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Jake Steel was named the Kansas education commissioner-designate by the Kansas State Board of Education, effective June 1.
Steel will replace Randy Watson, who retires after leading KSDE since 2015.
Board Chair Cathy Hopkins says Steel has a clear vision for Kansas education's future.
Steel’s background includes leading data-driven improvement and securing federal funding for schools.
Steel is a Garden City High School graduate and returns to Kansas leadership roles.
The board conducted a largely closed search and announced three finalists.
Steel’s role includes aligning strategy and operations at KSDE and supporting districts.
The appointment follows a year-long search led by the Kansas State Board of Education.
Steel’s experience includes prior policy work with the U.S. Department of Education.
Board expects Steel to advocate for legislation and oversee KSDE operations.

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Kansas lawmakers ended the session with infighting over property tax relief and a spending cap bill, signaling a stalled path to meaningful relief.
Senate President Ty Masterson framed the final bill as better than nothing while pressing for a 3% cap on assessed value increases.
Sen. Ethan Corson called HB 2043 not a serious measure and criticized it as a shell game for tax relief.
Sen. Corson argued true relief requires broader funding and warned the session delivered only delays and a shell game.
Masterson accused opponents of sabotaging meaningful tax relief while promoting a spending lid.
Kansas lawmakers highlighted competing proposals, including a $250 vehicle rebate and exemptions for home values, but none advanced.
The session ended with adjournment and calls for accountability as lawmakers blamed each other for the lack of relief.
Governor Laura Kelly’s stance on relief formed a backdrop to the debate, with Republicans referencing her veto history.
The community reaction framed the issue as a broader fight over how to deliver tax relief to Kansans.
The session outcome sets up future negotiations as lawmakers seek alternatives to the current proposal.
Public debate included criticisms of recess-related legislation as a distraction from tax relief goals.

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