KPS Superintendent Named Region VII Superintendent of the Year

Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade was named the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA) Region VII Superintendent of the Year.  Region VII comprises the public school and intermediate school districts in Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.  

In a nomination letter, KRESA Superintendent Dr. Dedrick Martin said, “In just his first year at the helm of Kalamazoo Public Schools, Dr. Slade has made an indelible impact on the district and the broader community through his visionary leadership, deep commitment to equity, and unmatched dedication to communication and engagement.”

Under Slade’s leadership, Kalamazoo Public Schools has seen its graduation rate rise, improved attendance, improved achievement at all grade levels and in all content areas, increased community engagement, and experienced significant improvements in student behavior.

The award was presented as a surprise to Slade at the Region VII meeting of superintendents on May 15. “It was a true honor to receive this award, especially knowing that it comes from the superintendents in our region, all of whom I’ve come to admire greatly,” Slade said.

Slade began serving as superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools on July 1, 2023, following a nationwide search by the KPS Board of Education. He was a classroom teacher and elementary, middle school and high school principal before becoming assistant superintendent of Instructional Leadership for Kansas City Public Schools and deputy superintendent for Hazelwood Public School District in the St. Louis area.