About Dr. Grenita Lathan - Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools:
Dr. Grenita Lathan is superintendent of Missouri’s largest public school district and Springfield’s fifth largest employer. She is currently in her fourth year of serving the 25,000 students and 3,500 employees who learn and work at Springfield Public Schools.
During that time, she has demonstrated her commitment to open communication and collaboration with all stakeholders. She makes herself accessible through events like SPS University and Let’s Talk Live, where parents, staff and community members can directly interact with her and other SPS leaders. By collaborating with other community partners, she has played an integral role in developing innovative programs for SPS students including Fly SPS and The Alliance for Healthcare Education.
As a person of faith, Dr. Lathan has always relied on prayer and scripture for guidance in her leadership journey. In times of despair, she finds assurance in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Prior to joining SPS, Dr. Lathan was the interim superintendent of Houston Independent School District. Other leadership experience includes five years as superintendent of Peoria Public Schools in Illinois, as well as two years with the San Diego Unified School District in California as chief elementary school improvement officer and interim deputy superintendent.
Dr. Lathan began her career in education as a high school teacher in North Carolina, where she later served as principal.
She is very involved in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and The Links Incorporated, which are international service organizations for women. She also serves on the boards of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Ozarks Campaign Cabinet and Community Partnership of the Ozarks.