Kansas State Board of Education Names Finalists for Commissioner Role

Lisa Coons, Reginald Eggleston, and Jake Steel selected as finalists after national search

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired grid of stylized textbooks in bold primary colors, conceptually representing the importance of the decision to select Kansas' next education commissioner.The selection of Kansas' next education commissioner will shape the state's academic priorities for years to come.Topeka Today

The Kansas State Board of Education has announced the finalists for the role of Kansas commissioner of education after a national search. The three finalists are Lisa Coons, Reginald Eggleston, and Jake Steel, each with extensive experience in state-level education leadership.

Why it matters

The commissioner of education is a critical role in overseeing the state's education system, setting policies, and driving initiatives to support student success. The selection of the next commissioner will have significant implications for Kansas schools and students.

The details

Lisa Coons previously served as state superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education, leading a statewide system serving over 1.2 million students. Reginald Eggleston currently serves as superintendent of Geary County Schools USD 475 in Kansas and was recently named the 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year. Jake Steel serves as director of strategy and operational alignment at the Kansas State Department of Education, advising agency leadership on statewide strategy and policy.

  • The Kansas State Board of Education announced the finalists on March 29, 2026.
  • The finalists will participate in final interviews with the Board on March 31, 2026.
  • The Board will announce the next commissioner during its April 14, 2026 meeting.

The players

Lisa Coons

Former state superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education, where she led a statewide system serving over 1.2 million students.

Reginald Eggleston

Current superintendent of Geary County Schools USD 475 in Kansas, recently named the 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, and with 35 years of military experience including service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

Jake Steel

Director of strategy and operational alignment at the Kansas State Department of Education, advising agency leadership on statewide strategy and policy, and a former senior policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Education and White House fellow.

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What’s next

The Kansas State Board of Education will announce the next commissioner of education during its April 14, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The selection of the next Kansas commissioner of education will be a pivotal decision, as the finalists each bring extensive experience in state-level education leadership and a commitment to supporting student success across the state.