District Leadership

Dr. Khalek Kirkland currently serves as the Community Superintendent of District 23, where he leads with a deep commitment to student success and community partnership.

Before this role, he was the proud Principal of Boys Prep, an all-boys charter school serving more than 800 scholars in grades K–8. His leadership journey also includes serving as Head of School at Quest Academy, a PK–8 school for gifted students, and at The SEED School of Maryland—the state’s only public boarding school for students in grades 6–12.

Earlier in his career, Khalek was the Senior Director of Leadership for the NYC Department of Education, where he recruited, trained, and placed new principals across the city. He began his work in education as a math teacher at Ronald Edmonds Learning Center (MS 113) in Brooklyn, later serving the school community as a math coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Khalek is a devoted husband to Kelli Muse and a proud father to three children, KJ, Kelli, and Kennedy.

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Dr. Mickisha McKoy is an innovative educator and dedicated leader in the Brownsville community, where she has made a lasting impact over the years. Her career spans multiple roles—including teacher, staff developer, Assistant Principal, and Principal—giving her a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the educational landscape.

As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. McKoy is passionate about leadership development and teacher capacity building, recognizing that strong school leaders are essential for student success. Through targeted professional development and mentorship, she fosters a culture of continuous improvement, equipping educators with the tools and skills to inspire and engage students.

Dr. McKoy also prioritizes collaboration and parent engagement, actively building partnerships with families and community organizations to ensure their voices are heard and valued in the educational process.

With a strong commitment to community involvement and a steadfast dedication to educational excellence, Dr. McKoy is helping shape the future of Brownsville—ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education and the support needed to thrive. Dr. McKoy also takes great pride in being a Brownsville resident.

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Dr. Ronda Phillips serves as the Executive Director of School Supports and Operations for District 23, bringing over 26 years of dedicated experience in education, all within the district she proudly continues to serve. Throughout her career, she has served as a Special Education Teacher, Teacher Team Leader, Assistant Principal, and Principal, roles that have shaped her comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and deepened her commitment to fostering environments where students, families, and staff can thrive.

In her current capacity, Dr. Phillips oversees essential operational functions that ensure the smooth daily running of schools, including facilities management, transportation, and safety protocols. She is passionately committed to maintaining safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environments that support learning while aligning resources to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the district.

A strong advocate for collaboration and community engagement, Dr. Phillips views schools as more than centers of academic instruction; she believes they are vital spaces where students cultivate respect, empathy, and responsibility. She partners closely with educators and staff to create opportunities for every student to succeed, while fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and continuous improvement across the district.

Known for her accessibility and responsiveness, Dr. Phillips actively engages with students, families, educators, and community leaders, listening, learning, and building meaningful partnerships that amplify all voices. Her leadership is driven by a vision to make District 23 a district of choice, defined by opportunity, achievement, and community pride. Dr. Phillips takes great pride in her roles as a wife, mother, educator, and leader.