Two statewide organizations chose Olathe Public Schools Superintendent Brent Yeager as the 2027 Kansas Superintendent of the Year on Monday, Oct. 5.

The United School Administrators of Kansas and the Kansas School Superintendents' Association announced the award during a Facebook Live broadcast at 9:25 a.m. The organizations said Yeager was recognized for his work on student achievement, innovation, community engagement and advocacy for public education.

"This is an incredible honor, and one I share with the thousands of people who pour their hearts into our students every day," Yeager said in a district news release. "Olathe is home for me, and I am incredibly proud to represent a district and community that have meant so much to me and my family."

Yeager was selected over finalists Cindy Couchman of Buhler USD 313 and Blake Vargas of Caney Valley USD 436, KCTV5 reported.

He has led the district since 2021. Yeager started with Olathe schools as principal at Fairview Elementary in 2007, then served as executive director of general administration and elementary programs before becoming assistant superintendent for learning services, according to KSHB. He earned his bachelor's degree from Kansas State University and his master's and doctorate from Baker University.

Olathe Public Schools is the largest district in the Kansas City metro area, with 28,245 students and 4,631 staff members, according to the district's 2024-25 annual report. The district posted a 95.5% graduation rate.

The district has collected statewide honors beyond the superintendent's office. Rachel Marlow, a music educator at Central Elementary School, was named the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

The award comes four days after the Olathe school board voted 7-0 on Thursday, Oct. 1, to close six schools at the end of the 2026-27 school year. The board cited falling enrollment, rising costs and a state special education funding shortfall. The closures affect roughly 2,200 students at Indian Trail Middle School and Black Bob, Heritage, Scarborough, Tomahawk and Walnut Grove elementary schools.

As the state winner, Yeager will be considered for the 2027 National Superintendent of the Year. He will be honored at the statewide gala on Thursday, Nov. 5, in Wichita.