Springfield Public Schools announces co-deputy superintendents of academics

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith and Dr. Kent Medlin to serve as Co-Deputy Superintendents of Academics, effective Aug. 1.

Dr. Kleinsmith and Dr. Medlin will serve in an interim, part-time capacity for the 2019-2020 school year, sharing oversight of elementary and secondary education, learning supports and innovation, and special education and English language learner supports. The search for a permanent Deputy Superintendent of Academics will begin later this fall following the recent departure of Dr. Mike Dawson, the district's Chief Learning Officer.

"Springfield Public Schools is incredibly fortunate to have these two exceptional leaders join our team," said Dr. John Jungmann. "Both Dr. Kleinsmith and Dr. Medlin are talented educators who lead with passion and integrity. I appreciate their willingness to serve in this capacity and I look forward to the progress we will make together over the coming months."

Dr. Kleinsmith was named Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators in 2018 and retired as superintendent of Nixa Public Schools in 2018 after serving the district for 18 years. His prior experience in education includes service as an administrator in the Millard and Omaha school districts in Nebraska, and in Sloan, Iowa. Dr. Kleinsmith currently serves as the director of school and community partnerships for Missouri State University. He completed his undergraduate education at Wayne State College in Nebraska, a Master of Science and a specialist degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a doctorate in education from the University of South Dakota.

Dr. Medlin retired in 2017 after serving 13 years as superintendent of Willard School District. His career in education includes service to Springfield Public Schools as a chemistry teacher and administrator, as well as principal in the Lamar and Willard school districts. Following retirement, he worked as the director of operations for the Missouri Educators' Trust and as an education team facilitator for Paragon Architecture. Dr. Medlin received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in education from Missouri State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas.

"To be able to work for Springfield Public Schools in this capacity, even for just one school year, is truly an honor," said Dr. Kleinsmith. "It is my plan to do my best at providing the leadership and service necessary to show continuous improvement in the areas of academics and life skills to the patrons of the Springfield community. I welcome Superintendent Jungmann's high expectations that he has set for himself and others."

"I started my career in education driving a school bus for Springfield Public Schools in the mid-1980s," said Dr. Medlin. "That led to 10 years of service to SPS as a teacher, coach and administrator. There is something very special happening in Springfield Public Schools, and I am honored and excited to come back to my home district to serve students and staff once again."