KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Public Schools has announced that six candidates will be interviewed by video for the position of Superintendent.
KPS officials say that the six applicants were chosen from a pool of around three dozen applicants. The applicants include both in-state and out-of-state contenders.
“This pool reflects the positive reputation of the Kalamazoo Public Schools and the search criteria that was carefully created by the board with extensive stakeholder input,” search consultant Donna Oser, CAE, said in a statement.
With the video interviews, the vetting process has begun. Two additional rounds of public interviews, plus thorough background and reference checks, will also be held.
The full list of candidates being interviewed with details below:
- Efe Agbamu, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Schools, St. Paul Public Schools, Minnesota. With a background teaching in both K-12 and higher education, and over 16 years of administrative experience, Dr. Agbamu currently works to provide organizational oversight as Assistant Superintendent of Schools supervising 15 K-12 schools and holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership.
- Robert Behnke, M.A., Superintendent, Adrian Public Schools, Michigan. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, Mr. Behnke brings 23 years of education experience including 6 years as superintendent. His career has also included classroom teaching, building administration, and central office administration roles.
- Rita Raichoudhuri, Ed.D., Executive Director, Early College & Career Education, Chicago Public Schools, Illinois. With a Doctorate Degree in Urban Education Leadership and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Raichoudhuri’s educational career has spanned 16 years including classroom teaching, building level principal and central office roles.
- Darrin Slade, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership, Kansas City Public Schools, Missouri. Holding two Master’s Degrees in Education and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, Dr. Slade brings more than 28 years of experience in education. Slade’s past roles include time as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal.
- Matthew Wandrie, Ed.S., Superintendent, Lapeer Community Schools, Michigan. With over 20 years in education and more than 8 years as a superintendent, Mr. Wandrie brings K-12 experiences from past roles as a classroom teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, and director of human resources. Mr. Wandrie holds a Specialist in Education Degree and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
- Fabby Williams, Ed.D., Learning Area Superintendent/ School Support Officer, Guilford County Schools, North Carolina. Holding a Doctorate’s Degree in Educational Leadership and two Educational Specialist Degrees, Dr. Williams currently supervises 13 schools and principals in his learning area. His education career has spanned over 20 years including roles as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, administrator for student services and principal.
Officials say that the pre-recorded video interviews will be viewed by the Board of Education during a public meeting on January 28, 2020, 6:15 p.m., in the Board Room of the KPS Administration Building.
All parents, family members, community members and district staff members are invited to attend the interviews and offer feedback.
Any further questions about the candidates can be answered by contacting Greg Sieszputowski, Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search Services, at 517-327-9224 or gregs@masb.org.
