Sai Iowa
Superintendent, Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437, KS
Sai Iowa, Topeka, Kansas, United States, 66652
The Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 is seeking a superintendent beginning on July 1, 2026, with a base salary range expected to be $225,000 to $275,000; other benefits to be negotiated.
Auburn-Washburn School District serves 6,000 students in 128 square miles located in southwest Topeka, the state's Capital City, and Shawnee County. The district has 1,100 employees and an annual operating budget of $132 million.
Auburn-Washburn is an amazing place to learn and work due to our engaged patron and business community, informed parents who value the importance of an exemplary education, dedicated and talented administrators, teachers, and support staff, and outstanding students who come to school ready and willing to do their very best. We also provide a large variety of co-curricular, performing and fine arts, and athletic opportunities, and our students perform and compete extremely well with students in Kansas and the nation.
The Auburn-Washburn School District is dedicated to meeting the strengths, needs, and dreams of every child, every day. Our district includes seven elementary schools, each serving about 400 students. These schools feed into Washburn Rural Middle School and the new Washburn Rural North Middle School, which serves students in grades 6–8 and average about 700 students each. Both middle schools lead to Washburn Rural High School, a comprehensive 6A high school with just under 2,000 students. In addition, the district offers an early childhood program for 250 three- and four-year-olds and an alternative learning center that provides tailored educational opportunities for students who need a different pathway to success. Across all schools, relationships come first. We work to build strong connections with students and families, creating the foundation for high academic achievement and the development of skills for lifelong success.
Our Mission: Inspiring, challenging, and preparing every child, every day. Vision: Auburn-Washburn schools provides a safe, enjoyable, and challenging school environment where students have the opportunity to achieve their maximum individual education potential. All students receive a balanced education where traditional academics are taught, creativity and innovation are cultivated, and skills for success are developed; preparing them to assume roles as responsible citizens in a global community, the workplace, and in life. Core Values: We believe learning is a lifelong process. The following values will help realize our vision:
We believe in the value and uniqueness of each student: Each student has different needs. Each student should have the opportunity, and be encouraged, to reach their potential. Each student is entitled to a safe, current, and well-maintained school environment.
We believe that excellence in education is a multifaceted process: Excellence requires building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders and especially with students. Excellence requires the commitment and judicious stewardship of community resources. Excellence prepares students to become happy, responsible, and productive citizens; to successfully live and work in a complex, ever-changing world. Excellence is a combination of academic performance and skills for success. Excellence must be a dynamic and engaging process in order to meet changing needs. Excellence requires rigorous assessment and feedback of both students and faculty staff. Excellence requires focus on the future. Excellence depends upon effective resource management. Excellence, both academic and skills for success, should be recognized and celebrated.
We believe that respect and responsibility are essential components of an excellent education: Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Effective communication enhances trust and cooperation. Each student is responsible for their own actions. Responsibility for public education rests jointly with students, parents, teachers, and community.
Top 10 most valued leadership qualities as identified by a stakeholder survey (October 2025)
Integrity and transparency
Strong communication skills
Ability to build consensus and commitment when making tough decisions
Collaborative leadership style
Approachability and visibility in schools/community
Equity-mindedness and inclusivity
Listens to and represents the interests and concerns of stakeholders
Develop and direct an effective administration team
Fosters a culture of trust, professionalism, and fairness
Strong morals, ethics, and values
Preferred Qualifications
Doctoral degree
District-level administrative experience
Experience working closely with a School District Governing Board
Responsive and accountable; willing to accept responsibility, open to being challenged, and able to engage in difficult conversations without being confrontational
An exceptional communicator with outstanding oral and written skills, an authentic and active listener, inspiring speaker, and successful experience with media communication
Ability to advocate on behalf of the district with key stakeholders including government officials
An exceptionally approachable, immersive presence in the schools and community
An earned reputation for impeccable integrity, authentic humility, and sincere empathy
An even-keeled leader who is always well prepared, makes sound decisions, communicates them clearly, and brings a steady presence to the role
Unwavering commitment to and focus on student and staff success
Articulates a compelling vision for the district and ensures strategies, tactics, and conditions are in place and executed to achieve it
A self-reflective leader who also seeks out the counsel of others
Having led a school district of similar size
PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR FRONTLINE APPLICATION
Cover letter (stating interest and unique qualifications for the position) – be sure to save the name of the district in the document title
Full resume/vitae
Three current letters of recommendation
Copy of Superintendent license (regardless of state) or evidence of eligibility for Superintendent license
Contact information of three additional references different than the reference letters
Apply at https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-topeka-ks/
Search Timeline – All Application Materials Due By: February 9, 2026 January 20, 2026 : Release District Leadership Profile Report (with stakeholder input)
February 16, 2026 : Slate of candidates presented to the Board
Sat. February 28, 2026 : Board first-round interviews
March 11, 2026 : Finalists Day in the District
March 12, 2026 : Board conducts final interviews
Mid March 2026 : Superintendent’s hiring approved and announced
July 1, 2026 : Superintendent contract formally begins
For any questions regarding the Auburn-Washburn District Superintendent search contact either HYA associate, do not contact School Board members:
Mike Richie, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Email: mikerichie@hyasearch.com
Frank Henderson, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Email: frankhenderson@hyasearch.com
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Auburn-Washburn School District serves 6,000 students in 128 square miles located in southwest Topeka, the state's Capital City, and Shawnee County. The district has 1,100 employees and an annual operating budget of $132 million.
