Former meteorologist Erin Little hired as spokeswoman for Shawnee Mission schools

The Shawnee Mission school board approved two new directors of communications Wednesday to replace current assistant superintendent of communications Leigh Anne Neal as she transitions to a new role in the district’s early childhood education program.

Former KMBC meteorologist Erin Little will serve as the district spokeswoman and oversee media relations for the district, Neal said Wednesday. Little will also help develop media and video production programs in the district.

Little left KMBC on Jan. 2 after an almost 12-year career at KMBC. She started at the station in 2004 and left in 2007 for a brief stint in Denver. She returned to KMBC in 2008.

She won an Emmy Award in 2006 for her reporting at KMBC in the field of science and environment.

Trozzolo Communications senior vice president Shawna Samuel has been tapped to oversee marketing, branding and information requests, as well as written communications for the district.

While Neal will help both directors transition when they start their new roles on Feb. 6, she plans to help develop the district’s early childhood education program in the future. Her role will include expanding and improving district prekindergarten programs.

“It’s an important area of education, and we are recognizing the opportunity to provide quality education programs for early learners and how important it is for their development,” Neal said.

This story was originally published January 11, 2017 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Former meteorologist Erin Little hired as spokeswoman for Shawnee Mission schools."