The Hickman Mills school board has selected Yaw Obeng to be the south Kansas City school district’s next superintendent in a unanimous decision, the district announced Saturday.

Obeng currently serves as superintendent in the Burlington School District in Burlington, VT. He brings a wide range of experience, including work as a teacher, special educator, guidance counselor, equity instructional leader and principal in districts in Canada and the United States.

Obeng will take the post that was vacated by Yolanda Cargile who is going to be the next superintendent for the neighboring Center School District. Carl Skinner, Hickman Mills’ deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction has been serving as interim superintendent.

Obeng has a Bachelor of Education in Biology, History, Health Sciences from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Education from the University of Toronto and additional post graduate studies at the University of Toronto, York University and Shulich Executive School of Business.

“We were very pleased to have three outstanding finalists,” board President Wakisha Briggs said in a written statement. “Yaw Obeng emerged as the right choice to lead the district. He has a track record of being student centered and focusing on equity and achievement.”

“I want to thank the entire Board of Education for their commitment to this important process,” Briggs said.

The consulting firm Ray & Associates led the board’s nationwide search. The district received 54 applications from 21 states. The field of candidates was narrowed to three finalist including, Obeng, James Henderson, superintendent in the Holmes County (Mississippi) Consolidated School District, and Darrin Slade, assistant superintendent of school leadership in Kansas City Public Schools.

The finalists were interviewed by the board as well as a select group of staff, parents, students and community members.

“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead this great community which is rich in history and connectedness but with an eye on a progressive future,” Obeng said in a written statement. “I have been captivated by the outreach of support and eagerness to succeed by the students, staff and parents that I have met. Martin Luther King Jr. stated ‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.’ I look forward to partnering with our school community to create a shared vision of true education that encompasses 21st century skills, combined with accountability for our students to realize their maximum promise.”

Obeng will begin work with Skinner toward a smooth transition into the district. He will officially move into his role as superintendent on July 1. The Board, in its statement, thanked the staff, parents, students and members of the community saying they provided valuable input.