Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools | Our Mission ... Inspiring Excellence: Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day!

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David A. Smith
Chief of Staff
(913) 279-2242

New Superintendent Takes Reins in Kansas City, Kansas

July 1 marks the beginning of a new era for the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) as a new superintendent of schools takes the leadership reins.

Dr. Cynthia Lane is the district's 12th superintendent, and only the second female to lead KCKPS during its 114-year history. She replaces Dr. Jill Shackelford, who retired effective June 30.

"I am proud and excited to begin my term as superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools," Lane said this week. "We have a strong foundation and rich history which we will continue to build upon, as we work to become one of the top ten school districts in the nation, where every student graduates ready for college and careers."

Lane was selected in a unanimous vote by the Board of Education during its December 2009 meeting, which noted her 23 years of service to KCKPS, and her dedication to children, education and the KCK community.

Since that time, Lane has been with district staff to prepare for a smooth transition. This work has included hosting "Listening Sessions" across the district with students, staff and community members. These sessions helped to solidify the district's goal of becoming one of the top ten districts in the nation, and its new vision statement: "Inspiring Excellence: Every Grown-up, Every Child, Every Day."

"Our job is to prepare our students for a successful life, both in their careers and in the community," Lane said. "To meet our obligation, we need to be among the best districts in the nation. Not just a good urban district, but a great district whose students can have access to the same opportunities as any students in our nation."

Lane has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in behavior disorders from Pittsburg State University. She earned her doctorate in special education from the University of Kansas in 1999. During her time with KCKPS, she has worked as a special education teacher, a principal and director of the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative. She spent the past five years serving as assistant superintendent for instruction and business. In this position, she has helped guide the district's ongoing work to strengthen instruction, and also has helped the system navigate through the state of Kansas's fiscal crisis.