The USD 311 Board of Education has announced the selection of Ashley Anderson, as the new superintendent. Ashley begins leadership of USD 311 on July 1, 2021, after the resignation of Randy Hendrickson at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
Ashley has broad educational experience, as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Development at Savannah R-III (SR3).
“As your Superintendent, I would lead change in the district by building positive relationships with those I work with collaborating with others to solve problems is a wonderful process and one that I thoroughly enjoy. Community engagement, communication, fiscal responsibility, and focusing on empowering our staff and students would be my goals. Encouraging and Supporting the academic efforts of our students would be my top priority as the district’s chief academic officer. High expectations, genuinely believing that ALL children can learn, and actively supporting our staff and students is how I operate and improve the districts I work for.”
“I am originally from Chase County, KS, near Emporia. I spent my childhood consumed with school and sports and earned a softball scholarship for college in Missouri. I majored in English Education and started teaching for Kingman in 2006. I moved back to Missouri when I got married and taught for Maryville Middle School for nine years before taking my current position as Curriculum Director for Savannah R3 School District. I received my Masters and Specialist degrees from Fort Hays. I am so excited to be part of Pretty Prairie's future!”
Board President, Sid Graber, says that Ashley emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the School District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Ashley Anderson and confident that under her leadership USD 311 will continue to provide a high-quality education and opportunities for personal growth to Pretty Prairie's youth.”
Board President, Sid Graber, explained that community input, including the involvement of stakeholders, was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The committees included teachers and administrators, parents, and community members. “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”
The Board selected three finalists, who were interviewed by the Board.
As a board team, we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.