RAY DANIELS

Ray Daniels was the superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools from 1998 to 2005. He led the district’s implementation of First Things First and oversaw a remarkable increase in student achievement, graduation rate and attendance across 43 schools. During his tenure as superintendent, the percentage of students in the district scoring at or above proficiency on the state reading assessment increased 20 points, and the achievement gap between white and Hispanic students virtually evaporated. Daniels also led an effort to build community support for schools, which resulted in the successful passage of a $120 million bond issue, the first successful bond issue for the district in 30 years.

Prior to his tenure as superintendent, Ray served as the district’s director of personnel and the assistant superintendent for personnel services. He also served the district as a junior high and high school English teacher, basketball and track coach, and high school assistant principal.

Ray holds master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Kansas and a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University.