Abby Hoover
Abby Hoover
Managing Editor
Kansas City Public Schools is conducting a nationwide search for its next superintendent and has contracted with an executive search firm to lead the search.
The KCPS Board of Directors is charged with hiring the new superintendent, following Dr. Bedell’s departure.
On Oct. 26, 2022, the School Board contracted executive search firm JG Consulting to conduct a nationwide search for the next superintendent of schools.
“KCPS is on the move, and after returning our district to full accreditation on Jan. 11, 2022, our Board is excited about the opportunity of hiring our next superintendent,” KCPS Board Chair Nate Hogan said. “We are seeking a highly qualified leader to move the district forward by accelerating academic achievement, improving the overall student experience and ensuring KCPS graduates are ready to take advantage of the life-changing career opportunities that await them.”
“As part of the search process, the KCPS Board of Directors will place a very high emphasis on community engagement,” the announcement said. “The community’s voice will be critical in helping define the leadership characteristics, qualities and qualifications of our next superintendent.”
In December, the Board will engage parents, staff, students and a range of community stakeholders to ensure the viewpoints of a broad cross-section of the Kansas City community are represented. Updates regarding community engagement, as well as other aspects of the hiring process, will be shared on the Superintendent Search website, www.kcpublicschools.org/suptsearch, during regularly scheduled Board meetings and other channels as appropriate.
“Thoroughly and effectively engaging our community will be critical to ensuring we identify the right candidate for the right time in KCPS’ history,” Hogan said. “Our students, teachers, families, staff and community deserve nothing less.”
The Board will begin by engaging small groups of stakeholders next week, followed by in-person town hall meetings on December 12 and 13. Mattie Rhodes Center, 148 N. Topping Ave., will host an English session from 5 to 6 p.m. and a Spanish session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 13. A complete list of dates and times can be found on the Superintendent Search website.
Michael Bushnell
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