Kansas State Department of Education​/Commissioner of Education

Position: Kansas State Department of Education / Commissioner of Education
Position Type:
Education Agency/Administrator Application

Date Posted:
12/19/2025

Location:
Kansas State Department of Education

Date Available:
07/01/2026

Closing Date:
02/13/2026
Kansas State Department of Education Commissioner of Education

The Kansas State Board of Education seeks an experienced, principled, and politically astute leader to serve as Commissioner of Education
. Reporting to the elected State Board of Education, the Commissioner will lead the Kansas State Department of Education and advance policies and practices that improve outcomes for all Kansas students
.

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is a dynamic, dedicated service agency that provides leadership, resources, support and accountability to the state's K-12 education system. KSDE administers the state's governance of education, standards and assessments, special education services, child nutrition and wellness, title programs and services, career and technical education, and school funding. It is the goal of the agency to provide all Kansas children with equal access to a quality, high-level education that promotes student achievement and prepares all students for global success.

The department is governed by the Kansas State Board of Education consisting of 10 elected members, each representing a district comprising four contiguous senatorial districts. Board members serve four-year terms with an overlapping schedule. The day-to-day administration of the agency is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Education, who is appointed by the Kansas State Board of Education. Each of the divisions is overseen by a Deputy Commissioner.

The Commissioner of Education has ultimate responsibility for the entire agency and directly oversees those agency functions that provide services to the entire agency, including Communications, Legal Services, Human Resources and Recognition Programs. The Office of the Commissioner in concert with the Kansas State Board of Education provides leadership and support to schools and districts throughout the state in service to students, educators, families and the wider public as well as ensure district and school compliance with all state and federal laws, regulations and requirements.

Vision Statement: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Mission Statement: To prepare Kansas students for lifelong success through rigorous, quality academic instruction, career training, and character development according to each student's gifts and talents.

Value Statement:

• Commitment to our purpose.
• Service to others.
• Respect for self and others.
• Continual improvement through learning.

Agency Structure - the Kansas State Department of Education consists of:
Office of the Commissioner and two major divisions:

• Fiscal and Administrative Services
• Learning Services.

The Ideal Candidate

The Kansas State Board of Education seeks a leader who combines strong moral leadership, executive capacity, and deep commitment to students and to public education with the ability to navigate complex political and public environments.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Principled and Courageous Leader
  Demonstrates integrity, respect for the rule of law and the Kansas Constitution, and the courage to lead based on core values-even in challenging political environments. Serves as a positive role model with maturity, confidence, and sound judgment.
• Politically Savvy and Governance-Focused
  Proven ability to work effectively with an elected board, respect governance roles, and align leadership actions with board priorities. Comfortable operating in the public arena, addressing controversy, and maintaining productive relationships with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Commitment to All Students
  A strong advocate for underrepresented students with a demonstrated record of improving outcomes and embracing the belief that all means all. Understands and values student voice, and supports meaningful parent and community engagement.
• Experience Leading Large, Complex Systems
  Successful executive leadership experience in large organizations or school systems. Ability to focus improvement efforts on both the state's largest districts and the…