NKC Schools' superintendent succession plan set

Current NKC Schools Superintendent Dan Clemens and future superintendent, NKC Schools Chief of Staff Rochel Daniels

Here’s the plan:

Come the end of the 2023-2024 school year, North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Dan Clemens will retire, capping off what will then be eight years of leading the district.

And now the school board has announced his successor: Current Assistant Superintendent - Organizational Development Rochel Daniels.

Daniels, while she preps for the superintendent role next school year, will be promoted to the district’s chief of staff.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve our students and exceptional staff,” Daniels said in a statement from NKC Schools. “I look forward to continuing the district’s mission to be relentless champions for all!”

Clemens, who has been with North Kansas City Schools 23 years, expressed gratitude to have been able to lead the district of more than 21,000 students.

“Being part of the NKC Schools family is something I love and will always cherish,” he said in a statement from the district earlier this school year. “Education has been my life for so long now and I can’t think of a more important calling.”

The NKC Schools Board of Education, when previously announcing Clemens’ plans to retire, said they would look for a strong internal candidate first, and ultimately did not need to expand the search. The board interviewed several strong candidates for the post, said school board President Dr. Terry Ward.

“Dr. Daniels was exceptionally impressive,” Ward said. “She is a dedicated contributor who values others and builds relationships. She believes in continual improvement and will lead NKC Schools with strength and grace.”