The Auburn-Washburn Board of Education has reached an agreement with Dr. Katie Collier to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools for Auburn-Washburn Unified School District. The Board is expected to formally approve their selection at an upcoming meeting.

Dr. Collier currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of the Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, Kansas. She has more than 30 years of experience in public education, including various leadership roles in both the Lee's Summit R-7 School District in Lee's Summit, Missouri and the Blue Valley School District. Dr. Collier spent the first years of her career as both a special educator and classroom teacher before transitioning to positions that included assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, and chief learning officer.

Dr. Collier was selected following a comprehensive national search conducted with the assistance of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The search process included community input surveys, small group forums, a public community forum, and two rounds of interviews with the Board of Education. "We are excited to reach this agreement with Dr. Collier and look forward to the leadership, experience, and vision she will bring to Auburn-Washburn," Board of Education president Jeremy Wiltz said. "We are confident she will build on our district's longstanding tradition of excellence while fostering strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community."

Dr. Collier will succeed Dr. Scott McWilliams, who is retiring this summer following 11 years of service to the district. "I am grateful and honored to have been selected by the Board of Education to serve as the next Superintendent of Auburn-Washburn," shared Collier. "It is clear how deeply this community cares about its schools and its students. Auburn-Washburn has a strong reputation for high standards, academic excellence, and a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their passions. I look forward to partnering with staff, families, and the community to build on these strengths and continue preparing students for success."

Dr. Collier is expected to begin her role as Superintendent of Schools for Auburn-Washburn on July 1, 2026.