KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education is continuing to search for a new Superintendent.
During a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, pre-recorded video interviews were played to board members and parents. After a vote was taken, four were selected to be invited for a second interview.
Although the search has been narrowed down, officials say that the candidates are all qualified.
“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 previous statement.
Candidates Efe Agbamu, Rita Raichoudhuri, Darrin Slade and Fabby Williams are still up for the position.
Information about the four candidates can be viewed in full 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The final candidate chosen will replace former superintendent Michael Rice, who has been chosen as the next State Superintendent of Schools. Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance Gary Start has been serving as interim superintendent while the candidate search has been underway.
The second round of interviews for the position are currently scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on February 4-5.
