SPS board extends superintendent's contract

provided by Springfield Public Schools

Grenita Lathan's tenure has been extended through the 2027-28 academic year.

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education has granted a contract extension to Superintendent Grenita Lathan.

The board voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to extend Lathan's tenure through the 2027-28 academic year, according to a news release. It's the fourth contract extension for Lathan, who has served as the district's superintendent since 2021.

“The Board of Education affirms Dr. Lathan’s continued leadership of Missouri’s largest public school district,” said Danielle Kincaid, board president, in the release. “SPS seeks to be Missouri’s district of choice, and Dr. Lathan’s outstanding focus on academic achievement, robust professional development opportunities for staff and collaboration with stakeholders is key to achieving this strategic vision."

Among achievements noted in the past year by the board, SPS for the third consecutive year increased its overall score on the Annual Performance Report from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Lathan added additional professional development and community stakeholder opportunities, officials say.

Lathan's current salary is $353,533, said SPS Chief Communications Officer Stephen Hall, noting salary increases districtwide are approved by the board as part of annual adjustments in the budget.