Kansas students deserve leaders who put learning first. At the Kansas School Board Resource Center (KSBRC), that belief drives our work every day—and it’s why we expanded our services this year to help school boards recruit superintendents and education leaders who are committed to improving student achievement.
School boards across Kansas are seeking alternatives to the status quo. For too long, the state school board association has dominated superintendent searches, often steering districts toward candidates who reinforce bureaucratic priorities rather than focusing on student outcomes. KSBRC is changing that dynamic by equipping local boards with research-based tools, transparent processes, and candidate vetting focused squarely on students.
Led by KSBRC Executive Director Dr. Tracy Frederick—who has extensive experience in executive search—our team of current and former superintendents is helping districts find leaders who can deliver real results for Kansas students.
Two Superintendent Placements, One Clear Message: Kansas Wants Change
In just a few months, KSBRC has successfully completed two superintendent searches—demonstrating the strong demand for a fresh, student‑centered approach to selecting district leadership.
USD 361 Chaparral: KSBRC’s First Successful Placement
Chaparral partnered with KSBRC to help the Board identify a superintendent committed to raising academic achievement and challenging the status quo. The district sought a leader aligned with its values and goals, and the completed search marked an important milestone for both the district and KSBRC’s expanded services.
Jan Misak, President of the USD 361 Board of Education, shared:
“The Kansas School Board Resource Center provided invaluable support throughout the entire process. Their expert guidance played a key role in helping us identify top-quality candidates and in ensuring that our selection process remained rooted in integrity. Everything went smoothly thanks to their assistance.”
USD 268 Cheney: A Rigorous, Values‑Driven Process
Hot on the heels of the Chaparral success, KSBRC completed its second search—this time with USD 268 Cheney. The Cheney Board of Education engaged in a rigorous, community‑connected process guided by KSBRC.
Cody Ast, Board President, USD 268 Cheney, offered high praise:
“Our experience with KSBRC during the superintendent search was extremely positive. The process went very smoothly, and the depth and quality of information provided on each candidate was invaluable. I especially appreciated the interview committee structure, which included eight individuals from within the district as well as community members—it was a thoughtful and inclusive approach. Tracy was terrific throughout the entire process, keeping everything organized, transparent, and moving forward efficiently.”
Following a thorough evaluation, the Board selected Mr. Stacy Graff as the next superintendent. Graff brings:
- district‑level leadership experience at University Academy in Kansas City, Missouri
- a track record overseeing human resources, operations, and strategic initiatives
- prior service as a principal in Leavenworth, Blue Valley, and Deerfield
- a hands‑on leadership style centered on teacher support and instructional improvement
- a guiding philosophy: “Do what is right because it is right.”
Marc Woofter, current and retiring superintendent for USD 268, reflected:
“Our district was committed to finding a leader who would champion academic excellence, support educators, and continue strengthening the positive culture in Cheney. I cannot overstate how impressed I have been with KSBRC and the superintendent search and selection process. The level of thoroughness and organization was truly top‑notch. KSBRC is to be commended for the countless hours they dedicated to ensuring that only the strongest candidates were considered and for prioritizing our students and Cheney by focusing on merit and fit.”
Dr. Tracy Frederick, Executive Director of KSBRC, emphasized:
“The Cheney Board approached this process with exceptional focus and integrity. They began by centering the conversation on what they want students to know and be able to do, and they selected a superintendent whose experience strengthening instructional systems, supporting educators, and leading district‑wide improvement aligns perfectly with their goals. Mr. Graff brings a thoughtful, student‑centered leadership style that will serve the district well.”
She added:
“Our goal is to help boards identify leaders who are equipped to create meaningful, measurable improvements for students. Cheney’s Board of Education demonstrated an unwavering commitment to that mission, and it showed throughout this process.”
Why This Work Matters: Kansas Students Need Strong Leaders Now
Kansas student performance data underscores the urgency of KSBRC’s mission. The 2024 state assessment revealed that:
- more than 150,000 Kansas students have a “limited ability” to understand and use English language arts skills
- every county in Kansas has at least 10 percent of students struggling to read
- in some counties, that number climbs above 40 percent
- Sedgwick County has 32,000 students reading below basic levels
- Johnson County has nearly 20,000
- statewide, struggling readers have increased 50 percent since 2015
These numbers paint a clear picture: leadership matters. Effective, accountable, student‑focused superintendents play a crucial role in reversing these trends.
KSBRC’s Role in Strengthening Governance and Student Achievement
KSBRC supports local boards by providing:
- transparent, rigorous superintendent search processes
- governance training and strategic goal‑setting tools
- research‑based resources for evaluating district performance
- a focus on community engagement and measurable student outcomes
The rapid interest from districts across Kansas confirms what many families and educators already know: meaningful change starts with strong leadership.
Looking Ahead
The success of KSBRC’s first two superintendent searches is only the beginning. School boards across Kansas are reaching out for support they cannot get anywhere else, and KSBRC is working to meet that demand. Districts want leaders who will prioritize students, improve instructional systems, and commit to transparent, measurable progress.
KSBRC is honored to support Kansas communities in this important work—and we look forward to helping more districts choose leaders who put students first.
