Jerri Kemble

Centre School District

Lost Springs, Kansas

Thanks to Kemble’s leadership, Centre School District is a pioneer in using technology.  Kemble attended a White House meeting on technology and virtual learning in 2010, and in 2011, Vice President Biden’s office asked to meet with her again to get an update on the district’s technology progress.

Despite a struggling rural economy, the district experienced a 26-percent population increase and created nine part-time teaching positions and one full-time virtual school coordinator position last year. The district also added 250 class offerings to its high school students.

Through virtual education, Centre students now have the opportunity to take classes such as Biotechnology, Graphic Design, New Solar Technology, and Chinese. The Kansas Online Learning Program has taken in students from across the state of Kansas.

During Kemble’s four years as superintendent, the district has implemented a one-to-one laptop program at the high school; a two-to-one laptop program in grades 5-8; a one-to-one iPad program in grades 3-4; and a two-to-one iPod Touch program in grades K-2. The district operates a web-based student information system and uses wikis, Skype, and Blackboard for staff development, as well as Gmail for all staff and students. Kemble is not only the superintendent, but also the Virtual Program Leader.

Kemble holds informative sessions to help parents understand how various technology tools will be used in classrooms. She encourages district staff to reach out and not only learn from other districts, but share their technology expertise.

Each Tuesday, a technology integration specialist comes to the district to help teachers integrate technology into the curriculum. Each year, Centre and four area school districts gather to celebrate technology at the Technology Excellence in Education Mash-up.