TOPEKA (KSNT) – Leaders of a local school district have selected a new superintendent this month.
The Auburn-Washburn USD 437 Board of Education has selected Katie Collier to serve as the next superintendent of schools for the district, according to a press release issued on Friday, March 20. The board is set to formally approve Collier as the next superintendent during an upcoming meeting.
“I am grateful and honored to have been selected by the Board of Education to serve as the next Superintendent of Auburn-Washburn,” Collier said. “It is clear how deeply this community cares about its schools and its students. Auburn-Washburn has a strong reputation for high standards, academic excellence, and a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their passions. I look forward to partnering with staff, families, and the community to build on these strengths and continue preparing students for success.”
Katie Collier. (Photo Courtesy/USD 437)
Collier currently serves as deputy superintendent of the Blue Valley School District based out of Overland Park. She has over 30 years of experience in public education and has served in leadership roles in Kansas and Missouri schools.
USD 437’s board of education selected Collier out of the pool of possible candidates following a national search conducted with the help of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. This search process involved community input, small group forums, a public community forum and two rounds of interviews.
Kansas gov. gives green light to school cell phone ban
“We are excited to reach this agreement with Dr. Collier and look forward to the leadership, experience, and vision she will bring to Auburn-Washburn,” said USD 437 Board of Education President Jeremy Wiltz. “We are confident she will build on our district’s longstanding tradition of excellence while fostering strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.”
Collier succeeds previous USD 437 Superintendent Scott McWilliams who is set to retire in the summer of 2026 after 11 years of service in the district. Collier is slated to take up her new position with USD 437 on July 1, 2026.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
