Home | kssa

Topeka, Kansas - The Kansas School Superintendents' Association has selected Goddard Superintendent Dr. Justin Henry as the 2021 Kansas Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Henry has been the Superintendent of Schools in the Goddard School District since July of 2011. Goddard USD 265 serves more than 6,000 students from the communities of Goddard and Western Wichita. In 2001, Dr. Henry was named Assistant Principal at Ottawa High School. Three years later, he became the Principal from 2004-2007. Before moving to Goddard, Dr. Henry served as superintendent in Southeast of Saline USD 306.

Dr. Henry, along with fellow Superintendent of the Year finalists, Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Topeka; Dr. John Burke, Haysville; and Dr. Chad Higgins, Maize, were interviewed by former Kansas Superintendents of the Year late last week. This committee shared this was an exceptionally talented group of finalists, and identifying just one as the SOY was difficult. Candidates for Superintendent of the Year is assessed according to their professionalism, communication, community involvement, and leadership while meeting the local communities' needs and, most importantly, their students. As Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Henry will now be considered for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year program. KSSA, in cooperation with the Ogden Financial Group will host a celebration honoring Dr. Henry in January. They will also be providing a $1,000 scholarship to a Kansas High School Senior selected by the Kansas Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Henry received his Bachelor of Science degree from Sterling College, majoring in Biology and Divisional Science. He graduated with a Master’s of Science from Emporia State University in 2001 and Doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership in May 2006. Along with his duties in a growing school district, Dr. Henry has been involved with his community serving on the Goddard Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, Wichita Public Library Foundation Board of Trustees and Board of Directors. Dr. Henry has proven leadership with his professional organizations, serving as President for the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association, Council Chair for the Kansas Superintendents Council and is an active member of the Kansas/Missouri Superintendents Association.

Mark Richards, Goddard President of the Board of Education, stated, “This is a proud day for the Goddard Public Schools community. Dr. Henry is most deserving of this honor. Dr. Henry has empowered stakeholders to generate innovative solutions to ensure students have access to world-class learning opportunities designed to meet their individual needs. The success, respect, and reputation the Goddard District enjoys are greatly due to the effort, dedication, and leadership of Dr. Henry. The entire school community congratulates Justin and his family for this outstanding achievement.”

Our Mission

The mission of the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association is to serve the growth, development and general encouragement of the Kansas System of Education.

Our Vision

The Kansas School Superintendents Association was established to support Kansas School District Leadership in three areas: Professional Development, Communication and Advocacy.