First Day of School For New JCPS Superintendent

The new superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools will begin work on Monday. Donna Hargens will replace interim superintendent Dr. Freda Merriweather.Hargens will visit Ballard High School where she will meet the districts 300 new teachers and participate in the yearly induction. The rest of the day will be spent with JCPS staff to prepare for the first day of school on Aug. 15, said officials.The board of education hired Hargens in July after being interviewed by the school board. Hargens was formerly the Chief Academic Officer of Wake County schools in North Carolina. It’s the 18^th largest school district in the nation. There she dealt with a controversial student assignment plan. When asked about Jefferson County’s student assignment plan, she said she needed for more information.Hargens visited Jefferson County shortly after she was hired and was briefed on key issues for the county including student assignment and busing. Her salary will be $276,000 with benefits.Click here to see a copy of Hargens's contract.