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KARAMAZOO, Michigan — The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education interviewed three finalists on May 8 to find a new superintendent.
Stephanie Jones of Chicago Public Schools, Darrin Slade of Hazelwood Public Schools near St. Louis, and Ty Weeks of Dearborn Heights No. 7 School District explained why they should be KPS’ next superintendents. Each was questioned in his one-hour time slot.
Candidates discussed how to address the opportunity gap after the COVID-19 pandemic, how to reduce incidents of violence in schools, and how to support students and staff.
KPS launched a search for a new superintendent in January after former superintendent Rita Raichouduri suddenly resigned. Rachoudhuri became superintendent in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The email revealed tensions between Raichouduri and the board, with Raichouduri accusing them of creating a toxic work environment.
Weeks was first interviewed and began by describing himself as an “educator at heart” who was encouraged by being educated at an early age. As a first-generation college student, Weeks feels that “he’s indebted to the school,” which is one of the reasons he applied for the position.
Prior to becoming superintendent of Dearborn Heights No. 7 School District in the fall of 2021, Weeks worked as a teacher, advocate, professor, principal, Title IX compliance coordinator, and youth program developer, according to a KPS press release. rice field.
When asked about how the opportunity and learning gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic should be addressed, Weeks said the mindset needs to change. Weeks designated reading and social/emotional learning priorities as the focus.
Weeks also spoke about recovery practices when asked how he works to reduce violence in schools. He said he would like to learn.
“As a community, when a student does something that violates our code of conduct, we don’t ignore the cues.
Jones got the floor second. She explained how she transitioned from a career in social work to teaching after her daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability. According to a KPS press release, Jones was a special education teacher at Chicago Public Schools, the same district Raichouduri worked in, and was the director of special services for another school district in Illinois.
Jones pointed to training teachers in structured literacy as a success she is proud of. said to have contributed to the resolution of
Responding to questions about when Jones built consensus on difficult issues, Jones spoke about her role as head of the Office of Diverse Learner Support. After discovering that it had been, she had to take corrective action. CPS was accused of limping in the process, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Jones was also accused of creating a toxic work environment, but her investigation found that her allegations were baseless.
Jones was previously contacted by the MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette for comment but did not respond.
“Understanding the feelings of a parent made me feel completely empathetic and really wanted us to make a comprehensive plan together,” Jones said.
The last person I interviewed was Darrin Slade. Prior to becoming Deputy Superintendent, he was Deputy Superintendent of Educational Leadership for Kansas City Public Schools, District of Columbia Public Schools where he was Principal for 16 years, and Baltimore City Public Schools where he was Assistant Principal and Classroom Teacher for 11 years. I was. KPS press release.
In response to questions about operations, Slade explained that he has hands-on experience with school budget planning in the District of Columbia. He also said he had experience being part of the Hazelwood Public Schools collective bargaining team.
Slade reiterated the importance of making sure parents, students and staff have their voices heard.
“I went to the school and talked to the janitor, the lunch staff, the students. There are no secrets in his district,” said Slade.
When asked how Slade deals with violence in schools, Slade said she can draw on her experience working in a school in Baltimore, where she said violence is also a challenge. Modeling how to do things, over-communicate expectations, and properly supervise students are essential, Slade said.
Slade said he has followed KPS closely over the past two years and believes his success in past positions makes him a good fit for the district. Slade was a finalist for the 2020 He KPS Supervisory and Grand Rapids Supervisory Positions.
“This is where I should be. I felt at home here today,” said Slade.
Community members who have watched all three meetings can submit their feedback through the link provided at the meetings until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 9. A candidate response session with staff and community members will take place on May 9 at 7:00 pm at the West Main Professional Development Center, 1627. W. Main Street.
A full transcript of the interview can be found here.
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The Board of Directors will elect the district’s incoming superintendent at a meeting held at 6:00 p.m. on May 11 at the KPS Administration Office, 1220 Howard Street.
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