KIRKWOOD, Mo. — The search is on for the new superintendent in the Kirkwood School District. Officials are casting a wide net and conducting a nationwide search using the search firm School Exec Connect.
The district is trying to finding a person to fill the current Kirkwood superintendent Dr. David Ulrich's shoes.
School board president Nikole Shurn says the qualities the district is looking for is simple.
"[We want] a visionary, someone who's a strategic thinker and planner. We are the pioneers. So we want someone that's on the cutting edge and can bring new and fresh ideas to our district," Shurn said.
The district has already put out a survey, hosted a public forum and focus groups. The results were presented to the school board last month. Over 400 people answered the survey, weighing in on the districts strengths which include: a welcoming and inclusive community, high academic performance and supportive staff.
Challenges reported from the survey include issues with accountability, bullying, equity, turnover plus community and staff mistrust. The district will plan to interview candidates this month and by the new year a decision will be made.
"Our goal is by January, if not before, we will have our new superintendent named," Shurn said.
The new superintendent is expected to start the job July 1st, 2025.
The board reserves the right to adjust the schedule, Shurn says they plan to stay on schedule.
Where is the current superintendent going?
Dr. Ulrich says he'll be there during the transition of the new superintendent, saying "Once a pioneer, always a pioneer."
He remembers the year he started, it was in 2020 during a pandemic. Now he's closing this chapter after five years come the summer of 2025.
"When you think about the summer of 2020 we were in the height of the pandemic. And I can't tell you how, even in that, under those circumstances, how welcoming this community was," Dr. Ulrich said.
Through his challenges and successes including the passage of Proposition R to fund major renovations in the district. His message to his successor is simple.
"I would say, keep continuing to be pioneers and take chances on behalf of kids. The other thing is develop a plan with the community, with the team," Dr. Ulrich said.
Dr. Ulrich has spent many years in the education field, with his job before Kirkwood School District being in Colorado as a superintendent. As for what's next for him and his family, he says they have a plan.
"We're [himself & his wife] are going to retire and move to Phoenix," he said.
To view the community engagement report and superintendent profile here.
If you'd like to follow the timeline of the search, click here.
The next school board meeting is November 28.
