Topeka, KS — The Kansas School Superintendents’ Association (KSSA) is proud to announce Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Geary County Schools USD 475, as the 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Eggleston was selected from an exceptional group of nominees, including Dr. Jessica Dain (USD 203) and Jamie Rumford (USD 466).

Dr. Eggleston has served as Superintendent of Geary County Schools since 2019. Prior to his role in Kansas, he served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Alabama State Department of Education and has held a range of leadership positions including Assistant Superintendent, Director of Special Education, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Troy University, a Master of Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an Educational Specialist degree from Auburn University at Montgomery, and a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Geary County Schools USD 475 serves the communities of Junction City, Fort Riley, Milford, and Grandview Plaza through 17 schools, offering programs from early childhood through high school. With approximately 50% of its students connected to the military, USD 475 proudly leads Kansas as the first district to implement the Purple Star School Program, supporting the unique needs of military-connected learners. Junction City High School features 15 career pathways, Advanced Placement and dual-credit opportunities, and internship programs designed to prepare students for college and career success. Guided by a five-year Strategic Plan, the district remains focused on academic excellence, student well-being, family engagement, and staff support.

Upon joining Geary County Schools USD 475, Dr. Eggleston led transformative reforms that strengthened equity, transparency, and academic excellence across the district. After data revealed significant disproportionality in suspensions of Black male students with disabilities, he spearheaded the development of a districtwide Code of Conduct, implemented data-driven reviews, and introduced SEL and PBIS frameworks—efforts that resulted in measurable equity gains and removal from federal designation status. At the same time, Dr. Eggleston prioritized open, inclusive communication through community listening sessions, coalition meetings, and video updates, fostering trust and collaboration. His leadership emphasizes equity, professionalism, and fiscal responsibility, balancing community priorities with strategic planning, legislative advocacy, and the pursuit of external funding to expand early childhood education and support staff development.

In addition to more than 30 years in public education, Dr. Eggleston brings over three decades of distinguished military service as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. His background in leadership, discipline, and service to others deeply informs his approach to education and community engagement. Under his direction, USD 475 has advanced initiatives addressing students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, earned National Blue Ribbon School recognition, and strengthened community partnerships, ensuring equitable opportunities and sustainable success for more than 7,000 students and 1,300 staff members.

Dr. Eggleston will be honored alongside fellow nominees Dr. Jessica Dain and Jamie Rumford at the 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year Gala, to be held November 13, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, hosted by the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association (KSSA). As the 2026 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Eggleston’s application also will be submitted to the AASA, the national School Superintendents Association, for consideration as the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year.