Superintendent Kyle Hayden will transfer to become chief operations officer effective July 1 after one year as superintendent.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to contribute to significant facility improvements for all the elementary schools,” Hayden said in a news release, “and to have played a leadership role in gaining the community’s investment in a plan to upgrade all the secondary schools.”

The release, which was sent out to all district staff earlier this morning, lists Hayden’s accomplishments as superintendent including diversity training and the approval of 1:1 MacBooks in high schools.

In March 2016, the board selected Hayden as superintendent after eight hours of deliberation with a two-year contract in place.

Hayden cited the transfer as a personal decision.

“The move is best for me, my wife, Katy, and our three children,” Hayden said in the release.

As chief operations officer, Hayden will continue to have a large role in district workings.

“Hayden will manage all aspects of the $87 million school bond construction projects planned [across the district],” the release said. “Hayden will [also] supervise and support the Facilities and Operations Department.”

Update 4:26 p.m.

On Monday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m. , a representative from the Kansas Association of School Boards will attend a meeting with the Board of Education. The representative will guide the board on appointing an interim superintendent while the search for a permanent superintendent continues. The board plans on naming a new superintendent by February 2018 according to a press release.

During his term, Hayden oversaw the passing of the $87 million bond issue and provided Beyond Diversity training to 313 staff, bringing the total amount of Beyond Diversity participants to 1,830.

Hayden was also present for community backlashes regarding racial and equity issues, such as the confrontation between Black Lives Matter LFK and the school board during a meeting.

More details will be added as they become available.