The Kansas City Public School district's new superintendent is back in town.
Dr. Mark Bedell outlined his visions for success in a morning news conference at Paseo Academy.
New KCPS superintendent Dr. Bedell doing news conference at Paseo Academy @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/YcTxXu5SvQ
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) April 4, 2016
His main goals are:
- To push students to achieve.
- Get the district nationally accredited.
- Break the stigma that a KCPS superintendent only sticks around for a few years.
"I don't have a magic potion, but what I do have is a set of skills that allows me to connect with students that many haven't been able to do," Bedell said.
He drew from his own experiences in a broken home and school system to lead him to his current position, principal of a high school in Baltimore County, Maryland. He says he knows first-hand what inner city kids go through - hopelessness, lack of support, and not believing in themselves.
"I have the opportunity to bring those experiences to share and connect with students, community, faculty, and staff that we can no longer allow for those variables to be excuses as to why our students can't reach the highest goals," Bedell said.
He's known for reducing drop-out and suspension rates and engaging with the community.
Bedell says he has a personal stake in KCPS, too. His children will soon attend schools in the district.
"My expectation for them is the same for the other 15,000 students. The opportunity to thrive, be successful, and globally competitive," Bedell said.
He'll finally be able to meet with students April 5, when he tours five schools in the district.
In the first 100 days of his new role, Bedell plans to meet with business partners and local organizations to develop relationships. Most importantly, he says he'll reach out to disengaged parents who don't know how to advocate for their kids.
He officially starts July 1.
Dr. Mark Bedell officially introduced @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/f8H2fJy6Gq
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) April 4, 2016
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Sarah Plake can be reached at sarah.plake@kshb.com.
