Finalists named for Springfield Public Schools acting superintendent. by News Staff Tue, June 2, 2026 at 11:08 AM Updated Tue, June 2, 2026 at 5:22 PM 00:00 00:43 (File/SBG) SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has selected three finalists to participate in the final phase of the District's interim superintendent search process. The finalists will participate in a series of interviews with multiple stakeholder groups and the board on June 9. The Board of Directors and search consultants reviewed a pool of 16 initial applicants and identified six candidates who were screened on May 27. After screening interviews, the board has selected the following three finalists based on their leadership experience, commitment to student success, and ability to lead SPS during this transitional period. 00:00 00:43 finalists named for Springfield Public Schools acting superintendent. Michael Carter. Michael Carter currently serves as Superintendent of Lake County School District 7 in Oregon and has more than 40 years of experience in education, including more than 24 years as a superintendent. Throughout his career, he has served as a superintendent, high school principal, middle school principal, elementary principal, assistant principal, university professor, and educational mentor. Carter also serves as Executive Director of the Oregon Small Schools Association, where he supports leadership development, advocacy, and collaboration among Oregon school districts. He holds an Education Specialist degree from Lewis & Clark College, a master's degree in Educational Administration from UCLA, and has been recognized as Oregon Small Schools Association Administrator of the Year and recipient of the COSA Bev Gladder Mentor Award. His leadership experience includes strategic planning, school finance, facilities management, board relations, and community partnerships. Dr. Kimberlee Pelster. Dr. Kimberlee Pelster currently serves as principal of Thurston High School. Since assuming the principalship in 2022, she has led significant improvements in graduation rates, attendance, student engagement, and support for historically underserved student groups. Under her leadership, Thurston High School achieved a record 90% graduation rate and earned recognition from the Oregon Department of Education and Cognia for its work in student voice and continuous improvement. Prior to joining SPS, Pelster served as a Director with Teach For America in Chicago, supporting and developing more than 90 teachers across 49 schools, and worked in Eugene School District 4J supporting special education services and system improvement initiatives. She holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Oregon and completed her doctorate in educational leadership in spring 2026. John Stover, ed.d. John Stover currently serves as superintendent of Rockingham County Schools in North Carolina and brings more than 30 years of educational leadership experience. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief of Secondary Schools for the District of Columbia Public Schools, Superintendent of Uplift Education Charter Schools in Texas, and as a principal and assistant principal in multiple school systems. During his career, Stover has led significant gains in student achievement, college and career readiness, Advanced Placement success, and workforce development programs. His accomplishments include securing major facility and infrastructure grants, expanding college and career pathways, increasing student credential attainment, and leading nationally recognized schools and districts. He holds a doctorate in Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University, a master's degree in School Administration from East Carolina University, and superintendent certifications in North Carolina and Virginia. Finalists will participate in a series of interviews with stakeholder groups representing staff, parents, community members, and district leadership. Feedback from interview teams will be shared with the board as part of the final decision-making process. "SPS appreciates the participation of community members, staff, students, and stakeholders who have contributed feedback throughout the search process," the district stated. SPONSORED CONTENT MORE TO EXPLORE

Delta State University names Bengloff Executive Director of the Bologna Performing Arts Center. CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University has named Matty Bengloff as the new Executive Director of the Bologna Performing Arts Center. Bengloff will oversee the center's operations, programming and community partnerships as the venue continues its role as a cultural hub for the Mississippi Delta and surrounding region. A longtime Cleveland resident, Bengloff brings a background in operations management, project leadership, education administration and community engagement to the position. His career includes leadership roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors, along with extensive involvement in civic and arts organizations across the Delta. Bengloff is the owner and operator of Delta Dairy Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in downtown Cleveland, a business he founded in 2013. Earlier in his career, Bengloff served in leadership roles with Teach For America, where he worked to strengthen district partnerships and support teacher placement across Arkansas and Mississippi. He also served as Director of Special Projects for RePublic Charter Schools and previously led a $10 million federal Race to the Top initiative for the Clarksdale Municipal School District, overseeing a multi school initiative focused on literacy, technology and college and career readiness. "Matty's leadership experience, operational background and strong ties to the Cleveland community make him an excellent choice to lead the Bologna Performing Arts Center," said Dr. Daniel J. Ennis, President of Delta State University. "The BPAC is one of the region's most important cultural venues, and we are excited to see how his vision and energy will continue to strengthen its impact on campus and throughout the Mississippi Delta." Bengloff has also been deeply involved in civic and cultural organizations throughout Bolivar County. He currently serves on the executive board of the Cleveland/Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, where he is Vice President and President Elect. He also served as Board Chair of Team Cleveland / Cleveland Main Street and is the Board Secretary of the Delta Arts Alliance. Bengloff earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Southern Methodist University, where he was a Presidential Scholar. "I'm honored to join Delta State and the Bologna Performing Arts Center," Bengloff said. "The BPAC plays an important role in bringing arts, education and cultural experiences to the Mississippi Delta, and I look forward to working with the university and community partners to continue building on that legacy." The Bologna Performing Arts Center presents national touring performances, educational programming and community events each year, serving audiences from across the Mississippi Delta and the Mid South.