Dr. Rochel Daniels has been selected as the next superintendent of North Kansas City Schools.
Daniels has served NKC Schools for 24 years and is currently the assistant superintendent of organizational development. She will officially step into the role of chief of staff July 1 and work alongside current Superintendent Dr. Dan Clemens until his retirement next year. Daniels is excited to lead the district of over 21,000 students and said , “I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve our students and exceptional staff. I look forward to continuing the district’s mission to be relentless champions for all!”
Daniels brings notable expertise to the position. “Dr. Daniels works tirelessly to serve our students,” Clemens said. “She has the vision, experience and relationships within the district and community to be an effective leader. I’m confident the district will be in good hands.”
As a former teacher, Daniels brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. She has spent her life advocating for public schools and the vital role they play in communities. In fact, her connection to NKC Schools reaches back many years. Her mother taught at two elementary schools in the district, and her father attended a district elementary school. When she was in first grade, she helped her mother stuff pamphlets in doors in hopes of passing a bond. Her family is full of educators who have a love for teaching. This fostered Daniels’ passion to serve students. “Our family values education and the important role teachers and staff members play in positively impacting students’ lives. I’m grateful that the Board of Education has entrusted me with the future of this award-winning district.”
NKC Schools Board of Education President Dr. Terry Ward stated that Daniels’ professionalism and lifelong dedication to education are admirable, “The board was pleased with the quality of candidates we interviewed for this position. All of them came well-prepared and had a strong knowledge of the needs of this community. Dr. Daniels was exceptionally impressive. 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.”
In her current role, Daniels oversees leadership development and communications for the district. She has led multiple successful bond campaigns, managed an effort to redefine district boundaries, creating straight feeder patterns for each high school, effectively implemented a succession planning process for the district and provides development opportunities to ensure employee growth.
Daniels most recently facilitated an elaborate and all-inclusive effort to develop the district’s five-year strategic plan. She began her teaching career at Oak Park High School after graduating with a degree in social studies and Spanish. Daniels then went on to direct curriculum and professional development K-12 until her current appointment.
Daniels will assume the superintendent’s position upon Dr. Clemens’ retirement in 2024.
