OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Parents, students and staff members gathered at the Shawnee Mission School District building in Overland Park for Academic Achievement on Saturday for a meet-and-greet with Superintendent candidates.
The candidates, Michael Fulton, Blane McCann and Michael Munoz, each had a 30-minute session to talk and answer questions.
Some people at the meeting didn't feel like it was enough time.
“We were hoping to have a little bit more time to answer some of the questions,” said one parent.
All of the candidates have prior experience as Superintendents in other districts, but people at the meeting want to be sure the right leader is chosen to fit the goals of the Shawnee Mission School District.
“We have such a wide variety of people and income levels and interests. We need someone who can bring it all together,” said Erin Rivers, who teaches in the district.
One student says she would’ve liked to hear more from the candidates about improving learning for all students.
“There is a really high achievement gap. I’m in all honors and AP classes at this moment and the rate of minorities in those classes is extremely low,” said Sophia Fairchild, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.
Some parents expressed that same concern, asking how those successes will be measured and how the candidates would make sure teachers have the tools needed to make every student successful.
The room was full for each candidate session and community members were encouraged to leave comments on the finalists.
Board members hope to make the final decision by the end of March.
