Dr. Deborah Kerr, Superintendent of the St. Francis Public School District, began her term as the 2026 Chair of the Education Market Association on January 1. Read more about her 46 years of experience in education and her goals for enhancing the association’s role as a platform for networking and professional growth that helps members connect, learn, and grow together.
My career is dedicated to the belief that supporting students, families, and educators is the most vital investment we can make.
Professional Journey
My journey began in my childhood basement, “playing school,” a clear beginning to my career as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent. I loved teaching and knew right away in high school that’s what I wanted to be. I was the first in my family to attend college. I am parochial school-educated who became a lifelong champion for public education. My background as a Title IX high school and collegiate athlete shaped my leadership philosophy; coaching varsity basketball to back-to-back State Championships in Alaska taught me the power of motivation, teamwork, and grit. I am still in contact with my players from this team today! Having ascended from Assistant Principal to Superintendent, I view education as the ultimate equalizer. My career is dedicated to the belief that supporting students, families, and educators is the most vital investment we can make.
Favorite Part of Being an Educational Leader
I admire the industry’s genuine spirit of service. Whether a project is $1M or $30M, I’ve experienced a consistent commitment to transforming schools despite budget constraints or community pressures. I love the collaborative process of bringing stakeholders together to design spaces that aren’t just bricks & mortar, but legacies. It is exhilarating to see how a well-designed project or environment can directly influence the evolution of learning.
Proudest Accomplishment
I am most proud of the collective impact made by the educators and staff who joined me on this journey. My leadership has never been a solo act; it is a reflection of the communities I’ve served. Together, we have created environments where students and staff thrive, and being part of that shared success is my greatest professional honor.
How EDmarket Has Helped You Achieve your Professional Goals
EDmarket is a powerhouse of creativity and innovation. Programs like ECLPS set the gold standard for how pedagogy and space intersect, while the EDspaces conference remains a career highlight for its immersive learning environment. For me, EDmarket has provided the high-level networking and thought leadership necessary to stay at the forefront of educational transformation.
EDmarket’s Role in the Industry
EDmarket’s most important role is to remain the industry’s North Star. We must lead through evidence-based design and cross-sector collaboration. By acting as a central hub for professionals from all backgrounds, we can create a unified voice that advocates for the critical link between physical space and student outcomes.
Top Goals to Accomplish as Chair of the Board
- Member Empowerment: Increasing opportunities for member input and promoting diversity across the association.
- Strategic Growth: Expanding our membership footprint across all sectors for long-term financial stability.
- Visibility: Elevating the Bold Women Collective to create a national network of empowered female leaders, expand the ECLPS program, and enhance the A4LE Chapters across the country.
Thoughts on the EDmarket/A4LE Merger
This merger is a historic opportunity to align two mission-driven powerhouses. By combining our strengths, we create a unified front to promote leadership and transformative learning spaces. I look forward to applying my experience in school district consolidation to ensure a seamless transition. We aren’t just merging organizations; we are coming together to lead the future of education, and our students and families deserve this!
Top Challenges
The primary hurdle is communication. We must ensure every member understands the “why” behind the shift. Strategically realigning our staff, boards, and committees requires transparency and a commitment to developing a shared culture.
We aren’t just merging organizations; we are coming together to lead the future of education, and our students and families deserve this!
As with any organization, membership drives financial stability, just as student enrollment does for our school communities. How do we become the premier organization that provides just-in-time learning, professional development & networking, and models transformation and innovation? This can only be done through ongoing collaboration and communication with unified goals that envision our future.
Top Benefits
We gain a more robust financial foundation, a massive increase in intellectual capital, and a unique ability to serve the industry in a way no other association can. This synergy will spark innovations we haven’t even imagined yet.
Additionally, we can make OUR new organization stronger through an ongoing mindset of being stronger together through collaboration, sharing expertise, and modeling what a true learning community is all about — student-centered and future-driven to lead in an ever-changing, diverse world. This is exciting work, and we all get to be a part of our story!
Life Beyond the Superintency
After 26 years as a superintendent, I am on my “Fond Farewell Tour!” While I won’t miss being on call 24/7, I am excited to “navigate my own pace.” I will continue to champion women in leadership through the Bold Women events and grow my consulting firm, Lead Greatly, LLC. Between my roles with EDmarket, Stryv365, and AASA, my goal is to stay deeply connected to the educators and other colleagues who inspire me.
My Advice to Fellow Members
Lead with purpose and stay curious. While we must embrace emerging technologies, never forget that human connection is the bedrock of trust. Design spaces that break the “four walls” of the classroom and always lead with a sense of possibility. Our work leaves a legacy — make it one of hope.