Our first Faces of 409 is out for the 2019-2020 school year!  And introducing Renee Scott is a perfect way for the community to get to know her a bit better!  Renee has taken the helm as our superintendent and is very excited to be in Atchison.  She said, “I just want the community to know how excited I am to be here! I hope to get involved in the community and meet people. I am easy going and hope the community feels like they can reach out to me.”

Renee taught Middle School and High School English in Nebraska and Texas and was a K-12 Educational Diagnostician (Kansas equivalent of a school psychologist) in Texas. After moving back to Kansas she was a school counselor for five years, an associate principal for six years, and Assistant Supt. of Student Services for four years–all in Garden City, Kansas.

When asked why she wanted to be a superintendent, she said, ” When I started my doctoral degree I had a long-term goal of wanting to be a superintendent, but I also wanted as many “in the trenches” experiences to prepare me for that role. Overseeing accreditation, technology, curriculum & instruction, and special education in Garden City, which is the 8th largest district in the state, provided me with a lot of experience to be a superintendent.”

She is not just an educator but also a mother of three children, and two grandchildren.  She loves to cook, read, fish, run (which she says has been quite a change from Garden City due to all the hills in Atchison!) and just about anything she can do outside!  Atchison will be perfect for her with all the great trails, ponds and fun things to do!

When asked what her goals were for the first few months she indicated that USD 409 has strong administration, staff, and board, so the first few months her goals will be to build relationships with the stakeholders in and out of the school district. She wants to look at the current processes that are in place and determine what is working and what may or may not need some refining. She will be working with the board to develop goals that align with our strategic plan.

Renee is most excited about the school community and the community of Atchison! She says that in the short time she’s been in Atchison, the genuineness of the people is exactly who she wishes to live and work with every day!