Perez Named Next Russell County USD 407 Superintendent

Russell County USD 407 did not have to look far to find its next superintendent.

During Monday's special meeting at the Central Office in Russell, board of education members voted unanimously to offer a contract to current Ruppenthal Middle School Principal Jordan Perez.

Perez accepted the position and will begin as superintendent on July 1.

According to a press release, Perez has broad educational experience, as an administrator, teacher and mentor to educators. He was hired by USD 407 in 2019 and served two years as principal of Simpson Elementary School before transferring to his current position as principal of Ruppenthal Middle School. Prior to arriving in Russell, Perez taught second and fourth grades at Lee Elementary in Manhattan.

Perez earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 2011, his Master of Arts in Education from Ottawa University in 2018 and he will graduate in May 2023 with his Education Specialist Degree from Fort Hays State University.

USD 407 Board President Kathy Wallert said Perez emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the school District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Jordan Perez and confident that under his leadership USD 407 will continue to move and grow in a positive direction.”

Wallert explained that community input, including the involvement of stakeholders, was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The committees included teachers and administrators, parents and community members. “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”

Two other candidates were interviewed for the position - Michael Couch (current Kickapoo Nation School Superintendent in Powhattan) and Rex Boley (current USD 107 Rock Hills Superintendent in Mankato).

As a board team, Wallert said "we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community."

Perez will replace Clark Coco, who's contract ends on June 30 as interim superintendent.