Dr. Grenita Lathan is superintendent of Missouri's largest school district, which serves 24,000 students and employs about 3,500 individuals. She began her tenure at Springfield Public Schools July 1, 2021.

As an educational leader and advocate, Dr. Grenita Lathan focuses on enhancing public education and positively impacting students, staff and families. During her 30-year career in education, she has helped school districts improve academic achievement and implement changes to support all learners. 

For the three years prior to joining SPS, Dr. Lathan served as interim superintendent of Houston Independent School District. HISD is the largest school district in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. She joined HISD in 2015 as Chief School Officer for Elementary Transformation Schools and later served as Chief Academic Officer. Under Dr. Lathan’s leadership, HISD made significant improvements in academic achievement. 

She is passionate about supporting philanthropic work in the community and mentoring young women to reach their personal and professional potential. She credits Girl Scouts for instilling the fundamental leadership skills and confidence that empowered her to pursue her goals.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Houston Independent School District, Texas

• Interim Superintendent, 2018-2021
• Chief Academic Officer, 2016-2018
• Chief School Officer, Elementary Transformation Schools, 2015-2016
  
  

Peoria Public Schools, Illinois

• Superintendent, 2010-2015
  
  

San Diego Unified School District, California

• Interim Deputy Superintendent, 2009-2010
• Chief Elementary School Improvement Officer, 2008-2009
  
  

EDUCATION

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Doctor of Philosophy in Workforce Education and Development
  
  

University of North Carolina, Greensboro

• Master of Science in Business Education
  
  

North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro

• Bachelor of Science in Business Education
  
  

AWARDS

• Houston NAACP Educational Advocacy Award
• Houston Top 30 Influential Women Award
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hero Award
• Texas Legislative Black Caucus Outstanding Texan Award
• YWCA Outstanding Women's Award