(From Springfield Public Schools)Springfield Public Schools announced on Thursday the appointment of new leaders for the 2023-2024 school year, including a new chief human resources officer, chief information officer and executive director of operations.
The announcements reflect an alignment of operations and academic support with the district’s newly adopted strategic plan. Appointments are pending approval by the Board of Education.
“The 2023-2028 strategic plan was developed in collaboration with our entire community, including students, parents, employees and community members,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, SPS superintendent. “The plan serves as the district's Continuous School Improvement Plan. We are committed to the well-being of each student by providing high-quality academic opportunities and today’s announcement reflects support for that ongoing work.”
Dr. Bret Range, current executive director of student & school services for SPS, will serve as its next chief human resources officer. Effective July 1, Dr. Range will be responsible for hiring, onboarding, evaluating and supporting the diverse workforce of Missouri’s largest school district, which employs more than 3,500 individuals. His appointment will follow the retirement of Dr. Bill Redinger.
Dr. Range has 25 years of experience in education, including service as a teacher, elementary principal, higher education assistant professor and central office administrator. He joined SPS in 1997 as a classroom teacher at Study Middle School, later serving as director of elementary learning. He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees from Missouri State University and a doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas.
Mr. Bruce Douglas, current SPS director of information technology, has been named chief information officer, effective July 1. In this expanded role, Mr. Douglas will oversee a newly aligned department that includes all technology (Help Desk support); information security and systems (software selection, implementation, and training); and data analytics and accountability (data collection, compliance and reporting). This realignment supports Smart Goal 2.2 of the new strategic plan, to “evaluate and align administrative positions for organizational efficiency and effectiveness.”
Mr. Douglas joined SPS in 2006 as a help desk specialist, later serving as a database specialist for seven years before his selection as director of information technology in 2015. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Missouri State University.
Mr. Rick Carpenter, current executive director of operations for the Center School District in Kansas City, will serve in the same role for SPS, effective July 1. In this position, Mr. Carpenter will oversee facility maintenance, nutrition services, custodial/grounds, transportation, purchasing/distribution, school police and capital construction - including all projects funded by phase two of Proposition S. His appointment follows the promotion of Dr. Travis Shaw to deputy superintendent of operations and supports Smart Goal 4.1 of the new strategic plan to “maintain safe and quality spaces for all students and staff.”
Prior to five years with the Center School District, Mr. Carpenter’s leadership experience includes service as dean of career and technical education for Labette Community College; executive director of program development for the Southridge campus of Des Moines Area Community College (Iowa), and dean of student services for AIB College (Iowa). Mr. Carpenter completed undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Central Missouri.
Mrs. Michelle Gavel, current coordinator of equity and diversity for SPS, will serve as director of student access and opportunity, effective July 1. In her expanded role, Mrs. Gavel will oversee the alignment of the Department of Student Access and Opportunity, formerly known as the Office of Equity & Diversity. Mrs. Gavel’s team will support Smart Goal 1.4 of the new strategic plan to “review programming to ensure equitable access to opportunity for all students”. This team will work closely with the Department of Family Support Services to ensure SPS students and families have the support needed to succeed.
Mrs. Gavel joined SPS in 2021. Prior experience includes service in various capacities at Missouri State University, including as the assistant director of financial aid scholarships, a financial aid coordinator and counselor, and as the academic services coordinator for the Upward Bound Program. She completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Missouri State University.
Mrs. Gavel’s leadership will follow a transition by Dr. Yvania Garcia-Pusateri, current chief equity and diversity officer, to the role of college and career access specialist. Utilizing her extensive higher education experience, Dr. Garcia-Pusateri will now work directly with students, helping to ensure SPS graduates are success-ready and prepared for a variety of workforce opportunities.
Dr. Katie Kensinger, current coordinator of college and career readiness for SPS, will serve as the director of college and career readiness, effective July 1. In her expanded role, Dr. Kensinger will oversee the district’s continued growth of career and technical education for grades 6-12, including the development of CTE curriculum and oversight of dual and other college credits. Responsibilities will also include oversight of the college and career access department, including a coordinator and specialists at all five SPS high schools, as well as the expansion of three additional specialists to cover middle schools. These team members help students explore a variety of college and career opportunities, including use of the Naviance tool. This alignment with the new strategic plan supports Smart Goal 1.6 to “enhance real-world educational opportunities for all students.”
Prior to joining SPS as the coordinator of site interventions in 2018, Dr. Kensinger taught family and consumer science in Branson, Strafford, Blue Eye and Trenton. She completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Missouri State University, as well as specialist and doctorate degrees in education administration from Lindenwood University.
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