The Louisville Municipal School District Board of Trustees has hired a nationally recognized educator with extensive experience in school administration as the new superintendent.
The LMSD Board of Trustees voted 4 to 1 in the Friday, May 18 special called meeting to offer the Superintendent role to Dr. Randy Grierson who presently is a principal in the Cleveland School District.
Dr. Grierson received much fanfare for leading East Side High School in Cleveland from "At Risk of Failing" to a successful B rated school in 2014. East Side High School and Cleveland High School merged in 2016. Dr. Grierson has 18 years of experience with 8 years as a high school administrator and 10 years coaching at Delta State University. Dr. Grierson will begin officially on July 1.
"I have visited the area and have done a lot of research on the district and county," said Dr. Grierson.
Grierson noted that he is ready to get to know the staff, the students and the community.
"I'm looking to get feedback from the faculty, staff and the community," said Grierson. He added, "The key is getting everyone working together."
Dr. Grierson noted that he is looking to build a collaborative effort in the across the district and community to improve the education for all students.
"I am for bringing people together," said Dr. Grierson.
Dr. Grierson understands improving any areas does not happen overnight and he is going to have to build trust with each part of the community starting with teachers and staff.
"We have to make a plan… My role is to help all the stakeholders and to move the district forward," said Dr. Grierson.
Dr. Grierson did note that he did have a sense of urgency to improve the areas that are falling behind and focus on the areas that are effective and efficient in the district to make sure implemented district-wide. Dr. Grierson he added one of the reasons he applied to the district because he could sense the opportunity for growth and felt he was up for the challenge.
"There is always room for improvement.. and we will strive every day to focus on children being their best," said Dr. Grierson.
One of the ways Dr. Grierson aims to help students strive for success is to focus on reading in the early grades.
"It all starts with reading," said Dr. Grierson. "Creating a firm foundation is so important."
Dr. Grierson noted he is ready to begin his role in the district.
"There are a lot of positives and a lot we can build upon in the district," said Dr. Grierson. "Let us as a community be about improving the lives of all the children."
Dr. Grierson and his wife Jennifer have two children who will be in the 3rd and 6th grade.
Dr. Grierson replaces LMSD Superintendent Ken McMullan who resigned from the post.
