Superintendent's Message

Jill Ann Shackelford, Ed.D.

Dr. Jill Shackelford became superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools on July 1, 2005. She is the first female superintendent in the 138-year history of the school district.

Shackelford joined the KCK district in 1997 as an executive director for curriculum services. She was named an assistant superintendent in 1998. Before joining the KCK district, Shackelford was executive director of student learning in the Turner Public Schools, which is a neighboring school district.

Shackelford is active in community organizations. She is a member of the KCK Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the KCK Women's Chamber of Commerce, the KCK Downtown Kiwanis Club, and is President of the Board of Directors for the Children's Museum of Kansas City. In March 2006, Shackelford was honored by the KCK Community College Intercultural Center as one of the "Women Builders of Communities and Dreams."

Shackelford began her career as an elementary school teacher in Oklahoma in 1966. She has been an administrator for 20 years, beginning as an elementary school principal in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Shackelford received her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1966, her master's in curriculum and instruction in 1983, and her doctorate in 1992, all from Oklahoma State University.

Shackelford has three grown daughters who are teachers. Two are teachers of French. One is a vocal music teacher.

Dr. Shackelford writes a weekly column in the Kansas City, Kansan. Link to her column