DoDEA

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — August 29, 2008 — Dr. Elaine Beraza, Director, Department of Defense (DoD) Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) and Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Cuba, (DoDDS-Cuba) announced today that Dr. Jo Blease has been named the new Assistant Superintendent for the Fort Campbell schools, part of the Kentucky District. Blease has been acting Assistant Superintendent for Fort Campbell since Martha Brown was named Superintendent for the Okinawa District, Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) Pacific.

Blease had served as principal of Van Voorhis Elementary School, at Fort Knox, Ky., since 1997. She also served as principal at Crittenberger Elementary School, from 1993-97, when that school closed. She began her career with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) in September 1992 as an Instructional Systems Specialist at Fort Knox.

"Jo Blease brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will greatly benefit our Fort Campbell school community.” said Dr. Frank Calvano, Kentucky District Superintendent. “She fosters a team approach to addressing issues of quality education for students, and she works diligently with staff, parents and military commanders to benefit all children.”

Blease earned her bachelor’s of science degree in education from Peabody College in Nashville, her master’s degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and her doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

She and her husband, Ray, plan to reside in Clarksville, Tenn. They have seven grown children, two grandchildren and one on the way.