Along with taking the next steps on projects McPherson USD 418 voters approved bonds for Tuesday, the USD 418 Board of Education now needs to find a new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Shiloh Vincent, who has served as Superintendent since 2020 and has spent nine years in USD 418, was named the new Executive Director of ESSDACK Wednesday night by their Board of Directors.
In a letter sent to parents this morning, Dr. Vincent said he is deeply grateful for the partnership shared with families and for the trust they place in the schools each day. “With the recent passage of the district’s bond proposal, USD 418 is well positioned for continued progress. I am confident the strong foundation built by our staff, students, families and community will carry forward in meaningful ways.”
The Hutchinson-based educational service agency, officially known as the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas, is a cooperative formed in 1983 to provide quality educational services to students. USD 418 was one of the five founding districts of ESSDACK, along with the Buhler, Nickerson, Pretty Prairie and Sterling school districts. It currently serves 60 districts and special cooperatives, mostly in central Kansas but as far west as Elkhart and as far east as the LeRoy-Gridley district in Coffey County.
In addition to providing a variety of professional development, curriculum, assessment, school improvement planning and student support services, ESSDACK also offers a number of support services for school districts ranging from federal funding coordination to employee health insurance.
Vincent said he will be working closely with the Board of Education to ensure a smooth transition to a new superintendent. He will conclude his service with USD 418 on June 30, and assume ESSDACK leadership July 1.
Vincent will succeed Dr. Chad Higgins, a former superintendent of schools in Moundridge USD 423 and Maize USD 266, who is stepping down after leading ESSDACK since 2022.
