Dr. Darrin Slade Named Superintendent to Watch

The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) named Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade a Superintendent to Watch for 2024-25. Each year, NSPRA recognizes up to 25 school district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as superintendents who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Slade began serving as superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools on July 1, 2023, following a nationwide search by the KPS Board of Education. He started his career in education as a teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools, where he eventually became an assistant principal for the district. He then served as an elementary, middle, and high school principal for the District of Columbia Public Schools for 16 years.

He relocated to Kansas City Public Schools to become the assistant superintendent of Instructional Leadership. Slade was the deputy superintendent of the Hazelwood Public School District in the St. Louis area before becoming superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools.

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.