Superintendent sees move to Centre as 'step up'
Robert L. Kiblinger is the new superintendent at Centre Unified School District #397. He took over the job July 1 after serving for five years as principal of Council Grove High School.
Kiblinger has the distinction of being the first Centre administrator to assume dual roles as superintendent and K-12 principal. This is his first year as a superintendent.
He said he isn't afraid of the challenge. He has served in assistant principal and principal positions at the high school level since 1982 and is beginning his 30th year in education.
Because of limited experience at the elementary school level, he plans to rely on experts on the staff for input in making solid decisions.
"I was impressed with the district from day one when I took the tour of the buildings," he said. "For a rural setting, the school district is pretty much up-to-date. That tells you the kind of personnel you have."
Kiblinger isn't ashamed to admit he is a workaholic.
"I think you have to work hard for kids, and I expect that from all employees of the district," he said. "We're in the kid business."
He said he is willing and able to change when change is necessary. His goal is to facilitate student achievement and promote student and staff development for future successes.
During his five years at Council Grove, Kiblinger was a leader in school improvement, staff development, financial management, QPA accreditation, technology, and curriculum, to name a few areas of his expertise.
He has a distinguished record of ongoing professional training, as well as community involvement.
He promises to have a high visibility, i.e., to be accessible to students, staff, parents, and patrons. He said he has learned that being a good listener is a big part of communication.
"I have an open-door policy. I will welcome comments at any time. I also want parents and patrons to work hard in supporting the district."
Kiblinger believes it's important for students to be involved in extra- or co-curricular activities. He plans to attend many of those events.
"We're here for the academics, but the activities are important," he said. "If they latch onto something, it will motivate them to keep up academically. One supports the other."
Kiblinger was born in Kansas City, Mo., and grew up at Neodesha. In high school, he competed in cross country and track.
After graduation in 1971, he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan and acquired a bachelor of science degree in mathematics education. He later earned a master's degree in educational administration and administration certification from KSU.
His first teaching assignment, 1975-1976, was at Newton High School as a math instructor.
He spent the next 23 years at Fredonia High School, during which time he obtained district level certification from Emporia State University.
At Fredonia, he served as mathematics instructor, assistant principal, principal, athletic/activities director, and grant writer. He went to Council Grove in 1999.
Kiblinger is divorced and has a son who is a graduate of KSU and involved in the livestock business.
For pastime, Kiblinger enjoys traveling, walking, jogging, golfing, and reading newspapers.
