Grandview Names New Superintendent

by Kathy Feist

The Grandview C-4 Board of Education has selected Mr. Kenny Rodrequez as the next Superintendent of the school district. The school board voted unanimously to approve a three year contract that will start July 1 of this school year.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Rodrequez accept our offer of Superintendent.  His leadership skills and ability to motivate is something we admire.  He has an extensive background in districts with diverse populations and his passion for our district shows,” said Wayne Terpstra, BOE President.

“It feels great,” Rodrequez said in an interview with the Martin City Telegraph. Rodrequez  is currently Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Grandview C-4. “It is a large, awesome responsibility. It is exciting they chose me.”

Rodrequez, 42, graduated from Oklahoma State as a music educator. He was a band director in Carl Junction, MO, and Tulsa, OK. In the 12 years he was in Tulsa, his career responsibilities grew from music instructor to teachers coach, assistant principal, principal and finally a district-level position.

He moved to Kansas City and began working as the Director of Secondary Schools in the Kansas City MO School District. He has worked in his current position at Grandview for the past two years.

“I love the urban core where people are working so hard,” says Rodrequez.

Rodrequez admits his best skill is his ability to communicate. “I love to talk,” he says. Not surprisingly, improved communication within the district and community is one of his highest objectives in his upcoming role. He plans to use his skills to improve parent involvement and meet with city officials, both in Grandview and Kansas City.  “Having a district in two cities is very unique,” he says.

Dr. Ralph Teran, 62, is resigning after serving as superintendent of Grandview Schools for the past 10 years.