Shawnee Mission communications director Erin Little to leave district for new job

The Shawnee Mission school district’s director of communications — hired less than a year ago by former superintendent Jim Hinson — has resigned from the district.

Erin Little, who was a KMBC meteorologist for 12 years before starting in the district this past February, submitted a letter of resignation to the School Board that was approved Monday.

Her resignation is effective on Jan. 16.

On Monday, Little confirmed her resignation on Twitter and said she had found a new job.

“#Gratitude - I am so thankful to have served the students, staff & @theSMSD community,” she tweeted. “Thank you for your kindness. It’s been a privilege to support so many wonderful principals/teachers. I have accepted a new position outside of SMSD - and can’t wait to share #SeeYouSoon.”

Little was hired in January 2017, when the school board approved the hiring of two directors of communications after former assistant superintendent of communications Leigh Anne Neal was named director of the district’s early childhood education programs.

Shawna Samuel, a former senior vice president with Trozzolo Communications, was also hired during that time.

Together, Little and Samuel oversee a department of seven and each make a $110,000 annual salary, in addition to a $350 monthly transportation stipend, $250 monthly professional development allowance and a $60 monthly phone allowance.

During Little’s tenure, the communications department initiated a rebrand of the district’s logos and buildings, coordinated the grand opening of the new Center for Academic Achievement, redesigned a district magazine and began efforts to launch new versions of the district’s website this spring, among other projects.

But it was Little alone who served as spokeswoman for a district that has been both in turmoil and in transition since she began on Feb. 6.

Following a series of controversial decisions that drew ire from parents, former superintendent Jim Hinson, citing a desire to spend more time with family, announced an unexpected retirement.

The ACLU wrote several letters to the district questioning the legality of school policy involving public comments at school board meetings and the district’s handling of an immigration issue involving a student.

Two longtime board members were defeated at the polls, as parents called for a new direction for the district, particularly in the area of transparency.

At a board meeting Monday, interim Superintendent Kenny Southwick thanked Little for her work.

“We thank you for the time you spent here in the district,” Southwick said. “The mark is, ‘Are we a little better now than we were when you came?’ and from my estimation we are.”

Little declined to elaborate on her new position Monday.

“It’s been a wonderful experience to support the students and staff,” Little told The Star. “I’m very excited about my next steps and excited to share that news soon.”

This story was originally published December 18, 2017 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Shawnee Mission communications director Erin Little to leave district for new job."