The Kansas School Board Resource Center (KSBRC) has conducted its second successful search to assist a district in hiring a new superintendent of schools.
According to a release from the KSBRC, which, like The Sentinel, is owned by the Kansas Policy Institute, KSBRC recently assisted USD 268 Cheney in finding a new chief administrator.
“Our experience with KSBRC during the superintendent search was extremely positive. The process went very smoothly, and the depth and quality of information provided on each candidate was invaluable,” Cheney School Board President Cody Ast said. “I especially appreciated the interview committee structure, which included eight individuals from within the district as well as community members—it was a thoughtful and inclusive approach. Tracy was terrific throughout the entire process, keeping everything organized, transparent, and moving forward efficiently.”
The district has hired Stacy Graff as the new superintendent, and according to the release, he brings:
- District-level leadership experience at University Academy in Kansas City, Missouri;
- A track record overseeing human resources, operations, and strategic initiatives;
- Prior service as a principal in Leavenworth, Blue Valley, and Deerfield;
- A hands-on leadership style centered on teacher support and instructional improvement, and
- A guiding philosophy: “Do what is right because it is right.”
The current, retiring superintendent, Marc Woofter, said he was pleased with the process.
“Our district was committed to finding a leader who would champion academic excellence, support educators, and continue strengthening the positive culture in Cheney,” Woofter said. “I cannot overstate how impressed I have been with KSBRC and the superintendent search and selection process. The level of thoroughness and organization was truly top-notch. KSBRC is to be commended for the countless hours they dedicated to ensuring that only the strongest candidates were considered and for prioritizing our students and Cheney by focusing on merit and fit.”
Executive Director of the KSBRC, Dr. Tracy Frederick, said the district also did a superb job.
“The Cheney Board approached this process with exceptional focus and integrity,” she said. “They began by centering the conversation on what they want students to know and be able to do, and they selected a superintendent whose experience strengthening instructional systems, supporting educators, and leading district-wide improvement aligns perfectly with their goals. Mr. Graff brings a thoughtful, student-centered leadership style that will serve the district well.”
This is KSBRC’s second search success, having previously worked with USD 361, Chaparral as part of a strategic partnership in which the center guided the district through “a comprehensive search process aligned with Chaparral’s values and academic goals.”
“The Kansas School Board Resource Center provided invaluable support throughout the entire process,” USD 361 Board President Jan Misak. “Their expert guidance played a key role in helping us identify top-quality candidates and in ensuring that our selection process remained rooted in integrity. Everything went smoothly thanks to their assistance.”
KSBRC emphasizes student-focused leadership
Kansas student performance data underscores the urgency of KSBRC’s mission. The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) revealed that one-third of Kansas students are Below Basic in reading, and only about 25% are proficient. That translates to about 150,000 Kansas students having a limited ability to understand and use English language arts skills.
The 2025 ACT results show that only 17% of Kansas graduates are college-ready in English, Reading, Math, and Science. Ten years ago, 32% of Kansas graduates were college-ready in those core subjects.
