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Dr. Michael Ford new superintendent for USD #417
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CopyDr. Michael Ford, principal at Abilene High School since 2004, will be the new USD 417 superintendent of schools, effective July 1. A two-year contract, with an annual salary of $93,000, was approved during a special meeting of the Board of Education Monday, February 15.
He is completing his 30th year in education, as a teacher, coach and administrator.
He will succeed Diane Miller, who is taking early retirement effective June 30.
Dr. Ford was one of three finalists interviewed last week after a Kansas Association of School Boards' committee narrowed a list of 25 applicants down to three.
He and his wife, Kathy, have three daughters. Courtney is a junior majoring in aerospace engineering at Wichita State University; Melissa, a freshman in theater at WSU; and Kinsey is an eighth grade student in Abilene.
They attend the First Methodist Church in Abilene, and he enjoys fishing, golf and biking.
The new superintendent graduated from Reading High School in 1975; earned an associate of art degree in engineering technology at Hutchinson Community College in 1977; and a bachelor of science degree in physical education, with a minor in math and science, from Baker University in 1980.
After starting his teaching career, he earned a masters degree in education administration from Washburn University in 1988; education specialist degree in education administration from the University of Missouri, Kansas-City, in 1995; and an executive doctorate degree in education administration from Saint Louis University in 2000.
While attending Hutchinson Community College, Ford lettered one year in football, and then was a two-year letterman at Baker University where he was first team all conference, NAIA District 10, and the team's MVP on defense.
He has taught mathematics and/or physical education at Ottawa High School, Madison High School, Shawnee Heights High School and Basehor-Linwood High School; and physical education at Hutchinson Community College and Ottawa University. His coaching duties during those years included football, basketball, wrestling and track.
He was assistant principal at Patton Junior High School, Fort Leavenworth, from 1995 to 2001; principal at Wabaunsee High School, Alma, from 2001-2004; and has been principal at Abilene High School since 2004.
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© 2010 The Prairie Post White City, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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