Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 Superintendent has announced his plans to retire. 

After 34 years in education, USD 250 Superintendent of Schools, Richard Proffitt officially submitted his retirement at the November USD 250 Board of Education meeting. With plans to finish out the school year, Proffitt’s retirement will go into effect June 30th, 2024.

During his career, Proffitt has served as a teacher, coach, building administrator, and superintendent in 5 districts across the state of Kansas: Tribune, Herington, Eudora, Southeast of Saline, and Chanute USD 413, before moving to Pittsburg in 2018 where he has served as Superintendent for six years.

“It has been my pleasure to have worked with the Board of Education, Administration, Staff, Students and Community in Pittsburg,” Proffitt said. “I am proud of the accomplishments that have been made during my tenure and I have been honored to work with such wonderful professionals that made it happen on a daily basis. The entire faculty and staff are the reason for the success of this district.”

Proffitt and his wife have not made any definitive post-retirement plans yet. 

“Although I am retiring, I will miss being a part of the educational process. It has been my life’s work for 34 years,” Proffitt said. “I am grateful for everyone who I’ve worked with that has had an impact on my life both personally and professionally. Without their encouragement, words of wisdom, and support through good times and bad, I would not have been able to accomplish what I have.”

A note from the USD 250 Board of Education:

"The USD 250 Board of Education accepted the retirement notice from Richard Proffitt at last night's meeting with appreciation for his hard work.  We have been on a collective journey the past 6 years that has seen all of us put to the test.

Richard has come to work every day and done everything he could on behalf of our students and staff.  He guided us through the challenges of COVID and did a terrific job in finalizing the bond issue remodel and revitalization of the Middle School.

We thank Richard for his service to Pittsburg and wish him well in his retirement.  Until then, we know he will continue to dedicate his passion and expertise to the benefit of our students, faculty and staff.

As we turn the page and look to the future, the USD 250 Board of Education is committed to an open and transparent process to hire the best person to lead our district.  We will make sure that our process is balanced with collaboration with an eye towards a successful search.

We will be communicating with our USD 250 team in the coming weeks ahead.  We may call special meetings to begin the search and we will keep you informed along the way.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our students and community."

Rusty Akins, Board of Education President

On behalf of the Board of Education

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