Karen Cheser has been named superintendent of the Fort Thomas Independent Schools. Cheser has served the deputy superintendent/chief academic officer of Boone County Scholls since 2012 and has been with system since 2007.
Earning an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Business Informatics from Northern Kentucky University, Cheser also has B.A., M.Ed. degrees and other coursework from Western Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky.
She is a nationally recognized educator.
Cheser’s career in education began in 1988 and has included positions as a teacher, coach, literacy and math specialist, principal, distinguished educator and district administrator. Prior to her years in education, she worked for Procter & Gamble Inc. in sales and brand management.
Karen Cheser
Cheser serves on the EdLeader21 National Advisory Board, Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative Advisory Council, Greater Cincinnati Service Learning Executive Committee, Leadership NKY Advisory Council and has been the co-chair of NKY Education Council Action Team 2 (College and Career Readiness) for seven years.
She was the 2016 Toyota/Storer Business Collaboration Award winner, a 2015 AASA National Woman Administrator of the Year Award finalist, Vision 2015 Champion of Education, a 2015 Outstanding Woman of NKY, 2013 KY District Administrator of the Year and A.D. Albright Outstanding Administrator (NKY Chamber of Commerce, 2009).
“The Fort Thomas Board of Education, with a unanimous vote and great anticipation, welcomes Karen Cheser as our next outstanding superintendent,” said board chair Brad Fennell. “Karen comes to us with impressive credentials and, more importantly, a focus on global competency and world-class measurement. With Karen at the helm, we anticipate pushing the envelope beyond the status quo. Her tremendous passion for innovation in education and “outside the box” thinking will allow the Fort Thomas Independent Schools and community to tangibly measure how well we are achieving our mission and vision. It is our belief that Karen’s unique ability to innovative, motivate and unify will lead to world class results.”
“I am thrilled to partner with the Fort Thomas Board of Education to lead this district, where the schools are the heart of the community,” stated Cheser. “Fort Thomas is a rare find in the United States, where not only is a rich tradition of academic excellence well-known, but a desire to move schools to be the best in the world drives continuous improvement. I am looking forward to being part of this community, working with outstanding administrators, teachers, staff and parents to provide endless opportunities for our students.”
Cheser resides in Union, with her husband and two sons, ages 14 and 17. In her spare time she coaches her sons’ FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics and Odyssey of the Mind teams.
Cheser signed a four-year contract with the district and will begin serving as superintendent on July 1, 2017.
Ft. Thomas Schools
As a retired educator and having known Karen for the past 25 years, I’d like to congratulate both Karen and Ft. Thomas Schools! Under Karen’s leadership the residence of Ft. Thomas can look forward to the continued growth toward excellence in your school district and community.