SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) – The face of the Auburn-Washburn school district has announced he will be retiring next summer after more than 30 years of service.
USD 437 Superintendent Scott McWilliams announced in a press release on Sept. 16 that he will be retiring. His is currently set to exit his role as superintendent on July 31, 2026.
The Auburn-Washburn Board of Education is now planning out the transition by searching for McWilliams’ successor. The board is anticipating naming this new superintendent in the spring of 2026.
Voters to decide on fate of $65,000,000 Shawnee Heights bond resolution
“Dr. McWilliams has served our community with tremendous dedication and vision,” said Board of Education President Jeremy Wiltz. “His commitment to our students, staff, and families has shaped the future of our district. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and service.”
McWilliams joined USD 437 in 2015 and has led the district through some important decisions such as a $145 million bond election in 2022. The district also expanded its early childhood education program, opened a new middle school and launched the Innovation Center at Washburn Rural High School under his leadership.
“Serving as your superintendent has been the honor of a lifetime,” McWilliams said in a statement to staff and families on Sept. 16. “Over the past eleven years, we’ve faced challenges none of us could have imagined and celebrated milestones that have shaped the identity of this district. Through it all, we’ve remained grounded in what makes Auburn-Washburn so special: collaboration, respect, open communication, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.”
Kansas education commissioner set to retire
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
