After a national search, St. Louis Public Schools recently named Keisha Scarlett as the district’s new superintendent. Scarlett has served as the assistant superintendent of academics for Seattle Public Schools since 2020. She succeeds Kelvin Adams, who recently retired after serving as superintendent of the 19,000-student school district for 14 years.

Scarlett is a graduate of Seattle Public Schools and held several positions during her 24 years with the school district. As assistant superintendent she implemented a strategic plan to increase early literacy among African American boys and other marginalized students.

As chief of equity, she co-founded the Academy for Rising Educators, a tuition-free educator preparation program, and worked in partnership with Seattle Central College and the City of Seattle in serving more than 300 aspiring educators of color. The program has a 90 percent retention rate. Scarlett has also served Seattle Public Schools as executive director of organizational development, human resources director, principal, and teacher.

 “We are thrilled to announce such a talented, genuine and visionary educator will be the next superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools,” said Board of Education President Matt Davis in a news statement. “The Board’s goal in conducting a nationwide search was to find a leader who will build on our successes but also be laser focused in addressing our challenges. Dr. Scarlett possesses the perfect mix of skill, knowledge, and experience while also caring deeply for students, families, teachers, and staff.”

Longtime Arlington Superintendent to Retire

Marcelo Cavazos, the superintendent of Texas’ Arlington Independent School District, recently announced he will retire on August 31, 2023 after leading the 60,000-student school district since 2012.

Under his leadership, two bond measures passed in 2014 and 2019, totaling $1.6 billion. The successful passage of the bond measures enabled the district to build two new schools, new state-of-the-art facilities for career and technical education, visual and performing arts, and athletics.

The district developed 13 specialized academies focused on STEM, leadership development, early college education, fine arts, dual language, as well as adding free pre-K for all 4-year-olds.

Melody Fowler, president of the district’s board of trustees, told the Dallas Morning News that Cavazos’ retirement would be an enormous loss to the community.  “His visionary leadership has truly changed Arlington ISD for generations to come,” said Fowler.  

“I truly don't have words to express the honor it has been to serve as Superintendent for our district,” Cavazos wrote in a statement posted on the district’s website. “Together, we have advocated for our students, created new programs and changed the future for thousands of young people. Thank you for partnering with me to provide a world-class education for our students.”