Muncie Schools CEO to step down for VP job at Marian
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The director of public education and CEO at Muncie Community Schools will step down at the end of the academic year. The district said this week that Lee Ann Kwiatkowski is leaving to become vice president of Klipsch Educators College and Innovation in K-12 Education at Marian University.
Kwiatkowski was named to her current role at Muncie Community Schools in 2019, a year after the Indiana General Assembly approved a measure to give Ball State University oversight of the district.
“This decision was incredibly difficult for me,” Dr. Kwiatkowski said in a district news release. “I have grown to love the people of Muncie and I’m very proud of all we’ve accomplished at Muncie Community Schools in the last five years, but my family is ready for me to be located closer to them.”
Kwiatkowski previously served as chief of staff at the Indiana Department of Education, senior education advisor & executive director of the State Board of Education under Gov. Eric Holcomb, and assistant superintendent for the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township in Indianapolis.
In her new role at Marian, Kwiatkowski will be responsible for developing and implementing programs “designed to increase the talent, diversity, and number of undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Klipsch Educators College and drive increases in K-12 student performance,” the university said in a news release.
She will also focus on launching a new Indiana Institute for Literacy as a primary resource for Indiana parents and educators to expand the Science of Reading, securing funding for a new building to house the Klipsch Educators College and Center for Vibrant Schools on the Indy campus, and expanding state and regional school partnerships.
“Dr. Kwiatkowski’s wealth of knowledge, expertise, and relationships will help us accelerate and further advance this critical work to improve literacy and education for students of all ages throughout the region,” Marian Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Kenith Britt said in the release.
Kiwatkowski will begin her new role on July 1.
At Muncie Community Schools, Kwiatkowski will be succeeded by Chuck Reynolds, who currently serves as associate superintendent.
“I love Muncie Community Schools, and I am extremely honored to be the next leader of so many talented and passionate educators right here in my hometown,” Reynolds said. “Our schools have changed quite a bit since my days as an MCS student, and I couldn’t be more excited about the direction we’re heading.
Prior to joining the district in 2019, Reynolds served as district administrator with Richmond Community Schools. A graduate of Muncie Southside High School, Reynolds earned three degrees, including his Doctorate in Education, from Ball State.