Liberty Public Schools Names Dr. Jennifer Kephart as Next Superintendent

Following a comprehensive search process, the Liberty Public Schools Board of Education is pleased to announce the unanimous selection of Dr. Jennifer Kephart as the district's next superintendent, effective July 1, 2026.

Dr. Kephart is currently in her fifth year serving as superintendent in the School District of Washington, near St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to her tenure in Washington, she held leadership positions for four years in the Lee's Summit School District, serving as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for two years, followed by Associate Superintendent of Academic Services. It will be somewhat of a homecoming for Dr. Kephart, as she served as the Executive Director for Elementary Education in Liberty Public Schools from 2014 to 2017.

"The Board of Education is thrilled that Dr. Kephart has agreed to serve as the next superintendent of Liberty Public Schools," said LPS Board President Karen Rogers. "Dr. Kephart brings experienced and student-focused leadership, a commitment to family and community engagement, and the understanding that our LPS team is key to student success."

The Kansas City area is considered home for Dr. Kephart, as she graduated from Shawnee Mission South and began her teaching career in the Shawnee Mission School District before crossing the state line to Missouri in 2002. She spent a total of eleven years in the Park Hill School District, serving in several positions that included teacher, building administrator, and district leader.

"I am grateful and excited to serve as the next superintendent of Liberty Public Schools," said Kephart. "Returning to LPS truly feels like coming home. Having served here earlier in my career, the experiences, relationships, and lessons from that time had a lasting impact on me as a leader. Liberty Public Schools' strong reputation for academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a community that values students make this an incredibly meaningful opportunity."

During her tenure at the School District of Washington, there has been a continuous focus on engagement among the district's various stakeholder groups. Most notably, Dr. Kephart has helped lead Connect Washington, which engages students in meaningful career exploration opportunities and bolsters the local workforce. She has also been instrumental in introducing and implementing the Success-Ready Students Network in her district, which is a collaborative group of Missouri school districts focused on transitioning to a competency-based education system, of which LPS is also a member.

"Throughout the search process, the Board carefully considered input from the various LPS stakeholder groups, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to share their perspectives," said Rogers. "This collaborative approach was instrumental in identifying a leader who reflects the community’s values and priorities, and the Board sincerely appreciates the engagement that helped shape this important decision."

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Cornell College, her Master of Science in Educational Administration from Emporia State University, and her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University.

Dr. Kephart is married to her husband, Pete, who is a retired Army helicopter pilot and currently is a commercial pilot. She also has a son, Murphy, who serves as an Air Force pilot stationed in Wichita, Kansas, along with a bonus daughter, Shelby, who is a freshman in high school in the Chicago area.

She will replace current superintendent Dr. Jeremy Tucker, who announced his retirement from LPS last fall following twelve years of serving as superintendent. Liberty Public Schools will plan to provide several opportunities for district stakeholders to engage with Dr. Kephart as she officially transitions into her new role later this summer.

"I am honored to follow the leadership of Dr. Tucker," said Kephart. "He has led Liberty Public Schools with integrity, innovation, and a clear commitment to excellence, and I am thankful for the strong foundation he has built for students, staff, and the community. The partnership between families, staff, and the broader community is a defining strength of the district, and it is one of the reasons Liberty continues to be a destination district."