The Park Hill Board of Education has extended the district superintendent’s contract through 2021.
Board president Janice Bolin made the announcement at the Thursday, March 29 board of education meeting. Dr. Jeanette Cowherd stepped into the position of interim superintendent after the surprise resignation of the former district superintendent in 2015. Previously assistant superintendent for school improvement, Cowherd was formally hired as superintendent later that year.
“We are so pleased with Dr. Cowherd’s leadership, and we were thrilled to ensure that Park Hill will continue to thrive under her leadership for years to come,” Bolin said.
Also at the meeting, assistant superintendent Dr. Paul Kelly gave the annual community demographic profile. Current enrollment in the district is 11,458 students, Park Hill’s highest enrollment to date. According to data presented, Kelly said the district is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.
With that growth in mind, the district continues moving forward with construction projects. An earthwork bid for the construction of Hopewell Elementary School, projected to open in 2019, was approved. Contractor Bruce Davis won the $2.2 million contract to clear and grade the site, located near Northwest 68th Street and Waukomis Drive.
Summer school dates were also approved, with elementary and middle school students attending summer school June 4 to July 3. The first session for high school students is June 4-21, and the second session is June 22 to July 16, with no classes July 4-6. Registration is available on the district website at parkhill.k12.mo.us.