SPS picks interim co-deputy superintendents

Stephen Kleinsmith

Kent Medlin

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Springfield Public Schools appointed two co-deputy superintendents of academics.

Stephen Kleinsmith and Kent Medlin are scheduled to start Aug. 1 on a part-time basis, according to a news release.

"Springfield Public Schools is incredibly fortunate to have these two exceptional leaders join our team," SPS Superintendent John Jungmann said in the release. "I appreciate their willingness to serve in this capacity and I look forward to the progress we will make together over the coming months.”

The choice of Kleinsmith and Medlin as interim co-deputy superintendents comes as Chief Learning Officer Mike Dawson heads to Branson to serve as the school district’s executive director of instruction.

The search process for the position that’s now being called deputy superintendent of academics is scheduled to start this fall. The permanent deputy superintendent of academics would help oversee elementary and secondary education, learning supports and innovation, and special education and English language learners, according to the release.

The retired superintendent of Nixa Public Schools, Kleinsmith is currently director of school and community partnerships for Missouri State University. Medlin retired in 2017 after 13 years as Willard School District’s superintendent.