Kansas BOE names Jake Steel as state’s next education commissioner

April 14, 2026 - 18:31

The Kansas State Board of Education has named Jake Steel as the state's next Commissioner of Education. He will assume leadership of the Kansas State Department of Education, where his primary responsibility will be overseeing all K-12 public schools across the state.

Steel brings extensive experience in educational leadership to this pivotal role. His selection concludes a comprehensive search process conducted by the Board to identify a candidate capable of guiding Kansas's educational future. Board members expressed confidence that his vision and expertise align with the state's goals for academic achievement and student success.

In his new position, Steel will work directly with the State Board to implement policies, manage department operations, and support the state's nearly 300 school districts. His leadership will be central to addressing key issues facing Kansas schools, including academic standards, teacher recruitment, and budget management. The transition comes at a time of significant focus on post-pandemic learning recovery and preparing students for future careers. Educators and administrators statewide are anticipating his collaborative approach as he begins his tenure shaping the educational landscape for Kansas children.