The Auburn-Washburn Board of Education has named three finalists in its search for the district's next Superintendent of Schools. The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are Dr. Kellen Adams, Dr. Kathleen (Katie) Collier, and Dr. Justin Henry.

Dr. Kellen Adams – Dr. Adams brings 18 years of experience in public education, having served as a classroom teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He currently serves as Superintendent of Leavenworth Unified School District in Leavenworth, Kansas. Dr. Adams earned his Doctor of Education from Kansas State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University. Dr. Adams serves as a board member for the Kansas School Superintendents Association and as an executive board member for the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Click here to view Dr. Adams' resume.

Dr. Kathleen (Katie) Collier – Dr. Collier has 31 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent, and chief learning officer. She currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for the Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, Kansas. Dr. Collier earned her Doctorate of Education Leadership from Baker University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Science in School Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Blue Valley Education Foundation and is a member of the Kansas Association of School Board's Business Operations Leadership Development Class of 2026. Click here to view Dr. Collier's resume.

Dr. Justin Henry – Dr. Henry brings 28 years of experience in education, including service as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. He currently serves as Superintendent of Goddard Public Schools in Goddard, Kansas. Dr. Henry earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Kansas. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Divisional Science from Sterling College and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Emporia State University. He has previously served as President of the Kansas School Superintendents Association and as a governing board member for the American Association of School Administrators. Click here to view Dr. Henry's resume.

As part of the selection process, each finalist will participate in a "Day in the District" experience on Wednesday, March 11. The day will include meetings with building principals, district administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, students, and community members. A detailed schedule is available to view here.

Community members are invited to attend a public session with the finalists from 6:30 to 8:40 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Indian Hills Elementary School. Each finalist will be allotted 45 minutes to introduce themselves and respond to questions. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit feedback directly to the Board via an online submission form.

Final interviews with each candidate will be conducted on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The new superintendent will begin serving the Auburn-Washburn Unified School District effective July 1, 2026.