6/5/2024 -- Dr. Keith Marty, superintendent of Parkway Schools, announced on Wednesday his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, after 14 years as superintendent.
Dr. Marty’s last day will be June 30, 2025. The timing of this announcement will allow the Board of Education to conduct a thorough search for the next superintendent and provide for a seamless transition.
"Working as Parkway’s superintendent for 14 years has brought me tremendous joy," Dr. Marty said. "There isn’t anywhere else I would rather be. I feel as optimistic as I’ve ever been about Parkway as we look ahead to next school year and begin implementing our five-year strategic plan that provides strategies for student success in school and life, and the resources to support them."
Dr. Marty became Parkway’s tenth superintendent on July 1, 2011. A public educator for almost 49 years, he previously served four school districts in Wisconsin as a teacher, high school principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent and superintendent.
During Dr. Marty’s tenure in Parkway, voters approved three bond issues, providing more than a half billion dollars to support Parkway Schools. The district expanded opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning through Spark! and added an Early College program where students earn an associate’s degree alongside their high school diploma. The district began to take a more holistic approach to supporting students by focusing on emotional and mental wellness alongside academic achievement. As Parkway’s enrollment became increasingly diverse, we responded to ensure equity and learning needs were met.
Five schools were named or recertified as National Blue Ribbon Schools, and 19 schools and the school district have been named State and National Schools of Character. In 2017, Parkway School District was named a National District of Character. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education named Parkway a Green Ribbon School District.
Jeff Todd, president of the Board of Education, applauded Dr. Marty for the strides Parkway made under his leadership. Dr. Marty fostered community relationships and partnerships, including with legislators, police and fire chiefs, business and religious leaders, and local government officials who share an interest in supporting students.
"The Board of Education is grateful for Dr. Marty's many years of service to our schools and community," Mr. Todd said. "He has been an ever-present and transformational leader who has been focused on our mission and providing the best educational opportunities for our students."
"We appreciate that Dr. Marty gave us advance notice of his retirement, which provides ample time to initiate a search for Parkway's next leader. We look forward to including students, staff, parents, and the greater community in helping define the role of Parkway's next superintendent."
In the coming weeks, the school board will determine a process and timeline for selecting the next superintendent.
Parkway has an enrollment of about 16,600 students in an area covering 68 square miles in St. Louis County, which includes all or parts of Ballwin, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Manchester, Maryland Heights, Winchester, and Town and Country. All four Parkway high schools are consistently named among the country’s best high schools by U.S. News and World Report.
