New Norfolk Schools Leader Promises Proud Schools for Students

Jeff Rose, the new superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, vows to create conditions for students and parents to be proud of their schools.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jeff Rose, the newly hired superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, spoke publicly for the first time on Monday. Rose, who will take office on February 23, said his goal is to lead the school district in a way that makes students and parents proud of their schools. Rose's annual salary will be $290,000, a 21% increase from the previous superintendent. He recognized challenges like school consolidation and declining enrollment, but said Norfolk is not alone in facing these issues and that he sees great potential in the district.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new superintendent is significant for Norfolk Public Schools, which has faced challenges like school consolidation and declining enrollment. Rose's focus on creating conditions for students and parents to be proud of their schools could signal a shift in priorities and approach for the district.

The details

Jeff Rose, a California native, was named the 24th superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools in a 4-3 vote by the divided school board on January 30. His annual salary of $290,000 represents a 21% increase from the previous superintendent, Sharon Byrdsong, who was fired last summer. Rose's benefits package also includes a $12,000 annual car allowance, up from $8,000 previously. Prior to this role, Rose was the senior vice president of leadership development at Cognia, a nonprofit that consults with education leaders. He has also served as a superintendent in Fulton County, Georgia, and in Oregon school districts, in addition to roles as a principal and teacher.

  • Rose will take office as the new superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools on February 23, 2026.
  • Byrdsong was fired as superintendent last summer, and James Pohl has been serving as the interim superintendent since then.

The players

Jeff Rose

The newly hired superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, who will take office on February 23, 2026.

Sharon Byrdsong

The previous superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools, who was fired last summer.

James Pohl

The district's chief academic officer, who has been serving as the interim superintendent since Byrdsong's termination.

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What they’re saying

“I think students deserve to go to a school that they are proud of. I think parents deserve to send their children to schools that they are proud of. It is our job to create the conditions to make that happen.”

— Jeff Rose, Newly hired superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The appointment of Jeff Rose as the new superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools signals a potential shift in priorities for the district, with a focus on creating conditions for students and parents to be proud of their schools. Rose's experience and approach could help address the challenges of school consolidation and declining enrollment that the district faces.