Superintendent of the Year

Battle Creek Public Schools’ Dr. Kimberly Carter Named 2026 Michigan Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Kimberly Carter, Superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools, has earned the prestigious title of ‘Michigan Superintendent of the Year’ after she was surprised with the announcement at Monday’s board of education meeting. Carter was selected for the honor, presented annually by the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA), in recognition of her commitment to student-centered education, dedication to fostering a thriving school community, and leadership within the district and broader educational landscape.

“Dr. Kimberly Carter’s presence, longevity, and impact within Battle Creek Public Schools are truly unparalleled. Her unwavering commitment and heartfelt dedication to the staff, students, and community are both inspiring and commendable. We look forward to seeing what’s next for Dr. Carter as she embraces this well-deserved honor and proudly represents her district and the state of Michigan at the national level.” Dr. Tina Kerr, Executive Director, MASA.

Under her guidance, Battle Creek Public Schools has experienced unprecedented growth and impressive academic success, with a focus on closing achievement gaps, enhancing school culture, and expanding opportunities for all students. Carter’s leadership has transformed the district into a model of innovation and inclusivity, making Battle Creek Public Schools a destination district for families.

“What stands out most to me is her humanity. Dr. Carter leads with empathy, conviction, and a deep belief that every student deserves the chance to succeed. She listens, she brings people together, and she inspires,” said Jose Celorio-Escandon, Communications Manager at Battle Creek Public School and Carter’s nominator for the award. “Under her leadership, graduation rates have risen, advanced learning opportunities have grown, and students are more engaged. Families feel hope again, and staff feel proud to belong to BCPS. Dr. Carter is more than a superintendent. She is a community leader, a champion for equity, and a reminder that education can change lives. Her vision has transformed Battle Creek Public Schools into a place of opportunity and pride.”

Since her appointment as Superintendent in 2015, Carter has led Battle Creek Public Schools through a series of impactful initiatives that have enhanced both student achievement and community engagement. Under Dr. Carter’s leadership, Battle Creek Public Schools has emerged as a statewide model for what’s possible when opportunity and excellence drive every decision. Through a bold, multi-year transformation plan, Dr. Carter has led initiatives that have tripled kindergarten readiness, expanded access to early learning, strengthened family engagement, and forged powerful community partnerships. The district’s commitment to innovation is reflected in the launch of new learning pathways – including an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme at the elementary school, a STEM academy, an alternative high school, and an Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. Most notably, Battle Creek Public Schools introduced the groundbreaking Bearcat Advantage, a scholarship program that covers up to 100% of college tuition for BCPS graduates attending Michigan universities or eligible HBCUs, ensuring every student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams beyond high school.

Her commitment to transparent and proactive communication has also strengthened Bangor Township’s relationship with the community. She initiated “Parent University” – a program designed to educate and empower parents with tools and resources to support their children’s education – and introduced regular town hall meetings to foster open dialogue. These efforts, combined with active social media engagement, have helped build trust and collaboration among students, parents, teachers, and community members.

“Dr. Carter’s tenure has also strengthened BCPS’s investment in early learning, student wellness, leadership development, and community partnerships—all critical elements in creating an ecosystem that nurtures not just academic success, but lifelong resilience and opportunity. Whether it’s through expanding early childhood programming, integrating wellness supports into schools, or developing community-based leadership pipelines, her vision consistently aligns with what’s best for kids,” said Kathy Szenda Wilson, founder + Co-Executive Director,
Pulse.

One of Carter’s most significant accomplishments during her tenure at Battle Creek Public Schools has been her commitment to close early learning gaps in Battle Creek Public Schools. Under her leadership, the district launched the Kindergarten Success Program and the Dudley Early Learning Center, expanding access to high-quality early education for children from low-income families. These initiatives increased kindergarten readiness from 15% to nearly 55%, surpassing the national average despite higher poverty rates. Carter’s focus on early learning equity has given every child a stronger start and a fairer chance at long-term success.

Dr. Kimberly Carter leads with clarity, courage, and a steadfast commitment to equity. Grounded in transparency and collaboration, she ensures that every voice—students, staff, families, and community partners—is heard and valued. Through purposeful communication and principled action, she builds trust and alignment around Battle Creek Public Schools’ Promise Statement: Every Student. Every Dream. Every Day. Her authentic and focused leadership continues to unite the community in service of all children’s success.

Carter’s impact extends beyond Battle Creek Public Schools. She serves as a member of the Carnegie Foundation’s national network of district leaders, sits on the Board of Directors for the United Way of South Central Michigan, and maintains numerous partnerships with organizations and foundations that expand funding and create educational and career opportunities for students across the region.

Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year award is presented to a superintendent who has shown tremendous effort and dedication to enriching the lives of students and the community. The process for awarding this honor begins in late summer with a state-wide open nomination process. Nominees then complete a multi-step application which is reviewed by representatives from more than half a dozen education organizations across the state and previous award winners.

In addition to the surprise presentation at Monday’s board meeting, Carter will be formally recognized in January at MASA’s 2026 Midwinter Conference in Kalamazoo. A $1,000 student scholarship will also be presented to Battle Creek Public Schools in her honor by this year’s Michigan award sponsor, Michigan Virtual.

As Michigan’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year, Carter is now in the running for the national Superintendent of the Year award from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Four national finalists will be selected in December and will participate in a national briefing and final interviews in Washington, D.C., in January. The National Superintendent of the Year award winner will be announced in March at AASA’s National Conference on Education in Nashville, TN, where all State Superintendents of the Year will also be honored.