Dr. Drew White will become the next superintendent of the Platte County School District and will officially begin serving in this capacity on July 1, 2026, starting with the 2026-27 school year. He will succeed Dr. Jay Harris, who has announced his retirement from the district following the end of next school year (June 2026).
Upon his retirement, Harris will have served 10 years in the Platte County School District, four years as superintendent, and 35 years in public education. White has served as deputy superintendent since 2023.
White’s appointment follows a superintendent interview process conducted by Platte County School District’s Board of Education.
White
“Given Dr. White’s experience in our district, I am confident that we have selected the ideal candidate who has already built strong relationships within our Pirate family and is committed to further strengthening those connections,” Board President Shawn Chiddix said. “His leadership and dedication have already had a significant impact, and we are confident he will continue to strengthen our schools and community
“Thanks to the foresight of Dr. Harris, Dr. White will have the opportunity to spend the next school year preparing for this transition, ensuring a seamless shift in leadership. We are excited to see Drew build upon the strong foundation already in place and continue advancing the District’s mission.”
White has served as the deputy superintendent for the past year and a half, working closely with staff to establish a district-wide behavior management system, expand early childhood offerings, open the PCHS Academy, and implement the Voyage 18-21-year-old program. He also collaborated with staff, students, and the community to update the district’s strategic plan that will guide the district from 2025-30.
With a master of education, an education specialist degree in school administration, and a doctorate of education in educational leadership, White brings expertise and experience as a teacher, coach, building principal and district administrator.
“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as superintendent of the Platte County R-3 School District,” White said. “The rich tradition, unwavering pride, and forward-thinking vision of the Platte County School District make it a place where educators, families and community members come together to support student success. It is a great honor to serve the students, staff, and community in Platte County schools.”
Prior to joining the leadership team at R-3 in 2023, White spent eight years in the North Kansas City School District, serving as high school principal, associate principal, assistant principal, and AVID program coordinator. He began his career in education as a teacher and coach in the Blue Springs Freshman Center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from William Jewell College.
Originally from Harrisonville, White grew up in a family of educators. His father was a teacher who later served as a superintendent, and his mother was an elementary school teacher for 28 years (including 10 years in the Platte County School District). His wife, Callie, is a kindergarten teacher at Compass Elementary. Together, they have three children: Quinn, Ella, and Cara.