EYE ON EDUCATION – USD 418 SUPERINTENDENT CODY RIERSON

By Staff

     There is something fitting about having Cody Rierson back in McPherson – not just living here, but leading here, as for the third time in his career, he has returned home, and this time he steps into possible the most impactful role in the community as Superintendent of USD 418.

     Rierson’s story is stitched directly into the fabric of McPherson. A Bullpup through and through, he grew up in the hallways of Lincoln Elementary, McPherson Middle School, and McPherson High School. After two years attending Barton County Community College, Rierson came back home again to finish his bachelor’s degree at McPherson College where he managed a double major in psychology and sociology, a combination he still leans on today.

     “That double major has benefited me well while dealing with students of all ages, specific behaviors, and the functions of those behaviors.”

     After McPherson College, his path into education took him to the Lawrence/Kansas City area where he completed his K-6 teaching license, then his hometown called him back and returned to teach fourth grade at Eisenhower Elementary from 2008-2011, and then becoming principal at Lincoln Elementary from 2013-2021. It was during those years that he kept pushing himself academically as he earned his master’s in 2011, district-level certification in 2013, and his doctorate in 2018 – all through Wichita State University.

In July of 2021 he stepped into the role as superintendent at Moundridge USD 423 where he served for four years before returning home once again this July to guide USD 418.

HE IS A LEADER WHO STILL LOVES THE CLASSROOM   

     When we asked Rierson about his favorite part of the job, he didn’t hesitate and literally lights up talking about time spent with students. Whether it be in classrooms, at activities, watching them grow academically, athletically, and personally. Rierson still will sub when he can, because teaching and coaching are in his DNA.

     “I am a teacher and coach at heart,” he says, “It is my favorite part of the job.”

     He believes deeply in shared leadership – aligning students, staff, patrons, and the board of education into one unified, collaborative approach. He loves being part of something bigger than himself, something meaningful. And he feels that USD 418 has that spark!

THE CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND ROAD AHEAD

     Rierson is honest about the challenges that come with stepping into a district that has experienced significant change. He knows some may expect him to know everything simply because he grew up here, but he is quick to point out that the last five years were spent fully immersed in Moundridge.

     His first priority is listening, learning, and reconnecting with the district’s current reality.

     The bond construction will demand time and attention, but he sees it as an opportunity to build trust through collaboration and follow-through. Budget stability is another focus – ensuring USD 418 can roll year to year without relying on cash reserves. And then there’s the challenge he welcomes most: positively impacting 2,000 students through hands-on leadership.

     “I consider all these challenges fun and look forward to this journey – something I would not have signed up for if I was not ready.”

THE EARLY WINS AND PROUD MOMENTS

     This comes on a personal note as one of his happiest accomplishments so far is seeing his oldest child, Harper, eligible to compete as a Bullpup – something deeply meaningful to their family.

     Professionally, he’s already been involved in selecting the CMAR for the bond project and has been impressed with the teamwork between IDS and Simpson.

     Rierson has also been visiting buildings, meeting staff, and preparing for the upcoming board retreat – eager to build strong relationships and momentum.

WHAT HE IS HOPING TO BUILD

     Rierson has five main goals for USD 418 which are rooted in steady, sustainable growth.

     RELATIONSHIPS – Strengthening the ones he has and building new ones.

     GROWTH MINDSET – Always finding ways to improve.

     TRUST & COLLABORATION – Especially around student learning, bond construction, and communication.

     STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT – Revisiting the district’s strategic plan with shared leadership at the center of it.

     BUDGET CONSISTENCY – Right-sizing the district and creating long-term financial stability.

 FAMILY AT THE HEART OF IT ALL

     Cody Rierson’s world revolves around his family.

     He and his wife Abbey have four children – Harper, Vivi, Jolie (Jojo), and John Rhodes. Each are active in sports and school activities.

     “Family is more important to me than anything,” he says.

     What does Rierson do when not working on USD 418 stuff – one will find him watching documentaries, cheering on his kids, fishing, biking, swimming, or just tinkering around on his farm.

(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at macks.people.places@gmail.com)