Getting to know you: Q&A with Superintendent Jeff Kleck

This week, the Maricopa Unifed School District governing board voted to appoint Jeff Kleck as interim superintendent. Who is Jeff Kleck? Here’s your chance to find out.

Vital statistics:
Colleges: Eastern Oregon University; Adminstrative certification from Portland State University
Education: Bachelor of science in biology; bachelor of science in secondary education; master’s degree in secondary science education
Family: Two sons; one is in his third year of Orthopedic Residency in Tucson; the other is a senior fraud analyst for Go-Daddy.com and a math major at Arizona State University
Birthplace: Southern California
Been in Maricopa 3 years

Q: How would you describe your management style?
A: I gather people around me and say, “Let’s go together,” and MBWA (Management By Walking Around).

Q: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing MUSD, and how will you go about meeting this challenge?
A: Pending budget issues. We need to continue to lobby our legislators for education dollars, and develop a broad-based strategic plan to use as a guide for budgeting.

Q: How can you calm the fears of parents who think their children aren’t getting a quality education?
A: Quality education is provided by quality teachers. Our teaching staff is great, but we never let great stand in the way of better.

Q: How will you address the needs of special education children in the district?
A: One of the first things we are doing is hiring a special education director who will help us outline a plan make sure those needs are met.

Q: What needs to be done to bring Maricopa Wells Middle School into AYP compliance?
A: I have to look at the data to find out why Maricopa Wells is not AYP compliant. I haven’t had that opportunity yet, but I will find out and we will progress.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind?
A: I love to snow ski and I am learning to surf.