The fourth cohort has been named for the WPS Aspiring Leader Program which aims to create a pool of highly-qualified and well-trained instructional and relational leaders that stand ready to apply for consideration for any future building leader vacancies.

Participants in the fourth cohort are:

• MacKenzie Anderson, ESOL, Coleman Magnet Middle School
• Connor Burden, Fifth-grade teacher, Gordon Parks Academy
• Angela Cho, Student Support Services Liaison, Robinson Middle School
• John Close, Technology teacher, Heights High School
• Darrien Davis, Third-grade teacher, Woodman Elementary School
• Cathy Dugan, Social worker, West High School
• Darla Helms, Math teacher, Stucky Middle School
• Lan Huynh, Elementary Peer Consultant
• Dena Lee, Social worker, Marshall Middle School
• Crystal Liermann, Math teacher, Robinson Middle School
• Robin Tisdale, Fourth-grade teacher, White Elementary School
• Lisa Smith, Instructional Coach, Woodland Magnet Elementary
• Estrella Watkins, Interrelated teacher, Gordon Parks Academy

The program provides semester-long coursework delivered by district leaders, building leaders and external educational experts.

For the past five years, Wichita Public Schools has worked with the Wallace Foundation to create intentional processes for recruitment, selection, professional growth and retention of building administrators. This collaboration has provided resources and guidance that have been instrumental in the creation of our leadership pipeline.

The program has resulted in the majority of participants being placed in building leadership positions including assistant principals and principals.

Chris Wendt, WPS executive director of elementary education and a co-leader of the program, says he’s excited about the program’s success and is ready to continue the work of the ABL program with Cohort 4. 

“Our Aspiring Building Leader program is an integral part of our leadership pipeline,” Wendt said. “The program has served an immediate need that has ensured that we have high-quality building leaders ready to serve our students and staff as well as created a sustainable leadership pipeline moving forward for years to come.”

Applications for the fifth cohort will be open in late 2024. More information on the program can be found at usd259.org/lead.