Auburn-Washburn is an amazing place to learn and work due to our engaged patron and business community, informed parents who value the importance of an exemplary education, dedicated and talented administrators, teachers, and support staff, and outstanding students who come to school ready and willing to do their very best. We also provide a large variety of co-curricular, performing and fine arts, and athletic opportunities, and our students perform and compete extremely well with students in Kansas and the nation.
The Auburn-Washburn School District is dedicated to meeting the strengths, needs, and dreams of every child, every day. Our district includes seven elementary schools, each serving about 400 students. These schools feed into Washburn Rural Middle School and the new Washburn Rural North Middle School, which serves students in grades 6–8 and average about 700 students each. Both middle schools lead to Washburn Rural High School, a comprehensive 6A high school with just under 2,000 students. In addition, the district offers an early childhood program for 250 three- and four-year-olds and an alternative learning center that provides tailored educational opportunities for students who need a different pathway to success. Across all schools, relationships come first. We work to build strong connections with students and families, creating the foundation for high academic achievement and the development of skills for lifelong success.
Our Mission: Inspiring, challenging, and preparing every child, every day. Vision: Auburn-Washburn schools provides a safe, enjoyable, and challenging school environment where students have the opportunity to achieve their maximum individual education potential. All students receive a balanced education where traditional academics are taught, creativity and innovation are cultivated, and skills for success are developed; preparing them to assume roles as responsible citizens in a global community, the workplace, and in life. Core Values: We believe learning is a lifelong process. The following values will help realize our vision:
We believe in the value and uniqueness of each student: Each student has different needs. Each student should have the opportunity, and be encouraged, to reach their potential. Each student is entitled to a safe, current, and well-maintained school environment.
We believe that excellence in education is a multifaceted process: Excellence requires building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders and especially with students. Excellence requires the commitment and judicious stewardship of community resources. Excellence prepares students to become happy, responsible, and productive citizens; to successfully live and work in a complex, ever-changing world. Excellence is a combination of academic performance and skills for success. Excellence must be a dynamic and engaging process in order to meet changing needs. Excellence requires rigorous assessment and feedback of both students and faculty staff. Excellence requires focus on the future. Excellence depends upon effective resource management. Excellence, both academic and skills for success, should be recognized and celebrated.
We believe that respect and responsibility are essential components of an excellent education: Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Effective communication enhances trust and cooperation. Each student is responsible for their own actions. Responsibility for public education rests jointly with students, parents, teachers, and community.
Top 10 most valued leadership qualities as identified by a stakeholder survey (October 2025)
Integrity and transparency
Strong communication skills
Ability to build consensus and commitment when making tough decisions
Collaborative leadership style
Approachability and visibility in schools/community
Equity-mindedness and inclusivity
Listens to and represents the interests and concerns of stakeholders
Develop and direct an effective administration team
Fosters a culture of trust, professionalism, and fairness
Strong morals, ethics, and values
Preferred Qualifications
Doctoral degree
District-level administrative experience
Experience working closely with a School District Governing Board
Responsive and accountable; willing to accept responsibility, open to being challenged, and able to engage in difficult conversations without being confrontational
An exceptional communicator with outstanding oral and written skills, an authentic and active listener, inspiring speaker, and successful experience with media communication
Ability to advocate on behalf of the district with key stakeholders including government officials
An exceptionally approachable, immersive presence in the schools and community
An earned reputation for impeccable integrity, authentic humility, and sincere empathy
An even-keeled leader who is always well prepared, makes sound decisions, communicates them clearly, and brings a steady presence to the role
Unwavering commitment to and focus on student and staff success
Articulates a compelling vision for the district and ensures strategies, tactics, and conditions are in place and executed to achieve it
A self-reflective leader who also seeks out the counsel of others
Having led a school district of similar size
PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR FRONTLINE APPLICATION
Cover letter (stating interest and unique qualifications for the position) – be sure to save the name of the district in the document title
Full resume/vitae
Three current letters of recommendation
Copy of Superintendent license (regardless of state) or evidence of eligibility for Superintendent license
Contact information of three additional references different than the reference letters
Apply at https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-topeka-ks/
Search Timeline – All Application Materials Due By: February 9, 2026 January 20, 2026 : Release District Leadership Profile Report (with stakeholder input)
February 16, 2026 : Slate of candidates presented to the Board
Sat. February 28, 2026 : Board first-round interviews
March 11, 2026 : Finalists Day in the District
March 12, 2026 : Board conducts final interviews
Mid March 2026 : Superintendent’s hiring approved and announced
July 1, 2026 : Superintendent contract formally begins
For any questions regarding the Auburn-Washburn District Superintendent search contact either HYA associate, do not contact School Board members:
Mike Richie, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Email: mikerichie@hyasearch.com
Frank Henderson, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Email: frankhenderson@hyasearch.com
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