Westfield Washington Schools announces leadership transition

Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools

After an extraordinary 44-year career in education, Dr. Paul Kaiser, Superintendent of Westfield Washington Schools (WWS), has announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2025.

Dr. Kaiser’s tenure has been marked by his steadfast leadership, guiding the organization with a dedication to student success and an unwavering commitment to the Westfield community. He has served as Superintendent for the past four years, collaborating closely with the Board of School Trustees, dedicated educators, and staff to guide the district through a period of significant growth and achievement.

Reflecting on his time at WWS, Dr. Kaiser expressed deep gratitude:

“Westfield Washington Schools has been more than a workplace – it’s been a family. I’ve had the privilege of leading a district where students, staff, and the community come together to prioritize excellence. Our accomplishments will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Dr. Kaiser plans to spend his retirement enjoying quality time with his three daughters and grandchildren, fishing, boating, wading in rivers for smallmouth bass, and embracing his passion for the outdoors.

The WWS Board of Trustees announced that Dr. John Atha, currently the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning, will step into the role of Superintendent following Dr. Kaiser’s retirement. Dr. Atha brings over 30 years of educational leadership experience to his new position. During his tenure as Assistant Superintendent, he has championed academic excellence through initiatives such as Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Collaborative Team Leaders (CTL), fostering teacher leadership and innovation across the district.

Board President Mike Steele praised Dr. Atha’s vision and expertise:

“Dr. Atha is a strong leader who cares about education and helping students succeed. He is the perfect person to lead WWS into the future. He understands the curriculum and how to inspire, making him stand out as a leader who makes a difference.”

Dr. Atha shared his excitement for the future of WWS:

“I am honored to lead a district committed to preparing students to excel in the classroom and beyond. By prioritizing continuous improvement and innovation, we ensure WWS students are Life Ready. I look forward to supporting our talented educators, mentoring school leaders, and collaborating with the community to make this vision a reality.”

A long-standing member of the Westfield community, Dr. Atha and his wife, Mary, have six children and are deeply connected to the district’s success. His leadership philosophy reflects his commitment to collaboration, cultivating a welcoming educational environment for students and staff, and ensuring that every student has access to opportunities to thrive.

As WWS embarks on this leadership transition, the district remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional learning experiences and opportunities for all students.

The Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kaiser for his exemplary leadership and congratulates Dr. Atha on his new role as Superintendent.