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From The Team

Profiles in Leadership

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News and Media

From The Team

Read reflections, personal stories, updates, and more from the SSKC Team!

For Special Education Families, Data-Informed Programs Are Critical to Post-COVID Success

From The Team, Special Education

In Our Schools, Culture Should be Diverse, but Opportunity Should be Universal

From The Team

Celebrating Educators in a COVID-era Through the Excellence in Education Awards

From The Team, Excellence in Education, Talent Development

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Profiles in Leadership

Kansas City is home to the most dedicated educators, the most committed leaders, and the most inspiring students. Our Profiles in Leadership series introduces some of best and brightest in Kansas City.

Profiles in Leadership: Dr. Kia Turner

Profile in Leadership

September is National Attendance Month, and SSKC is excited to feature Dr. Kia Turner as our Profile in Leadership for September. Dr. Kia is the CEO of Red Apple Education Corporation, an organization she founded following notable roles at Kansas City Public School District, Park University, and The Kansas City Teacher Residency.

Profiles in Leadership: Lloyd Jackson

Profile in Leadership

As our schools return following a year of huge change, we celebrate the leadership of Lloyd Jackson, Ed.D, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership at Kansas City Public Schools. Lloyd started his career in K-12 education as a mathematics educator, and joined Kansas City Public Schools in 2019 following a long career in education and leadership.

Profiles in Leadership: Kim Riley

Profile in Leadership, Special Education

Kim Riley is the CEO and founder of The Transition Academy, a Kansas City based non-profit that provides college and career planning resources and support to special education students and their families. In March, 2020 Kim launched ‘Tuesday Talks’, a virtual forum and “safe space” for parents and educators to gather on a weekly basis to discuss obstacles and share solutions related to young adults with special needs.

Profiles in Leadership: Elimane Mbengue

Profile in Leadership

Elimane Mbengue Head of School for Académie Lafayette Elimane Mbengue is the Head of School for Académie ...

Profiles in Leadership: Allyson Hile

Profile in Leadership

Allyson Hile is the Director of Language Services and Cultural Equity at Kansas City Public Schools where she leads a team of 14 individuals who support English-learning students and families and the teachers and school administrators who work with them.

Profiles in Leadership: Tysie McDowell-Ray

Profile in Leadership

Tysie McDowell-Ray is the Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of Crossroads Charter Schools. Two weeks ago she was honored in Washington, D.C. at the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus by the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. SchoolSmartKC is pleased to support the growth and continuing success of Crossroads Charter Schools and educators like Ms. McDowell-Ray.

Profiles in Leadership: Charles King

Profile in Leadership, Talent Development

As SchoolSmartKC works to celebrate strong educators across our education ecosystem, and foster the next generation of educators, we are delighted to highlight the work of Charles King, President and Executive Director of the KC Teacher Residency.

Profiles in Leadership: Dr. Marla Sheppard

Profile in Leadership

Marla Sheppard Deputy Superintendent, Kansas City Public Schools Q. What ignited your passion for ...

Profiles in Leadership: Elena Quick

Profile in Leadership

As the Health Aide at Scuola Vita Nuova (SVN) Charter School, I get the pleasure of working with children and their families. I help educate students in areas of health, hunger, and hygiene so they can share their learning with their family and community.

Profiles in Leadership: Spark Bookhart

Profile in Leadership, Family Engagement, Governance

Spark Bookhart Convener, Parent Power Lab How are you involved in education in Kansas City?I'm a parent. ...

Profiles in Leadership: Deloris Brown

Profile in Leadership

Profiles in Leadership highlights the hopeful, hard work of members of the KC community for the good of Kansas City kids. To begin this series, we asked Deloris Brown, Principal of Wendell Phillips Elementary, to reflect on her leadership at Phillips and their journey to become a trauma-sensitive school. SchoolSmartKC has been proud to support Phillips Elementary and Deloris’ leadership through grant support under our Strategic Growth Program with the Kansas City Public School District.

KC Family and Community Engagement

Investments, Family Engagement

SchoolSmartKC has partnered with local educators, non-profits, and faith based leaders to launch a new Kansas City Family and Community Engagement ( KC-FCE) Fellowship.