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Superintendent's Office

Dr. Darrin Slade, Superintendent
Greenwood Board Recognition
Dr Slade
Slade and Rogers
Dr. Slade at Arcadia
Dr. Slade in Spencer's class
Dr. Slade at Art Fair
Dr. Slade at Retirement Reception
Slade at Northeastern

Meet the Superintendent

Dr. Darrin Slade began serving as superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools on July 1, 2023 following a nationwide search by the KPS Board of Education.

Dr. Slade began his career in education as a teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools where he became an assistant principal. He then served as an elementary, middle and high school principal for the District of Columbia Public Schools for sixteen years. He relocated to Kansas City Public Schools to become the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Leadership. 

Most recently Dr. Slade was the Deputy Superintendent of the Hazelwood Public School District in the St. Louis area.

Slade is noted for his work in improving student achievement, increasing district graduation rates, addressing and improving student behaviors at the school and district levels.  

Dr. Slade earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Towson University, a master’s degree in teaching from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Maryland. 

Dr. Slade’s professional development efforts include completing the National Superintendent’s Academy and the AASA Urban Superintendents Program.

 

Role of the Superintendent

As CEO of the school district, the superintendent is responsible for:

  • Implementing policy set by the board

  • Making recommendations to the board based on his/her best educational knowledge regarding personnel, curriculum, and budget

  • Informing the board of all vital matters pertaining to the school district

  • Developing and maintaining an efficient and effective management system for the school district

  • Delegating appropriate responsibilities and assigning duties to other employees of the district, but ultimately being accountable for their actions

  • Recommending all candidates for employment and being directly and indirectly responsible for their administrations

  • Developing and improving instructional programming of the school district, including being alert to advances and improvements in educational programming 

  • Preparing and submitting a preliminary budget to the board and managing the financial operations of the school district — From the Michigan Association of School Boards

The Superintendent's office is located in the Administration Building located at 1220 Howard Street.

Dr. Slade
 

Dr. Darrin Slade, superintendent

Mrs. Nicole DeGraaf, executive assistant

(269) 337-0123

“My duty in this life is to provide support to and bring compassion for the needs of students. That’s what drives me. I look at all students like they are my own” 
- Dr. Darrin Slade