Dr. Karen Couch to Serve as Next Superintendent of Kent Public Schools The Board of Education of Kent County, Maryland is pleased to announce that the next superintendent of Kent County Public Schools (KCPS) will be Dr. Karen A. Couch.
Dr. Couch, currently completing her 12th year as superintendent of the Edgewood-Moriarty School District in New Mexico, has received numerous educational leadership awards throughout her career, including New Mexico Superintendent of the Year for 2010, and New Mexico Personnel Administrator of the Year. During her tenure as an elementary principal in Alamogordo, her school received a New Mexico Blue Ribbon School Award. This year, her 3,200-student Edgewood Moriarty School District is ranked fourth among New Mexico’s large school districts by Albuquerque Business First, New Mexico’s business newspaper.
Dr. Couch will assume her new position as KCPS superintendent on July 1, 2013. She will serve a fouryear, renewable term. Herselection caps a monthslong search that began in December 2012, when Dr. A. Barbara Wheeler, who is in the final year of her four-year term as KCPS Superintendent after serving as interim superintendent for a year, decided not to seek another term.
“We greatly appreciate the time and dedication of so many people in our community,” said A. Bryan Williams, president of the Kent County Board of Education, “who came together to participate in this process. As a board it was important to all five of us to listen carefully to what the members of our community wanted to say, what they believe about the future of our school system, and what they think it takes to lead our schools.” At the end of the process, Dr. Couch emerged as the Board’s consensus choice. Dr. Couch has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from New Mexico State University, and 30 years experience as a superintendent, associate superintendent for personnel, elementary principal, and teacher. “The Board is excited,” said Vice-President Jeff Reed, “and eager to get to work with Dr. Couch to build a great school system.”
For the past 12 years Dr. Couch has served as superintendent of a rural New Mexico district of about 3200 students. She has built her district, Edgewood-Moriarty, into one of the highestachieving school districts in New Mexico. Under her leadership, the district has been recognized for improving student learning through the adoption of research-based programs and a continuous improvement framework. Her desire to create a permanent solution for saving money and balancing the District’s budget led her to partner with Honeywell to create an energy awareness and conservation program that received national recognition.
William Short says
Great job from our BOE and all the community that participated in this process.Dr.Karen Couch will be a great asset to Kent County and I look forward to working with her.
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!
Commissioner For Kent County William A. Short
Thomas Myer says
As a parent of two children in Kent County Schools I look forward to the positive changes Dr. Couch will make. When I first read her bio in the Kent County Newspaper I said to myself, why is this person interested in locating to Kent County? Does Kent County pay that much more than New Mexico? Why here why now? I’m sure Dr. Couch has answered this question I just haven’t heard it. I hope this superintendent will stay for a considerable time, understands the people and has the ability to make the necessary changes so we (Kent County Residents) can be proud of our school system. I often hear from my Queen Anne’s friends that they are so glad they don’t live in Kent because of the school system. Now is the time to get Kent on the right track. In a few years maybe my Queen Anne’s friends will eat their words
carol cameron says
Had the same questions as you, Thomas. School superintendents salaries in NM range from $78,000 to $256,000 (Albuqueque at high end, likely a tiny district like the one she is coming from at lower end)
https://elpasotimes.typepad.com/newmexico/2013/02/cap-on-school-chiefs-pay-fails.html
Jonnycage says
Dear Spy. Its early this morning, so it could be me. But the title of this article left me shcoked for a minute or two? Perhaps the wording could be a little better? Could be me but, “New Mexican Selected as New Kent County School Superintendent” just didnt quite sound right?
Janice Dickson says
Yup, me too. I read the headline to my husband and we looked at each other and said, “huh?”
I certainly hope Dr. Couch lands happily in Kent County which is so green. Compared to New Mexico’s brown sand, flora, and soil, this must look like paradise. I hope there are many good reasons for leaving NM to relocate here for a much needed redo of the public school system which doesn’t have much to brag about. Dr. Couch, it’s time to facilitate Kent Countians stop being embarrassed about and start being proud of the county’s school system. It’s time for a quiet revolution, quickly.
lynda H Fdeveil says
i had to look twice at the headline like Jonnycage did….”New Mexican Selected…….” i thought to myself, i didn’t read any bio’s from a Mexican applying to the superintendent job. funny. also, i am wondering along w/Thomas Meyer why Dr. Couch would move to Chestertown. If she did such a spectacular job in her state, why is she moving here? does the BOE here pay that much more money? what ever her reason(s) be, the resume is impressive and i wish her the best of luck w/changes needed in the system.
Kevin Shertz says
There’s (unintentional?) irony in people wondering why on earth people would want to live where they themselves reside.
carol cameron says
According to this, at least she will fit right in. Should be very familiar with “significant trend in declining school enrollment”
https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-downgrades-to-A2-from-A1-the-rating-on-Moriarty–PR_270759
Jeff Reed says
I must say that I am very excited about the future of our school system and encouraged about the direction our school system will soon take. It’s my opinion however that if we as a community fail to rally around and support Dr. Couch it will continue to be the same old song and dance and we can only blame ourselves. Dr. Couch will need support from everyone in our community.
As for the question, Why would Dr. Couch make such a change from NM to MD? Dr. Couch explained to me that she is ready for a new challenge, wants to live in a small school district, and be close to family. Dr. Couch comes to us very well regarded and I look forward to working with Dr. Couch.
carol cameron says
Jeff, with all due respect, (meaning putting aside all the requisite b.s. and p.r. hype ) have to say this – the most encouraging aspect to this announcement is not the gushing of “I Love A Challenge” or, “I Just Fell in Love with Kent County”. Nope. The hope for this is what is buried deep within the Kent News report today.
She has a SON and GRANDCHILDREN in Howard County. Grandkids ! Nearby ! At last! ( Being so far away is just terrible, if only to find a supt job in Maryland) A real reason ! One that stands up under scrunity from the most cynical among us !
Let’s hope that will be the glue that holds this “Real Deal” together for at least the next 6-8 years. And, if she happens to be very good at her job, that will certainly be a plus for everyone living here, won’t it.
don eitall says
Naysayers not withstanding, keep in mind that, new superintendent or no new superintendent, Kent County Public Schools already has a lot to offer. The biggest issue faced is lack of support from the community, particularly the parents of the student body.
Peggy Jackson says
As a teacher who worked under Dr. Couch the entire time she was Supt. of the MESD school district here in NM, I can only say, Kent County Schools are in for the most positive ride of their life! She will accept the challenges she finds in the District as well as respect your traditions. She is a leader and her leadership will indeed be an asset to your district. As NM Teacher of the Year 2010, I was joined by Dr. Couch’s support as well as her honor as the NM Supt. of the Year,2010. She will be supportive of teachers doing innovative things in the classroom and principals who encourage them.
It is our loss in NM and your gain.
GOOD LUCK DR. COUCH.
Peggy S. Jackson, NBCT