Dolton educator and navy veteran named WHD SD147 superintendent

Correction, 07/03/2025: Earlier reporting incorrectly indicated that a human resources official was suspended. While an agenda item indicated the official was to be suspended, the board did not ultimately move to suspend that official, and this reporting has removed that information.

The West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147 board introduced Kenneth Scott as the new permanent superintendent during its regular board meeting on June 2.

Scott currently serves as the associate superintendent of Dolton School District 149. According to the DSD 149 website, he served two tours in the Persian Gulf War as an air traffic controller. He has over 25 years of education experience.

“I have so many ideas, and there are so many initiatives that I was able to bring to fruition in other spaces, [and] I’m excited about being able to bring those ideas and programs here,” Scott said in an interview with the HWH. “I’m just really looking to be a light and bring my best self.”

Scott will officially assume the role on July 1, ending the terms of part-time interim superintendents Jerry Jordan and Creg Williams. While Williams was absent from the meeting, Jordan delivered a joint statement thanking the board for their support during the duo’s temporary tenure.

“On behalf of Dr. Williams and myself, we do want to thank the board for giving us the opportunity these past three and a half years to provide educational leadership for District 147 and to serve the children of this community,” Jordan said.

The announcement comes less than a month after the board revealed its plans to appoint a permanent superintendent this summer. Residents had expressed skepticism towards Jordan and Williams dual leadership, questioning their division in responsibilities and financial compensation.

“[The district] has two interim superintendents because both are part-time…And yes, we both are being paid,” Williams said of his and Jordan’s roles during last month’s meeting. “We’re interim superintendents that work approximately two days a week each.”

Action items and personnel

In a consent agenda, the board approved many personnel items, including the resignations of a district administrative assistant and data manager. The move also confirmed the termination of Sheila Mobley, a third grade teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School.

The district has endured a series of personnel changes in recent months. Jacqanai Gipson resigned as principal of Rosa L. Parks Middle School back in March. Janiesa Owens was appointed Chief School Business Official.

While the termination of Morgan Kupec, a band teacher at Rosa L. Parks Middle School, was listed in the agenda, the board decided to skip the item before voting. Four security guard consultant contracts were postponed for approval.

The agenda also encompassed contracts for summer camp staff, professional development agreements, and health and safety services.

The board passed 60 action items in another consent agenda. Read the agenda here.

Rosa L. Parks Middle School and Lincoln Early Learning Center will receive new curtains, provided by Inpro, for their nurse’s offices. Meanwhile, CDW Government will equip all schools and district offices with Google Workspace’s Education Plus software for a three-year term. 

Other approved items include curriculum renewals, technology platforms, and facility improvements across all schools.