GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education is expected to narrow down its list of candidates for superintendent Monday after its first round of interviews over the weekend.
The board will meet again Monday evening to determine which of the five candidates will be invited for a second interview.
Finalists will visit the district next Monday, February 17 for a final interview and the board could decide that night. If a decision isn't made, another meeting will be planned to announce their pick.
Background on candidates:
Dr. Leadriane Roby, Assistant Superintendent of Richfield Public Schools in Richfield, MN since 2014. Dr. Roby received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Saint Mary’s of Minnesota, a K-12 Educational Licensure from Saint Mary’s of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology from Western Michigan University.
Dr. Harold Brian Yearwood, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Accountability for Manor Independent School District in Manor, TX since 2015. Dr. Yearwood received a Bachelor of Science in Geology, a Master of Education in Administration, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University.
Dr. Yvonne Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for School Town of Munster in Munster, IN, since 2017. Dr. Stokes has a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Purdue University, a Master of Science in Special Education from the University of Saint Francis, a Director of Exceptional Needs Licensure from Purdue University Calumet, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Purdue University.
Dr. Darrin Slade, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership for Kansas City Public Schools in Kansas City, MO since 2018. Dr. Slade received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Towson University, a master’s in teaching from Johns Hopkins University, an Advanced Professional Certificate in Admin Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from University of Maryland College Park.
Dr. Erick D. Pruitt, Deputy Chief of High Schools for Chicago Public Schools in Chicago, IL, since 2019. Dr. Pruitt has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Illinois Teacher Certificate from Purdue University; a Master of Education in Education Administration and Supervision, and Illinois Administrator Certificate from Loyola University Chicago; and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Illinois Superintendent Endorsement from National-Louis University.
