YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education has extended Superintendent Grenita Lathan's contract.
With the one-year extension, Lathan is slated to stay in her role through the 2026-27 academic year, according to a news release. She's served as district superintendent since 2021.
“The Board of Education is pleased with Dr. Lathan’s leadership and looks forward to her continued guidance of our district,” said Danielle Kincaid, SPS board president, in the release. “The board notes Dr. Lathan’s eagerness to embrace important and difficult strategic goals that highlight opportunities for SPS to improve."
Among the highlights of Lathan's tenure, according to the release, are discussions with community members. Lathan and Deputy Superintendent of Operations Travis Shaw recently held community talks with members of the Robberson Community School and Pershing School. The board voted last week to close Robberson and the K-5 elementary section of Pershing, a K-8 school, according to past reporting.
The board additionally noted Lathan's work on curriculum, school improvement plans, fiscal responsibility, outreach with employees and implementation of the district's mission.
Lathan's current salary is $334,234, said district spokesperson Stephen Hall.
"Any annual increase would be subject to the percentage increase that is provided to employee groups as part of the annual budgeting process," Hall said via email.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
Dr. Lathan is a tremendous community asset. Her leadership is needed now more than ever. Our job is to make sure she has board members who understand their role and responsibilities and don’t have agendas of their own that distract from the goals of our public education system.
I could not agree more with the comments from User16263, except to add that Dr. Lathan has been exemplary in maintaining a positive attitude in the face of unwarranted criticism from those board members who are promoting a political agenda.