Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams has announced his retirement, effective July 31, 2026. The Auburn-Washburn Board of Education is beginning the important process of selecting the district's next leader. This page will serve as the central hub for information, ensuring open communication and transparency throughout the search. Updates will be posted here regularly as the process moves forward.

Next Steps

The Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM for purposes of superintendent search planning with the executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The meeting will be live streamed and available for public viewing at youtube.com/@USD437.

More information about next steps, including timelines and opportunities for community engagement in the superintendent search process, will be shared as it becomes available.

Timeline

The Board anticipates selecting a new superintendent in March 2026, with the chosen candidate assuming the role effective July 1, 2026. A more detailed timeline is outlined below:

Phase I — September 2025

• Establish timelines
• Determine recruitment strategy
• Develop promotional and communication materials

Phase II — October 2025

• Review job description and board policies
• Gather input through a variety of stakeholder engagement opportunities
• Begin outreach to potential candidates
• Finalize advertising platforms and posting strategy

Phase III — November 2025

• Share desired candidate attributes with the community
• Publish candidate evaluation framework reflective of these attributes
• Actively recruit qualified candidates
• Develop interview structure and schedule

Phase IV — December 2025 & January 2026

• Officially post vacancy
• Review applications
• Identify and advance finalists
• Schedule and coordinate interviews

Phase V — February & March 2026

• Conduct finalist interviews
• Select and announce the next superintendent

As we move through this process, the Board of Education remains dedicated to a thoughtful and thorough search. We are confident that this approach will lead us to a leader who will guide our district with vision, integrity, and a steadfast focus on student success. We recognize the vital role of our community and will continue to keep stakeholders engaged and informed along the way. Together, with strong leadership and shared commitment, we will ensure the future of every child, every day.

Contact

For questions about this search process or to express interest, please contact Chelsea Clark, Executive Director of Human Resources, at clarkche@usd437.net or (785) 339-4036.