David McGehee says he is a student-centered leader.

The third finalist candidate for the Geary USD 475 Superintendent of Schools position responded to questions from the public during a Thursday evening forum at Junction City Middle School.

McGehee said he has utilized concepts of professional learning communities in his last two districts to develop a culture that’s student centered. ” I can tell you in that in visiting your schools you have a student-centered culture. You’re doing a lot with supports. You are focusing on the needs of each student.”

He stated he is a midwesterner and wanted to return to school leadership in the midwest. Most recently he has been serving as an educational consultant for schools. Before that he served as superintendent of three districts in Missouri.

McGehee noted he believes his supporting building principals and staff should be supportive. He indicated he would be doing a lot of listening and needed to make sure he was out in the schools and classrooms, if hired to serve as the superintendent.

On school security McGehee commended USD 475 training that has occurred in the schools. School officials and students are training how to respond, for example, if an active shooter enters a school  building.