Well-Respected Metro Educator Dr. John Martin to Serve as Interim Chief

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan. 23, 2008) – The Kansas City, Missouri School Board and Superintendent Anthony Amato have agreed in principal to a transition agreement, School Board President David Smith announced today.

“Superintendent Amato made progress in his tenure as leader of the school district,” said Smith. “However, both the board and Superintendent Amato reached the mutual conclusion that a change in leadership was the best way to ensure the long-term success of the programs the superintendent has initiated.” 

“It has been a privilege to serve the students of this district, and I look forward to continuing to serve them during this period of transition,” Amato said. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Amato will end his tenure as superintendent immediately, but will continue to serve the district in a consulting role through December to assist with providing continuity during the implementation of the programs begun under his administration.

“We seek leadership to implement these new programs in a way that complements existing initiatives which already enjoy widespread support from faculty, staff, parents, community groups, civic leaders, and business organizations,” said Smith.

The school board will appoint highly regarded local education veteran Dr. John Martin to serve as interim superintendent. Most recently, Martin served as deputy superintendent of the St. Louis Metropolitan School District. He previously served as the superintendent of the Grandview School District for nine years.

“Dr. Martin has a distinguished history of success as an academic administrator, and the Kansas City, Missouri School District is fortunate to have such a well-respected local leader to help lead us through this time of transition,” said Smith.

Martin will assume his post Monday, and his priorities will include continuity and stability in classroom instruction, moving implementation of the new initiatives forward, managing the Independence annexation transition, and preparation for the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) review scheduled for this April.

“Our first obligation is to the children of Kansas City,” Smith said. “We pledge to focus on effective teaching and learning in our schools. While the board works to bring new leadership to school district headquarters, Dr. Martin will ensure that our front-line educators have what they need to meet our commitment to the students.”

The board will begin its search for a permanent replacement as soon as possible.

“Our priority is finding the right candidate, not the ‘right now’ candidate,” Smith said. “The board will work closely with the Missouri Department of Education, Council of the Great City Schools and other respected education groups to identify candidates.”

The board voted to approve the final terms of its transition agreement with Amato at its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday evening. It is anticipated the agreement will become final within seven to 10 days.