IRSC Appoints Debra Kohuth as Dean of Charter Schools, Dr. Leslie Judd to Lead Clark Advanced Learning Center

June 30, 2022 Suzanne Seldes

FORT PIERCE, FL— Just weeks after breaking ground on its second charter high school, Indian River State College (IRSC) announces a strategic addition to its administrative staff. Effective immediately, Debra Kohuth will become the College's first Dean of Charter Schools. In this role, she provides leadership for the collaborative development of IRSC charter schools and ensures continuous improvement of charter school operations and student and staff success through ongoing assessment of education needs.

The move underscores the IRSC's commitment to working with communities, school districts and businesses in delivering unique and accessible secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities.

"We have opportunities, every day, to change lives in this College and in the communities we serve," said Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President. "Debra Kohuth has done an outstanding job as Executive Director of our Clark Advanced Learning Center. As Dean of Charter Schools, she will help IRSC further its mission, shaping and molding even more young minds and laying educational foundations upon which our citizens can build bright and successful futures."

Deb Kohuth headshot For the past eight years, Kohuth has served as Executive Director/Principal of IRSC's Clark Advanced Learning Center, a Grade "A" public charter high school in Stuart, Florida, organized in partnership with the Martin County School District. Since 2004, Clark has served 10th-, 11th-and 12th-grade students with enhanced secondary education, career training and college dual enrollment opportunities.

Originally from the Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania, Kohuth attended Villanova University and East Stroudsburg University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with secondary education certificate. She earned Master's degrees in both Mathematics and Educational Leadership from the University of Scranton. Before joining Clark, she taught at the middle- and high-school levels for 15 years. Kohuth is a member of the Rotary Club of Stuart–Sunrise and Columbiettes of St. Bernadette Church. She is a graduate of Leadership Martin County and was part of the 2016 Commissioner's Leadership Academy, sponsored by The Florida Department of Education and The Center of Educational Leadership.

Leslie Judd headshot Dr. Leslie Judd succeeds Kohuth as Executive Director/Principal of the Clark Learning Center. Judd has more than 19 years of experience in mental health, guidance counseling and administration in the high school setting. She most recently served as Assistant Director of the Clark Advanced Learning Center. Her responsibilities included overseeing admissions, assessment, discipline, student activities, safety, guidance and exceptional student education services, and mentoring.

Judd earned Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, Master of Education, and Education Specialist degrees from Florida Atlantic University, and her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Toledo. She has completed all the Martin County School District Aspiring Leaders Academy Level II Principal Certification requirements and is a Leadership Martin County graduate. Judd is involved with several community organizations and was a 2014 recipient of the United Way Employee Pillar of Character Award.

IRSC operates two charter high schools in Martin County, Florida: the Clark Advanced Learning Center and Indiantown High School. For more information, visit irsc.edu.