Jeff West Families, Staff, and Students,
I’m pleased to share that the USD 340 Board of Education on Monday evening voted 7-0 to hire Brad Neuenswander as the new superintendent for our district.
He has been a welcome addition since November and has enjoyed getting to know all of you. While serving as interim superintendent, he’s already started thinking long-term and establishing an exciting vision for the future.
His hire is a grand slam for continued positive momentum for the district.
First up his focus will be on long-term planning, finding an education solution for the district’s at-risk preschoolers, and working through facilities challenges.
Dr. Neuenswander is a problem solver who previously worked as a superintendent in district about our size, 2A Ellis USD 388, (1998 –2001) and 3A Cheney USD 268 (2001 –2007).
Dr. Neuenswander and his wife have long-established roots in our community, having lived in Ozawkie for 17 years. Tiger pride runs deep in their family; both their children graduated from Jefferson West schools.
Dr. Neuenswander will leave his role as founding director of the Center for Evaluation and Educational Leadership (CEEL) at the University of Kansas. In that capacity, he focused on leading school districts through a comprehensive needs assessment process and strategic planning.
His resume couldn’t be any more suited to leading our district. He has been a classroom teacher, building principal, superintendent of schools, director of school finance for Kansas, and Deputy Commissioner of Education at the Kansas State Department of Education. He also served as the interim Commissioner of Education at the state department of education.
Other experiences include two tours of the state of Kansas learning about Kansans’ desires for educational outcomes, which led to a state strategic plan for student success. He led the development of a new school district accreditation process for the state and has also served at the national level on various projects, including as the chair for the Council of Chief State School Officers Deputy Commissioners.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Neuenswander.
Heed the roar!
Dave Jensen
USD 340 Board President