Up To Date

Hickman Mills' New School Superintendent Takes Over In A Time Of Unprecedented Challenges

By Steve Kraske,

Luke X. Martin, Chris Young

Published July 16, 2020 at 4:00 PM CDT

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Yaw Obeng starts as superintendent in Hickman Mills on July 1. He describes himself as 'a little geeky' and says when his three sons were growing up, he often dragged them to visit school sites on vacation. — Prior to becoming superintendent in Hickman Mills on July 1, Yaw Obeng spent five years in the same position at Burlington Public Schools in Vermont. He also oversaw the construction of new schools in a district in his native Canada.

Balancing the needs of the south Kansas City community and the safety of students is no easy task, especially while budgets are shrinking, enrollment numbers are dropping and COVID-19 cases are on the rise.

Hickman Mills' new superintendent has plenty of work ahead, navigating the many issues facing the district.

Yaw Obeng, Hickman Mills C-1 School District superintendent

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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