By: Ball State Marketing and Communications—
Muncie, IN— Muncie Community Schools Board of Trustees today voted to hire Indiana native Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Ed.D., as its new Director of Public Education and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 11, 2019. Kwiatkowski brings with her more than 35 years of experience in Indiana public education where she has held a variety of roles including 18 years as a teacher to Senior Education Advisor for Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. This announcement comes on the one-year anniversary of MCS’ partnership with Ball State University that granted MCS administrative and academic flexibility to implement innovative strategies for the benefit of Muncie Community Schools and the children and families it serves.
The full span of Kwiatkowski’s career has been spent working in Indiana school systems, where she served as a teacher with Indianapolis Public Schools. She has held roles as Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and most recently, Senior Education Advisor for the Office of the Governor of Indiana and Executive Director for the Indiana State Board of Education. Kwiatkowski has comprehensive experience with strategic planning, policy development and implementation, board relations and school improvement. She also has significant experience with state and federal programs and budgets at the classroom, school, district and state levels such as Title I, Title II, Title III, gifted and talented, and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act). She has administered multiple grants, including a $28.5 million Race-to-the-Top federal grant.
“Prior to our search for a CEO, we developed a comprehensive list of selection criteria based on input from teachers, parents and the Muncie community,” stated MCS Board President Jim Williams. “Among the impressive candidates who were considered, Lee Ann’s qualifications as an educator and leader made her stand out above all the rest. She is the transformational leader Muncie Community Schools needs and deserves.”
The vote occurred on the one-year anniversary of MCS’ new partnership with Ball State University. Jim Williams, president of the MCS Board, said the partnership has already yielded impressive results, and the new CEO will build on that momentum. In addition to a renewed sense of optimism, he said, accomplishments include more than $3 million in philanthropic investments, a successful 2018-19 school year, stabilized enrollment, and stipends for teachers and staff. The Community Engagement Council sponsored a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and “A Night 4 You” Appreciation Gala. The Joint MCS/Ball State Academic Innovation Council is working on long-term plans for MCS, and the Community Education Summit on September 25-26 will feature national experts.
In this new role, Kwiatkowski will build on the momentum underway and bring even more groundbreaking ideas to remake the education system for Muncie Community Schools in a way that utilizes an innovative cradle-to-career community-based model. Among her many responsibilities, Kwiatkowski will provide leadership to the schools to ensure all faculty, resources, and systemic changes continue to move in a positive and beneficial direction.
“It is an honor to have the privilege to serve as the Director of Public Education and CEO for Muncie Community Schools. I have been impressed by the incredible support for Muncie schools and am excited to join the community. By working together, we can ensure that every student fulfills their greatest potential,” stated Dr. Kwiatkowski.
In the coming weeks and months, Dr. Kwiatkowski will immerse herself in the position by connecting with faculty, staff and administrators at each of the schools and by reaching out to parents. Her schedule will also include numerous events across Muncie to become better acquainted with the Muncie community.
For more about Dr. Kwiatkowski’s background, go to muncie.k12.in.us/CEO.
