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Wichita Superintendent 'Sole Finalist' For Top Job With Olathe Public Schools

Deborah Shaar
/
KMUW/File photo

Wichita Public Schools Superintendent John Allison has been named the only finalist for a superintendent position with Olathe Public Schools.

According to a release from USD 259, Allison sent an e-mail to district staff today explaining the opportunity.

“A few moments ago, I was announced as the sole finalist for the superintendent’s position in the Olathe Public School District in Johnson County,” Allison wrote. “I did not seek out this opportunity, but agreed to be considered after a difficult and emotional process of reflection over the last month.”

In the e-mail, Allison explains that his family lives in the Kansas City area.

“Some of you may be aware that I lost my father earlier this year after an extended illness. My parents lived in the Kansas City area, where my mom continues to reside following my father’s death,” he says.

Allison says a job opportunity that would allow him to continue to work in public education in Kansas while at the same time being close enough to support his mother, was one he “couldn’t ignore.”

The Olathe Public Schools Board of Education is expected to release a final decision on the job on Monday.

Wichita chool board President Sheril Logan says USD 259 is in a holding pattern until Allison's decision is made.

"What we aren't in a hold on though, is that the work of the district is going to go on," Logan said. "We truly believe we're moving in the right direction and that the programs John has worked with and implemented are starting to work, so that's going to continue. That will not change."

Allison's contract was recently extended to 2019. Logan says the district will "work with him" to negotiate it, if he takes the job.

KCUR reports that Allison would replace Marlin Berry, who left in April to take over the Rogers Public Schools in northwest Arkansas.

Allison will go from one of the most diverse districts in Kansas to one of the most homogenous. Thirty-three percent of students in Wichita are white, while 34 percent are Hispanic and 19 percent African American. Olathe schools are 69 percent white. However, the number of Hispanic and multi-racial students has been growing in recent years as have the number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunches.

Allison has served as the superintendent of USD 259 since 2009. He is currently the second-highest paid superintendent in the state, behind Shawnee Mission Public Schools.

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Follow Abigail Beckman on Twitter @AbigailKMUW.

To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.