Jefferson Schools Communications Director Resigns

Barnard Baker's last day with Jefferson County Public Schools is Friday, Nov. 13, after four months in the role.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Administration

Jefferson Schools Communications Director Resigns

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Barnard Baker has resigned as communications director for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Ky., with Friday, Nov. 13 as his last day. Rachel Scott will serve as interim executive officer of communications after his departure.

Why it matters

Baker was the fourth district communications staffer to depart in the past year, and his resignation letter cited ongoing issues at JCPS that he said prevent him from fulfilling his role to his professional standards. The turnover raises questions about communications stability within the Louisville school district.

Baker held the communications director position for four months before announcing his resignation on Friday, Nov. 6. The departure makes him the fourth district communications staffer to leave in the past year, though the extraction does not specify the other departures.

The players

Jefferson County Public Schools

The public school district serving Louisville, Ky., and surrounding Jefferson County, which operates one of the largest school systems in Kentucky.

Barnard Baker

The former JCPS communications director who resigned after four months, citing ongoing district issues in his departure letter.

Rachel Scott

The JCPS Director of Communications and Community Relations who has been appointed interim executive officer of communications.

The details

In a letter announcing his decision, Baker said it was not made lightly and that current conditions at JCPS prevent him from performing his role to his standards. Scott, currently the district's Director of Communications and Community Relations, will take over as interim executive officer of communications.

Four months before Nov. 6, 2026: Baker takes the JCPS communications director position.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: Baker officially resigns.
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026: Baker's last day with the district.

Season Trajectory

Baker's exit adds to a run of four communications departures at Jefferson County Public Schools within the past year. The continued turnover places new pressure on the district's interim leadership as it manages public messaging.

Families and staff in Louisville may notice changes in how the district communicates with the public during the transition to interim leadership. Parents seeking district updates should watch for official messages from the communications office as Scott takes over.

The takeaway

Leadership turnover in a school district's communications office can affect how quickly and clearly families receive information. Readers who rely on district updates should check official JCPS channels as interim leadership settles in.