USD 446 Board names new superintendent
On Friday evening, March 31, 2023, the USD 446 Board of Education took action to name Jason McAfee as Superintendent of Schools for USD 446. Mr. McAfee has been serving as interim superintendent since former superintendent Rusty Arnold’s retirement on February 28th. Prior to that, Mr. McAfee was USD 446’s assistant superintendent.
After graduating from Kansas State University in 1998, Mr. McAfee began his educational career as a secondary teacher and coach in Liberal, KS. In 2008, he received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Fort Hays State University and began working as a school administrator in 2009. Mr. McAfee served eight years as a building principal in both Liberal and Independence, KS. He has also served six years in district leadership positions in Liberal, McPherson, and Independence, KS.
“I am honored to have been selected as the next superintendent of Independence Public Schools. Independence has a great tradition of academic achievement as well as a community that is very supportive of its schools. I look forward to working with the Board and staff to continue that tradition”.
Independence Board of Education President Sam Blackard stated, “The board is thrilled to have Mr. McAfee leading our district. His dedication to excellence in education, collaborative leadership style, and previous experience both in and out of USD 446 will further enable our district to be a leader in education in the State of Kansas.”