TOPEKA — Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson announced Wednesday he plans to retire from the position he has held since 2014.
Watson said he will remain in the position until the Kansas State Board of Education hires a new commissioner.
“For 10 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve the board,” Watson said in a news release following Wednesday’s board meeting, where he made the announcement. “They’ve done remarkable work and have had many accomplishments over that time. I’m proud to have been a small part of that.”
Board chair Cathy Hopkins praised Watson for bringing stability to the board.
“He’s always asking, ‘How can I make this board function on behalf of Kansas education as its best possible peak?’” Hopkins said.
The release said Watson helped lead initiatives to improve literacy, strengthen the accreditation system for K-12 and redesign schools to meet student needs and create stronger pathways for post-graduation success.
