Randy Watson

Founder and CEO of Sunflower Leadership Consultants, Former Commissioner of Education of Kansas

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Thank you to K-State for having me on this outstanding podcast!

[K-State College of Ed @KSUCollegeofEd]

In Episode 3 of EDCAST, we sit down with Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, as he reflects on a remarkable career dedicated to students, teachers, and schools.
🎧 Watch or listen today: Linktree: https://t.co/JszxPVni0D

#EDCAST #KStateEducation

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

@KSUCollegeofEd Troy is the BEST!!!

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Tom, loved being with you on the podcast!!

[Thomas C. Murray @thomascmurray]

@KsCommissioner joined me for this past episode of the @FutureReady podcast! Dr. Watson discusses Kansas’s vision for student success, focusing on individual paths, academic and soft skills, and more. You won't want to miss his message of HOPE! https://t.co/r9Ee9uqq6x

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

@ksdehq Loved my time with these kindergators in Olathe!!

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

What an honor and pleasure to be in SW KS this past week!!

[Southwest Plains @swplains]

This week, SWKS Supts Council and the NWKS Admin Council celebrated the incredible career and upcoming retirement of our Kansas Education Commissioner, Dr. Randy Watson.

For those of us in Western Kansas, Randy has always been more than a commissioner; he is one of our own. From his days leading his local districts as a superintendent to his tireless advocacy in Topeka, he never forgot the unique spirit, challenges, and strengths of rural schools.

He led with a "Kansans Can" spirit, always reminding us that every student—regardless of their zip code—deserves a future full of opportunity. His legacy isn’t just in policy; it’s in the confidence he instilled in our teachers and the brighter futures he helped build for our children.

Thank you, Dr. Watson, for your steady hand, your visionary leadership, and your unwavering commitment to Western Kansas. You’ve left our schools stronger than you found them.

Enjoy your well-deserved retirement! 🌾📖 #KansansCan @ksdehq @KsCommissioner @swplains @NKESCDF @davidlyounger @KimberlyMauk

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

What a great day in Turner!!!

[Milken Family Fdn @Milken]

KANSAS CITY, KS—CONGRATULATIONS to Turner Elementary School ELL teacher Lexcee Oddo, our newest 2025-26 Milken Educator! Milken Educator Awards Vice President Jennifer Fuller and Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson presented Oddo with a 2025-26 Kansas Milken Educator Award and $25,000 at a surprise school assembly to honor her this morning.

Oddo is transforming learning through high expectations, individualized support, and a culture of collective success. From mentoring colleagues to elevating family engagement, she leads with purpose and heart. Her students’ consistent academic growth is a testament to her impact as a bright light at Turner Elementary School!

Learn more: https://t.co/yah5QC8WzE

@turnercubs @TUSD202 @ksdehq @kscommissioner

#GoodNews #GoodNewsMovement #Uplifting #MilkenEducator #Emotional #Turner202Strong

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Yes, it was a great day!

[Amanda Petersen @apetersenks]

Yesterday was so good, yesterday was so great - yesterday was day one of #KindersCan2025! Coming to Lawrence tomorrow, Hutchinson next week, and Sublette in April. Kansas early educators, we can’t wait to see you there!

[K-State College of Ed @KSUCollegeofEd]

Yesterday, Call Me MiSTER had an insightful and forward-thinking conversation with Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. @KsCommissioner

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

It was such an honor to be with OUTSTANDING teachers on Saturday in Derby!!

[Kimberly Konecny @kkonecny13]

I always learn so much from @KsCommissioner! We need to continue to advocate for public education while continuing to have high expectations for all students! @ksdehq #KansasLEADS @KansasLeads

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Fantastic job!!

[KS Dept of Education @ksdehq]

Congratulations to Washington County USD 108 for their achievements in seven Kansans Can Star Recognition outcome areas, including the Commissioner’s Award!

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

What an amazing school!!

[GrantMustangs @GrantMustangs]

Thank you to @KsCommissioner and @kckschools staff for helping celebrate the Grant team!

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

@USD232super A great superintendent and lady!!

[Mischel Miller @mischelmiller]

KELI has always been a leadership mentoring partnership organization and today we were all together for the Orientation Event. Thank you!! @KSUCollegeofEd @ksdehq @USAKansas @KASBPublicEd @KsCommissioner

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

A great leader!

[Joe Coles @joecoles33]

If you have ever been blessed to learn from Gene Haydock, or learned from someone he mentored, you are a better person! One of the greatest educators of all time!#UncommonTrust

[KS Dept of Education @ksdehq]

“We know students that miss a lot of school are not on track for reading.” Shanna Rector, Salina USD 305 deputy superintendent, shares how missing a lot of school is a domino effect, and can lead to the student dropping out.

Listen more on Spotify: https://t.co/NvyYYDhEY9

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Glad you are back in Kansas!

[Thomas C. Murray @thomascmurray]

- Hey @KsCommissioner - this place gets it!!! (…and hi from your great state!) 🙌🏼

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Glad I could finally get to meet your kids!!

[Don Epps @DonEppsEDU]

Charlie & Sarah were so excited to finally meet our incredible Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson in person this past Wednesday! We appreciate his relentless devotion in building a brighter future for the kids of Kansas!! #KansansCan
#KSLeaders #ChasingGreatness

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

It was an honor to be with outstanding KS teachers in Wichita today!!

[Cris Seidel @CrisKSeidel]

We are honored to have @ksdehq @KsCommissioner kicking off Day 2 of @EpicEducators keynote! #TeacherRecruitment #TeacherAppreciation @EducateKansas

[Randy Watson @SunflowerLeader]

Awesome literacy work!!

[Southwest Plains @swplains]

What does it look to get every teacher in your district trained in LETRS®? We know! Working with USD 210 Hugoton @Usd210Eagles on LETRS® Unit 4 with @swplains consultant and trainer @m_ortizsmith Maria Ortiz-Smith. @LexiaLearning #ScienceofReading #LETRS @ksdehq

[KS Dept of Education @ksdehq]

Kaw Valley USD 321 students spent time reading with Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson for Read Across Kansas Week!