Mike Argabright is retiring.
The longtime superintendent of USD 252 Southern Lyon County announced his upcoming retirement next year as part of the district’s board meeting.
During Argabright’s time, USD 252 has enjoyed academic success, with the district receiving Star Awards in all eight categories through the Kansas Department of Education’s Kansans Can student success recognition program, both last year and this year. It’s the only school district in Kansas to achieve that honor.
Argabright has led the district for 16 years, following Paul Dorathy, and has been in education for nearly 40 years — including a stint as superintendent at USD 389 Eureka before joining Southern Lyon County. He tells KVOE News a librarian told him he would be a good teacher — and, after what he called a rough time as a farmer and rancher, he went into education for good. He says relationship-building is an important part of education.
Outside of the district, Argabright — named the Kansas Superintendent of the Year two months ago — has been involved in numerous community projects including the Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees, United Way of the Flint Hills, Ignite Emporia, SOS, Emporia Friends of the Zoo and others. He’s also involved in a host of statewide education organizations, recently serving as a spokesman for the Olpe Fitness Park project, and he served as interim superintendent for USD 386 Madison-Virgil last year as that district transitioned from Stu Moeckel to Steve Jowers.
Regardless of who succeeds him, Argabright urges the next superintendent to spend time getting to know the district’s staff.
Argabright says he’s not sure of his future plan, other than he will be busy.
The Kansas Association of School Boards will handle the the superintendent selection process. Details will be announced at a later time.
10 am Thursday: Longtime USD 252 Superintendent, 2022 Kansas Superintendent of the Year Mike Argabright retiring in June
Next year will be one of change for USD 252 Southern Lyon County.
Longtime Superintendent Mike Argabright announced his upcoming retirement effective July 1 as part of the district’s board meeting Wednesday night. Argabright has led the district for 16 years, following Paul Dorathy, and has been in education for nearly 40 years — including a stint as superintendent at USD 389 Eureka before joining Southern Lyon County.
During Argabright’s time, USD 252 has enjoyed academic success, with the district receiving Star Awards in all eight categories through the Kansas Department of Education’s Kansans Can student success recognition program, both last year and this year. It’s the only school district in Kansas to achieve that honor.
Outside of the district, Argabright — named the Kansas Superintendent of the Year two months ago — has been involved in numerous community projects including the Newman Regional Health Board of Trustees, United Way of the Flint Hills, Ignite Emporia, SOS, Emporia Friends of the Zoo and others. He’s also involved in a host of statewide education organizations, recently serving as a spokesman for the Olpe Fitness Park project, and he served as interim superintendent for USD 386 Madison-Virgil last year as that district transitioned from Stu Moeckel to Steve Jowers.
Listen to the full KVOE News interview with Argabright below:
