MT School Chief Resigns

By Cindy Stauffer

Leaving after 4 years, likely for job in Kansas.

Manheim Township School District Superintendent Kevin Singer is leaving the suburban district, likely to return to Kansas where his career started.

Kevin Singer, 53, has resigned effective June 30, to “assume the position of superintendent at an out-of-state school district,” according to a district press release issued today.

A Kansas newspaper reported today he is the top candidate for a superintendent position in Topeka. The board there is not set to make a final decision until next week, the paper reported.

Singer has been at Manheim Township for four years, shepherding a controversial expansion of the district’s high school. He also unveiled an expansion plan of other schools and spearheaded a money- saving program that involved sharing staff with other districts.

During his tenure, Manheim Township High School made the 2008 list of America’s Best High Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Singer was not available for comment today. In a prepared statement, he said, “Manheim Township is a very special place. The staff’s talents make this a better district every year.”

School board president Hannah Bartges said, “As with all great leaders he has really set a strong course for the district and we have the direction we need to follow now,” Bartges said

Singer has put capable people into positions who will continue to move the district forward, she said.

Singer is a warm, open man who was able to bring people together for the good of the district, Bartges said.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that Singer is the leading candidate to become the Unified School District 501′s next superintendent.

Singer began his career in Kansas, as a kindergarten teacher and later first-grade and sixth-grade teacher. He later worked as a principal in several Kansas school districts.

He then became an assistant superintendent in Kansas before going to Texas, where he was a superintendent of the Grapevine- Colleyville district in Dallas before coming to Manheim Township.

When he was hired here, Singer was the highest-paid superintendent in the county, with a salary of $170,000. He also has received an annuity of about $20,000 during his time here.

He could receive a substantial salary bump if he moves. A search company for the Kansas district has suggested a salary in the range of $200,000 for an incoming superintendent, said Unified District spokesman Ron Harbaugh.

But along with that will come increased responsibilities in a larger, more diverse district.

Manheim Township has 5,600 students in one high school, one middle school and six elementary schools.

The student population is 78 percent white and only 12 percent qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

In contrast, Unified has about 13,000 students in three high schools, a charter school, six middle schools and 21 elementary schools. It also has four schools to reach students out of the mainstream.

At Unified, 55 percent of the students are minorities and 66 percent qualify for lunch assistance, the Topeka paper reported.

The Kansas district may discuss the superintendent’s contract in a closed-door session tonight, Harbaugh said. However, no public meeting has been set to approve that contract, he said.

CONTACT US: cstauffer@LNPnews.com or 481-6024

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