Kevin Suther is the new Superintendent of Schools for Chapman USD 473. He had been serving as interim superintendent since early September but was promoted to the permanent position by the school board this week.
Suther has been an administrator at the high school level in Chapman for 21 years, including many years as the high school principal. "I've become very invested in the school, invested into the community. The next progression I've always thought about was being superintendent."
Suther noted that it's exciting for him and also could be a challenge. "But I hope that it's going to be a positive challenge to help out our district in the right direction."
The new superintendent has been a part of the process in the district. "Our big thing is systematically bringing our district together. " The Chapman district covers 550 square miles with elementary, middle and high schools. "My biggest push is to be able to get input from all different levels. We've really put together a strong district level team which includes administrators and coordinators. The next level we've actually put together this year is building level teams. "
There are also new professional learning communities that include teacher teams that meet every week. "It doesn't come from just one person. It should come from a united group working together towards a common goal, " said Suther.
Suther succeeds Jerry Hodson in the superintendent's post. Hodson was placed on paid administrative leave in early September and later resigned.