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The Harlan Independent School Board met on Monday, April 21, choosing the next Superintendent for the District.

Jennifer Parsons will take over the position following Superintendent C.D. Morton’s retirement at the end of the school year. Parsons signed a four-year contract for the position.

Following a brief pause in the meeting for the board to meet in executive session, Chairman Dr. Matt Nunez called the meeting back to order and announced Parsons had been chosen to fill the position.

Parsons will begin her tenure on July 1, according to a press release.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to be the next superintendent at Harlan Independent School District,” Parsons said following the meeting. “I’m very grateful and honored that the board has selected me and has confidence in me to lead us.”

Parsons is looking forward to the future.

“We have had a strong academic presence and to have an opportunity to continue that is exciting,” Parsons said.

Morton mentioned he is pleased with the board’s decision.

“While the steps from electing the screening committee to the conduction interviews can be lengthy, they offer valuable perspectives,” Morton said. “Jennifer started her career at Harlan Independent, and I couldn’t be happier that she’s been given the opportunity to lead it…She’s been a driving force behind many of our district’s successes. She operates at an elite level and understands both what it takes to lead and what it takes to change lives. This district is in great hands. The Board of Education hit a home run.”

Parsons has worked in the education field for 26 years, beginning as a teacher at Harlan Middle School. She also worked as the girls’ varsity basketball coach at Corbin High School, taking the team to a Sweet 16 appearance. She additionally served as Corbin Middle School principal before returning to Harlan, where she is currently director of districtwide services.

“Jennifer is deeply involved in every aspect of our district and has a personal stake in its success, with children attending our schools,” Nunez said. “She’s well prepared for this role, and we’re confident she will bring continuity and strong leadership. Our district has only had two superintendents in the past 30 years, and that stability has been vital. Jennifer is the right person to continue that legacy.”