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“Kids drive my passion for education and I want to make sure they have equitable opportunities,” stated Dr. Molly McComas, new superintendent for the Clark County School District. “It’s critically important. I want to do right by people, right by kids, right by communities.”

After a long search, the Clark County school district has found an individual worthy to fill the role of superintendent. On Monday, McComas began serving as the district’s new head of education. To the role, she brings 22 years of experience along with multiple college certifications – including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Master’s of Science in Library and Information Science.

In Clark County, McComas said she plans to increase programs and opportunities for students at all levels, striving to give all students the education needed to be successful when they join the workforce. For some, that may mean a four-year degree. For others, it means graduating with industry certificates or associates degrees. And for certain students, that means helping them make connects and take part in career tracks with Clark County’s business industry. Ultimately, McComas wants students and their families to “see the endgame” of their education, meaning a clear plan beyond walking out with a high school diploma. 

“We want our children to walk into greatness when they leave us, whether it be as a parent, as a community leader, as a business owner, as an employee at one of our businesses, or if they decide to leave Clark county,” said McComas. “Right now we’ve got kids in kindergarten who, when they graduate, they’re going to be competing for jobs that don’t even exist right now. And that is how we have to look through the lens of education.”

McComas has spent years of her life pursuing her own education. Thanks to cattle sales made through the family farm of her husband of 26 years, Joe, McCommas returned to higher education numerous times and earned certifications in a variety of subjects. To widen her possibilities, McComas Eastern Kentucky University to earn her doctorate, master of arts and superintendent certifications. Additionally, McComas her time at Xavier University is where she earned her pupil personnel certification, , her bachelor of science from Northern Kentucky University, and her master of science from the University of Kentucky. 

Her teaching career began more than 22 years ago, with McComas having taught geometry to English-learning students at Grand County High School. In the years that followed, she worked as a director of student services and operations for Williamstown Independent Schools, as well as a director of Head Start Preschool. 

“I love learning, I love expanding my knowledge base too,” said McComas. “Some people go to college and they get laser-focused on their area of concentration, which is wonderful. But I want to keep increasing opportunities and knowledge for myself that would allow me to have a bunch of experiences both professionally and in the world.”

McComas adds that these various experiences help when it comes to analyzing a situation from multiple perspectives. As an example, she noted that a library media specialist thinks differently from a mathematics teacher. Meanwhile, one in an educational leadership role sees things differently in curriculum than those in the operations side of it. With this angle, McComas aims to reduce barriers for students and enable them to grow up as stronger parents, teachers, business personnel, government officials and so on. 

“We all have to understand that our kids come to us, just like our staff, they come into our building carrying a lot of stuff we can’t see,” she said. “And we’ve got to be prepared to and be equipped to help the carry that, help them walk into greatness. And that means putting your stake in the ground, starting at grade-level content, and helping them access that equitably.”