Board of Education Announcement

Dear Shawnee Mission School District Staff and Families,

Last night during executive session, the Shawnee Mission Board of Education received the following letter from Superintendent Mike Fulton:

Dear Board of Education:

It is with deep appreciation and great respect for the Board of Education, every student, every staff member, and our community that I share with you my intent to retire as superintendent in the Shawnee Mission School District effective on July 1, 2021. This intent is consistent with my contract, which identifies December 31 as the date, in any given year, to assess and extend on-going employment. My plan beyond the superintendency is to stay engaged with the educational community in ways that support leadership development and promote equity and excellence in public education.

To serve as superintendent in SMSD has been an honor. Giving notice now allows time for you to plan a smooth transition in the superintendent position. The future is bright in the Shawnee Mission School District. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your superintendent.

Sincerely, 

Mike Fulton

Superintendent

Dr. Fulton has been a strong leader for the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD), guiding us with wisdom and purpose through incredibly difficult times. We are saddened by his departure. At the same time, we look forward to the future of the Shawnee Mission School District. 

A fundamental part of Dr. Fulton’s legacy is his role in leading this community through the process of crafting a Strategic Plan, which provides clear direction for the future of the district. We as a Board and community are united behind and strongly committed to this plan. Our purpose remains clear: Each student will have a personalized learning plan which will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success.

As we begin the third year of the Strategic Plan, we remain committed to the priorities articulated within it, including the Bond referendum on the January ballot, which will allow us to continue to provide high-quality facilities for our students, while also reducing secondary teachers’ workload. Dr. Fulton has developed a strong leadership team, and we are confident in their ability to continue moving the work forward.

Over the next few weeks, we will begin conversations around the process to select the next superintendent of SMSD. Meanwhile, our path forward remains clear, and our leadership team remains invested in providing a foundation for success for every Shawnee Mission student. 

Sincerely,

Heather Ousley, President

Shawnee Mission Board of Education