School board chooses new superintendent

bedellThe school board hopes to soon be introducing a new superintendent to the community.

The Kansas City Public Schools Board of Directors voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Mark T. Bedell to serve as the next Superintendent of KCPS, the board said today.

Bedell, currently Assistant Superintendent for High Schools at Baltimore County Public Schools in Towson, Md., was one of two finalists chosen from 70 applications in a national search. The board said it got input from staff and school district families as well as from stakeholders at two public forums.

“The KCPS School Board appreciates the thoughtful input we received throughout this process,” Board Chair Jon Hile said. “The board, like our community, has set high expectations for quality leadership in KCPS. This process has yielded a leader with the skills and passion to ensure the district’s progress toward full accreditation and academic growth across all of our schools.”

Bedell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Master of Education degree in educational leadership and administration from Tennessee State University, and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Before joining the Baltimore County Public Schools four years ago, Dr. Bedell worked for Houston Independent School District for 12 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and as a school improvement officer.

The board hopes he will start his duties by July 1.

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