Central Lee School District Seeks New Superintendent

District aims to name new leader by mid-May after quick search process

Mar. 26, 2026 at 8:35pm

The Central Lee Community School District in Kansas is moving swiftly to find a new superintendent, with the application window opening on March 16 and closing on April 24. The school board plans to name a new superintendent by May 12 after narrowing down applicants, conducting interviews, and finalizing a position profile with community input.

Why it matters

Finding a new superintendent is a critical task for the district, as the school leader plays a pivotal role in setting the vision, managing operations, and overseeing the education of students. The quick timeline suggests the board wants to have a new superintendent in place before the next school year begins.

The details

The search process includes narrowing applicants to six semifinalists on April 28, selecting three finalists on May 5, and conducting in-person interviews on May 8 before making a final decision. The district is working with Stephen Murley of McPherson & Jacobson to develop the position profile, which is expected to be finalized and approved at the board's April 14 meeting. Finalists' names will be made public, though earlier stages of the process will remain closed to encourage a larger applicant pool.

  • The application window opened on March 16, 2026.
  • The application window will close on April 24, 2026.
  • The school board aims to name a new superintendent by May 12, 2026.
  • The board will narrow applicants to six semifinalists on April 28, 2026.
  • The board will select three finalists on May 5, 2026.

The players

Stephen Murley

A representative from McPherson & Jacobson, the firm assisting the school district with the superintendent search.

Central Lee Community School District

A school district in Kansas that is seeking a new superintendent.

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What they’re saying

“The application window opened March 16 and will close April 24. The board aims to name a new superintendent by May 12.”

— Stephen Murley, Representative, McPherson & Jacobson

What’s next

The school board will finalize and approve the position profile at its April 14 meeting. The board will then conduct in-person interviews with the three finalists on May 8 before making a final decision on the new superintendent.

The takeaway

The Central Lee Community School District is moving swiftly to find a new superintendent, underscoring the importance of this leadership role for the district and its students. The quick timeline suggests the board wants to have a new superintendent in place before the start of the next school year.