TOPEKA (KSNT) – The board of education for USD 437 named three finalists for the district’s next superintendent on March 3.
Director of Communications for the Auburn-Washburn school district Jessica Roberts announced on Tuesday that the three finalists are Dr. Kellen Adams, Dr. Kathleen (Katie) Collier and Dr. Justin Henry.
Each finalist has previously served as classroom teachers, superintendents and principals.
Dr. Adams has 18 years of public education experience and currently serves as superintendent of Leavenworth Unified School District. He holds a doctor, bachelor’s and master’s degree, holding a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Kansas State University and he holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University.
Dr. Kellen Adams
Dr. Collier has 31 years of experience in public education and was also a chief learning officer. She currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for the Blue Valley School district in Overland Park, and also holds a doctor, bachelor’s and master’s degree. Dr. Collier earned her Doctorate of Education Leadership from Baker University and holds a Master of Science in School Administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
Dr. Kathleen Collier
Dr. Henry has 28 years of experience and currently serves as Superintendent of Goddard Public Schools in Goddard. He also holds a doctor, bachelor’s and master’s degree, holding a Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Emporia State University.
Dr. Justin Henry
Each finalist will participate in the “Day in the District” event with meetings with principals, district administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, students and community members on Wednesday, March 11.
The school district is also hosting a public session with finalists on March 11 at Indian Hills Elementary School where each finalist will have 45 minutes to introduce themselves and respond to questions. The public have the opportunity to submit feedback about the finalists through online submission.
For more information about the “Day in the District” schedule click here. Final interviews will be conducted on Thursday, March 12 and the new superintendent will serve the school district on July 1.
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