Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson announces plans for retirement

Dr. Randy Watson, the Kansas Education Commissioner, has announced his retirement after leading the Kansas State Department of Education since July 2015. Watson stated that he will remain in his position until the Kansas State Board of Education appoints a successor.

“I will be happy then to step aside, whatever time that is, and serve you in any capacity until that time,” Watson told the board at the conclusion of their September meeting in Topeka.

“For ten years, it’s been my pleasure to serve the board,” Watson said after the meeting. “They’ve done remarkable work and have had many accomplishments over that time. I’m proud to have been a small part of that.”

The State Board voted to accept Watson’s notice of retirement. Board chair Cathy Hopkins commented on his contributions: “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,” she said. “There’s a stability here because of Dr. Watson.”

Watson was appointed commissioner in November 2014 following his role as superintendent for McPherson USD 418. His background includes experience as a teacher, principal, coach and part-time university faculty member.

During his tenure as commissioner, Watson led efforts such as the Kansans Can initiative which focuses on student academic achievement and preparation for postsecondary success. The initiative also includes programs aimed at improving literacy rates across Kansas schools and strengthening K-12 accreditation systems (https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansans-Can).

Watson has also prioritized school redesign projects intended to better address student needs and establish clearer pathways for students after graduation (https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-School-Redesign).

A native of Coffeyville, Watson earned all three degrees in education from Kansas State University. His recognitions include being named Kansas Superintendent of the Year in 2015 and receiving an Outstanding Service Award from United School Administrators of Kansas in 2020.

Throughout his career as commissioner, he made regular visits to each of the state’s 286 school districts with an emphasis on building relationships across communities.