Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson announced his retirement during the Sept. 10 State Board of Education meeting, after serving more than 10 years in the role.

He didn't give a timeline for his departure, saying that he'd continue to serve until the board appoints a successor.

“For 10 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve the board,” Watson said. “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 members accepted Watson's retirement, with chair Cathy Hopkins praising his decade of work.

“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.”

Prior to

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