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Webster Groves names Dr. Jana Parker next superintendent after national search
Summary
The Webster Groves Board of Education on Jan. 2 announced Dr. Jana Parker as its next superintendent after a national search that produced nearly 700 survey responses, five focus groups and a field of about 30 applicants.
The Webster Groves Board of Education on Jan. 2 announced Dr. Jana Parker as its next superintendent after a national search and finalist interviews that the board said produced a clear leading candidate.
Board President said the board hired search firm MSBA in September, gathered nearly 700 survey responses from staff, parents and the community and held five focus groups to develop a leadership profile used to screen candidates. "I think I can speak for my colleagues to say we felt very fortunate to have received such a strong, deep, and qualified pool of candidates," the Board President said.
From the profile and advertising, the board screened nearly 30 applicants in early December, interviewed seven candidates, and narrowed the field to three finalists interviewed in mid-December, the board said. The board then conducted an executive session on personnel earlier in the meeting before announcing Parker as the chosen candidate.
Dr. Jana Parker holds a Bachelor of Arts from Truman State University, a Master of Arts from Lindenwood University and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Saint Louis University. Her career includes work as a high-school teacher and instructional coach, assistant principal at the middle level, elementary school principal, director of innovation and learning, deputy superintendent of instructional services and — immediately before this announcement — executive director of student learning at Highline Public Schools in Washington state. "I approach this role with both humility and determination," Dr. Parker said, adding she was struck by a recurring theme of "joy" during visits to district schools.
The board noted Parker has personal ties to Webster Groves: she previously lived in the city, her son attended Avery Elementary and the Steger Sixth Grade Center, and a daughter-in-law graduated from Webster Groves High School. Board members thanked district staff for logistical support through the process, singling out Jennifer Davis and communications staff member Derek Duncan for extra work on the rollout.
The meeting record shows routine business motions: the board approved the meeting agenda by voice vote at the start of the special meeting, moved to recess to an executive session to discuss personnel by motion and roll call, and later adjourned by voice vote. The transcript does not include a public roll-call vote appointing Parker; the board announced her selection at the meeting after the executive-session discussion.
The board did not outline a public start date in the meeting transcript. Parker said she planned to visit additional schools the next day and would return to Webster Groves after a short trip. The board said it looked forward to working with Parker as she assumes the district leadership role.
