Rhoda Named New Community Schools of Frankfort Superintendent

New Community Schools of Frankfort Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda, middle, is flanked on the left by school board embers Robert Marcum, Kristen Beardsley and Sandy Miller and on the right by board members Mandi Mitchell, Karen Sutton and Bud McQuade. Not pictured is board members Barb Gerald.
Community Schools of Frankfort teachers were honored Tuesday night. From left are FHS Principal Cindy Long, Suncrest Principal Stephanie West, Kelli Klyczek of Suncrest, Green Meadows Principal Lindsey Bright, Blue Ridge Principal Maggie McKinney, FMS Principal Kelly Berenda, Allen Hayes of FMS, Tanya Weidner of Green Meadows and Amanda Hoskins of Blue Ridge.

The Community Schools of Frankfort Board of Education named Dr. Matt Rhoda as the school’s new superintendent Tuesday night to replace Joel McKinney, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

Rhoda, who has served as the district’s assistant superintendent since January of 2021, gets a three-year contract. He assumes his new post on July 1.

“I came in and interviewed and met Joel McKinney,” said Rhoda. “Automatically, I thought this is a guy that I can learn from and work with and someone who can teach me how to work at this level.”

Prior to his working with the Community Schools of Frankfort, Rhoda worked for 17 1/2 years as a building principal in the Lafayette School District.

Rhoda admitted he was surprised  when McKinney talked to him about his departure.

“When he hired me, he eluded to the fact that we would not be in that seat for too long,” said Rhoda. “I thought it would be two or three years. But, I think because his wife is retiring. They have the means to do so and they wanted to retire together. The timing worked out well for him.”

Rhoda was also asked what thing or things he could use to his advantage and make things better.

“You have an openness from administration,” said Rhoda. “The school board, teachers are open to doing whatever is necessary to support kids.”

Rhoda was joined by his parents, Bob and Jackie Rhoda, his wife Leigh, and his son Derek at the event.

Also recognized at the meeting was the school’s Teachers of the Year at each building. They were Andy Dudley of Frankfort High School, Allen Hayes of Frankfort Middle School, Tanya Weidner of Green Meadows, Kelli Klyczek of Suncrest and Amanda Hoskins of Blue Ridge.