The USD 402 Board of Education has announced the selection of Ms. Leslianne Craft as the district’s new superintendent.  Ms. Craft will take the reins on July 1, 2026 after current superintendent, Matt Ward, leaves at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

Ms. Craft has broad educational experiences, as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators.  Ms. Craft is currently serving in her fifth year as the principal at Andover Central Middle School.  Previously, Ms. Craft served in teacher, MTSS facilitator, assistant principal, and principal roles in Wichita for 21 years.

Board President Carey Lee says that Ms. Craft emerged immediately as someone who would build relationships between all stakeholders and someone who will lead Augusta schools with enthusiasm. “The Board is certain in our choice of Ms. Craft and confident that under her leadership USD 402 will continue the work begun by Mr. Ward to change, adapt, and grow for the Augusta community and beyond now and into the future.”

Doug Law, Board Vice-President, explained that community input was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process.  “The input from teachers, administrators, parents, and the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”

The Board selected three finalists, who were interviewed by the Board and the Board, as a team, feels they made the right selection to serve our students and our community.