Kansas education commissioner set to retire

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A top Kansas education official has announced he will be retiring soon.

Denise Kahler, spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE), said in a press release that Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson has given notice of his intention to retire. He made the announcement to the KSDE board during its meeting on Sept. 10.

“I will be happy then to step aside, whatever time that is, and serve you in any capacity until that time,” Watson said.

Watson, who has led the KSDE since 2015, told board members he was proud to have served the agency for the last decade. The board voted in favor of accepting Watson’s notice of retirement.

“He’s always asking, ‘how can I make this board function on behalf of Kansas education as its best possible peak?’ He exemplifies that so well,” said Cathy Hopkins, KSDE board chair. “There’s a stability here because of Dr. Watson.”

Watson, a native of Coffeyville, previously served as superintendent for McPherson USD 418 and as a teacher, principal, coach and part-time university faculty member. Kahler said he made it a priority to visit all 286 school districts in Kansas several times throughout his time as education commissioner.

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