Mike Kimbrel to replace Cowherd
The Park Hill Board of Education has announced that it has chosen Dr. Mike Kimbrel to be the next superintendent of the Park Hill School District, starting on July 1, following the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Cowherd on June 30.
Board members officially voted on Dr. Kimbrel’s appointment at their March 10 meeting.
The Park Hill Board of Education says it used extensive feedback from students, staff and community members to help guide them as they chose from a competitive national field of candidates.
“After doing our due diligence to conduct a national search to make sure we had the very best person for Park Hill, we were thrilled that we have such an ideal candidate right here at home,” said board president Janice Bolin. “His visionary leadership approach is data-driven while also thoughtful and empathetic. He is the right person to build on the work we have been doing in Park Hill and to take us to the next level.”
Dr. Kimbrel is currently the Park Hill assistant superintendent for academic services. He has more than 20 years of education experience.
Before coming to Park Hill, Kimbrel worked in the Millard Public Schools in Nebraska and the Liberty Public Schools, serving as a math teacher, an assistant principal and a principal. He came to Park Hill 12 years ago as the director of research, evaluation and assessment, and he also served as executive director of quality and evaluation before taking his current role.
His work to lead the continuous improvement efforts contributed to Park Hill earning the Missouri Quality Award in 2015. Park Hill officials say he is a leader in his field, having been invited to present to his peers about equity in education, assessment and strategic planning. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education consulted him on accountability and measurement work.
He has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Kansas and a doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska.
He and his wife, Jill, have two daughters who attend Park Hill schools.
“The trust the board is placing in me with this opportunity is truly humbling,” Dr. Kimbrel said. “It will be my honor to serve the people of Park Hill.”