CPS Announces Inaugural Cohort for Superintendent’s CPS Leadership Collective

Cincinnati Public Schools is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the Superintendent’s CPS Leadership Collective, a new leadership development initiative designed to engage and empower staff members from across the District.

Created by Superintendent Shauna Murphy, the Collective brings together employees representing a wide range of roles and experiences across the District. Participants were selected for their commitment to students, leadership potential and dedication to helping shape the future of Cincinnati Public Schools.

“This is a historic moment for our District,” Superintendent Murphy shared. “As we prepare for our Bicentennial in 2029, we are not merely celebrating 200 years of history; we are actively architecting the next century of excellence.”

Over the next year, members of the Collective will meet monthly to engage in conversations and learning experiences focused on strategic leadership, systems thinking, cross-functional collaboration and decision-making aligned to District priorities. Participants will also have opportunities to share perspectives and insights directly with the Superintendent while building connections with colleagues from across CPS.

The CPS Leadership Collective is designed as a leadership laboratory focused on professional growth, collaboration and strengthening leadership capacity across the organization. The 2026-27 cohort includes staff members from schools and departments across Cincinnati Public Schools:

• Tamala Allison, Paraprofessional - North Avondale Montessori School 

• Karen Bruewer, Science Teacher - Shroder High School 

• Belinda Carson, Resource Coordinator - Withrow University High School 

• April Denson, Senior Support Specialist - LEAP Academy 

• Dwayne Fowler, Adult Educator - Aspire 

• Frances V. Guzman, ESOL Teacher - Hartwell Middle School 

• Cierra Burns Johnson, Districtwide Mentor - Human Resources and Talent 

• Michael Vincent McCall, Math and Science Teacher - Frederick Douglass School

• Ashley Morgan, Interim Principal - Virtual High School 

• Rebecca Morris, English Teacher - Hughes STEM High School 

• Shana Schneider, Supervisor - Facilities 

• Erika Robin Thierauf, Montessori 6-9 Teacher - Gamble Montessori Elementary

• Matthew Wadler, Senior Army Instructor - Aiken New Tech High School 

• Derek Williams, Athletic Director - Clark Montessori High School 

• Kevin Williams, Principal - Silverton Elementary School 

• Pam Williams, Transportation Director - Operations