Dear Raytown Quality Schools Families and Community,

Please allow me to take a moment to introduce myself to you as your next Superintendent. My name is Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, and I am honored to have been selected to serve the Raytown Quality Schools community. I am appreciative of the support received from the Board of Education, staff, and from the previous superintendent, Dr. Allan Markley, during the transition.

While there will be many opportunities for us to interact with one another, I also want to share with you my background. I am a proud career educator, spending much of my time as a music teacher in middle school. I have also served as a department chair, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, community superintendent, chief of school climate and safety, and superintendent. Each position has been rewarding and has afforded me the opportunity to learn and grow, but more importantly, has allowed me to serve children.

The commitment that I will make to our students, staff, and community, is that every decision that is made will be based on the outcome of all students. This belief will ensure that all students are equipped with the skills and tools needed to be successful in their future endeavors, while being prepared to be globally competitive with their peers.

It has been a great opportunity thus far, meeting and interacting with students, staff, and community members, which has solidified my anticipation to join the Raytown Quality Schools Team. Over the next few weeks, it is my goal to meet with as many school, community, and student representatives in order to gain a deeper understanding of our school district and community. This is extremely important as it will allow me the opportunity to understand and to become integrated into the community.

As your superintendent, please know that it is my intent to foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and transparency. This will ensure the continued success of our students, schools, and community.

It is truly an exciting time for the Raytown Quality Schools, and I am looking forward to the years ahead. I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure high quality educational outcomes for all students. My commitment will always be to ensure that students and staff have all that they need to be successful. I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the district, and to partner with you to ensure positive outcomes for our children.

For the Children,

Dr. Penelope E. Martin-Knox Superintendent