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Stephanie Wiechmann
When asked why she would leave a state government job to move to Muncie, Dr. LeeAnn Kwiatkowski put it simply,

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LeeAnn Kwiatkowski
Quite frankly, I believe that this is the most exciting job in the state of Indiana, if not the nation.

00;00;12;06 - 00;00;40;01
Stephanie Wiechmann
Kwiatkowski brings a long resume to Muncie, including 18 years of classroom teaching and serving as chief of staff for the state's department of Education. She'll now take up a title almost as long as her current one. Director of public education and CEO of Muncie Community Schools. Board president Jim Williams says because the district is being run by Ball State University in the first of its kind legislative mandated arrangement in the state, Kwiatkowski is being asked to do much more than a superintendent.

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Jim Williams
One of the things that we wanted to communicate as a board was that this is a unique model. It is different. And if you look at this description, we are asking more of this individual than has traditionally been asked of superintendents and to distill it down, although it's broader than this, the core is as much as anything. Engagement with the broader community.

00;01;03;18 - 00;01;20;05
Stephanie Wiechmann
Kwiatkowski says she's excited the circumstances allow for innovation and for the district to become a model for others. She says she'll combat the negative perception of Muncie schools in the state by publicizing the good things that have already been accomplished, like stabilizing enrollment and raising philanthropic dollars from the community.

00;01;20;07 - 00;01;28;20
LeeAnn Kwiatkowski
I know when I get in schools and start meeting with students, I'm going to hear more and more positive stories, and we need to share those positive stories.

00;01;28;23 - 00;01;38;14
Stephanie Wiechmann
Kwiatkowski has signed a three year contract with the district. She'll be relocating to Muncie, and her official start date is July 11th. In Muncie, Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR news.