Current Union Public Schools Assistant Superintendent, Jarod Mendenhall has been chosen to be the next Superintendent of Broken Arrow Public Schools.

The Broken Arrow Board of Education unanimously approved Mendenhall’s selection at its Feb. 8 meeting.  The Board also approved entering into contract negotiations with Mendenhall.  Once agreed to, Mendenhall’s contract with BAPS will be voted on at a future Board of Education Meeting.

Board President Sharon Whelpley said Mendenhall is a great fit for BAPS.

“We as a board have gone through a very extensive process that started in full last summer.  After meeting with candidates, visiting the finalists’ current districts, and seeing the finalists go through public forums and meetings with our BA staff, it became apparent that Mr. Mendenhall’s experiences and leadership style made him the best choice for our district’s immediate and future needs.  We look forward to seeing him demonstrate his great educational leadership qualities on a daily basis for our students and staff as he takes over this position.”

Mendenhall will replace Dr. Gary Gerber as BAPS Superintendent.  Dr. Gerber has announced plans to retire from the district effective June 30, 2010.

Mendenhall has been in education since 1991 with more than 14 years of experience at Union Public Schools.  He began his career in the classroom as a history teacher and coached for six years at Union and Sapulpa Public Schools, then entered administration in Bartlesville as Assistant High School Principal.  In 1998, he moved to Union Public Schools and served as Assistant High School Principal and Intermediate High School Principal until he was appointed Executive Director for Curriculum Design and School Improvement in Broken Arrow where he served briefly.  In 2004 he returned to Union as Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, his current position.

Mendenhall and his wife (a teacher in the Union School District) are proud parents of two daughters.