Chaffee schools superintendent stepping down; others in district see promotions

The Chaffee (Missouri) School District recently announced new roles for several familiar faces at the district for the 2018 school year.

Ken Latham will retire this summer, after 12 years as superintendent.

He also served as superintendent of schools at Sikeston, Caruthersville and Oran, according to previous reporting by the Southeast Missourian.

The district has grown during his tenure, from fewer than 600 students to slightly more than 700, according to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education data.

Brad Blackman

Stepping into his role is Brad Blackman, the current Chaffee Junior/Senior High School principal.

Blackman has been principal for 10 years at the school, which has grades seven through 12.

He holds a specialist in educational administration degree from William Woods University and was also an administrator at Sikeston junior and senior high schools for 10 years, according to the district.

John Cundiff

John Cundiff will step into Blackman�s role as the new principal at the junior/senior high school. Cundiff, who has been the business and computer education teacher at the school for the past six years, said he�s excited to move into a new role.

�I�m looking forward to getting to work with the staff and teachers here,� Cundiff said. �Being a teacher already, I know the people here already, and I know how great we are. ... It makes the job a lot easier, having a great group of people to work with.�

Cundiff holds bachelor�s degrees in business (marketing) and teaching (business education) from Southeast Missouri State University, and a master�s degree in secondary administration.

Jennifer Vandeven

The new principal at the elementary school is Jennifer Vandeven, who has been the assistant elementary school principal and special services director for the Chaffee School District for the last three years.

Vandeven, who holds a bachelor�s degree in special education and a master�s in special education administration from Southeast Missouri State University, is working on her doctoral degree in educational leadership at Saint Louis University, according to the district.

Vandeven said the elementary school faculty and staff have worked hard to craft a collective vision for the school.

�As the building leader, I look forward to supporting our faculty and staff as we strive toward the vision set forth: to become an exemplary learning community through high quality instruction with respect for all members,� Vandeven said. �Our slogan at Chaffee Elementary is �Everyone a learner, every day,� and I am honored to be selected to lead some of the best in the field of education, while continuing my own lifelong journey of learning.�

Vandeven also spoke highly of the people important to the school�s students.

�Our learning community of teachers, support staff, and students is blessed with a supportive community of parents, families, and citizens. I hope to serve both communities well.�

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

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517 W. Yoakum, Chaffee, Mo.