing and upcoming conferences. Separately, board leaders announced Dr. Jennifer Kephart as the district's next superintendent, expected to begin in July.

"Liberty Public Schools was awarded the first ever Carnegie Award for Impact," Dr. Moore told the board, saying the honor recognizes district work improving student success in high school and preparing students for post‑graduation life. Staff said the district will present at a national summit and is still learning what additional opportunities or obligations come with the award.

Administrators also provided routine reports: Dr. Dixon reported 136 kindergarten families have completed registration so far this season (down slightly from recent years), and Dr. Marriott said the Grow Your Own Teacher scholarship application window closed with more applicants than last year. Finance staff noted a current collection rate of 82% for the year, down from 97% at the same point last year, and operations staff previewed an approximately $6,000,000 capital plan and reported that Liberty Academy's new kitchen is operational and has raised cafeteria utilization.

During the meeting the board announced its selection of Dr. Jennifer Kephart to succeed the district's long‑serving superintendent; the newly named superintendent is expected to join the district in July. Board members praised outgoing leadership and thanked community stakeholders who participated in the superintendent search.

What's next: staff said they will provide more details about the Carnegie award presentation and continue budget presentations in March. The board plans further study sessions to unpack state accountability, A–F proposals and pending legislation that could affect district policy and funding.