Meet & Greet with Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield and Chief of Police Karl Oakman

Dr. Anna Stubblefield Bio:
Dr. Anna Stubblefield began her first day as the 21st Superintendent of Schools on Thursday, July 1, 2021.
 
Dr. Stubblefield previously served as the Deputy Superintendent for Lawrence Public Schools. She worked in that position since 2018 after serving as the Interim Superintendent for the 2017-18 school year. As Deputy Superintendent, Stubblefield oversaw Human Resources, Special Education and Student Services, Curriculum and Instruction, and the Lawrence Virtual School. She was also instrumental in Lawrence Public Schools equity work. Before that, she served as Lawrence's Assistant Superintendent, Director of Human Resources, and middle school principal. She began her career in education as a teacher and transitioned into new roles as a coach and assistant principal in the Blue Valley and Center School Districts.
 
Dr. Stubblefield replaces Dr. Charles Foust, who resigned in 2020.
 
Dr. Stubblefield earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University, an Educational Specialist's degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and two Master's degrees (Special Education and Teaching & Leadership) and her Bachelor's degree in Education Administration from the University of Kansas. In October 2018, she participated in the Women in Education Leadership program at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Stubblefield currently serves as an adjunct instructor for the University of Kansas and Baker University.
 
She is married to David, and both are proud parents of three sons.
 
"I am grateful for this opportunity. It is a privilege to serve as the next superintendent. I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, staff, students, and community to build on and create a culture of high expectations, strong relationships, and trust. My hope is I will lead in a way that empowers others as we change lives," said Dr. Stubblefield.

Chief Karl Oakman Bio:
Chief Karl Oakman was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas.  Prior to becoming the Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief, he served on the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department for 29 years and retiring at the rank of deputy chief.  Throughout his career, he has developed successful initiatives focusing on inclusion, community policing, youth engagement, recruitment and officer wellness.

Chief Oakman in his 29 years has held numerus law enforcement assignments in the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department to include the position of city liaison which worked side by side with the Mayor, City Manager and Council to address public safety issues. 

Chief Oakman is a 2018 graduate of the prestigious Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI).  He received a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Columbia College. Oakman is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Firm, Missouri Chiefs Association, and Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.  He serves on three national committees: the IACP Human and Civil Rights Committee and the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s Deputy Chief and Technology Committees.  Chief Oakman has received various awards to include: KMBC Channel 9 Gold Award for Valor, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Meritorious Service Award, Kansas Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police Silver Award for Valor, KCPD Distinguished Service Medal, KCPD Meritorious Service Award, and five KCPD Special Unit Citations.