Kenneth Vedra
Dr Kenneth Vedra has 30 years of leadership and work experience in the field of education. He is currently superintendent of the Bellingham School District in the US state of Washington, which serves approximately 10,400 students ranging from preschool to high school.
Before coming to Bellingham, Kenneth was superintendent of Academy School District 20 in Colorado Springs, a position to which he was appointed in 2000, having previously held the position of assistant superintendent of finance.
During his tenure as superintendent, he implemented a Top 10 ceremony to honour outstanding academic achievement for all district high schools and started a student advisory council of representatives from all District 20 high schools. In 2004, he was named Colorado Superintendent of the Year. Under Kenneth’s leadership, District 20 grew by nearly 3,000 students, reaching its current roll of 21,230. He oversaw the remodelling and creation of several new schools, and worked closely with schools to ensure a firm financial basis for future growth. He proved himself a leader in legislative change, and helped direct both Colorado and federal legislation by working closely with senators and education representatives.
Kenneth graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He then went on to study for a master’s degree in educational administration at Colorado State University, which he was awarded in 1980. He subsequently earned his doctorate from the University of Colorado’s College of Education in 1986.
He is currently a member of the National School Boards Association, American Association of School Administrators, and Washington Association of School Administrators.
He is a member of the board of directors of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation and Chairs the K -12 Education Committee.
