Shawnee Mission School District superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard announced her plans to retire, effective July 1, 2024. In an agreement with the district board, Hubbard will be finishing her contract for a period of up to three months following her retirement date, in order to help ensure a smooth transition to our next superintendent.
“Dr. Hubbard is leaving Shawnee Mission in a strong position and with a shared commitment for authentic reflection and continuous improvement,” Board of Education President Dr. Mary Sinclair said in a statement. “Although leadership transitions always create periods of uncertainty, I am confident that this Board is positioned to select a strong candidate to continue the work that Dr. Hubbard has led.”
In the following weeks, the board will be conducting an internal search to select possible candidates to fill the position. They hope to name and hire the new superintendent by early to mid-February. The board also created a ThoughtExchange survey, linked here, in order to get public opinions and input from the Shawnee Mission community on what characteristics they’d like to see in their next superintendent.
“The board is seeking a leader to understands and values the Shawnee Mission community and is committed to our District and the Strategic Plan,” The board wrote in the survey introduction. “[We believe] this decision will provide continuity for the work currently being done, as well as stability moving forward, and is consistent with our commitment to provide advancement opportunities for our talented staff.”
The thoughts submitted include various topics and characteristics community members want to see in a superintendent, such as understanding individual building needs, how the education field is changing with staffing issues and shortages, funding for classroom materials, and more. The ThoughtExchange will be open until Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m..
“Since she’s leaving, I think she chose a good time to do it so that she’s not leaving right in the middle of the Strategic Plan,” Senior Miguel Tapia Becerra said. “That will help make the transition easier too.”
Dr. Hubbard has worked in education for 33 years, 27 of which as an administrator. She’s been the SMSD superintendent since 2021 and was previously superintendent of Turner School district for seven years.
“For now, on behalf of the Board of Education and the Shawnee Mission community, I want to express my deep appreciation for the 33 years that Dr. Hubbard has dedicated to education as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and a superintendent,” Dr. Mary Sinclair stated. “She has led with wisdom and distinction, touching the lives of countless students in Shawnee Mission and across Kansas.”
