At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Drew Thon was named the Interim Deputy Superintendent for Garden City Public Schools, effective for the 2025–2026 school year. Thon will continue to oversee the district’s Human Resources Department in this expanded leadership role.
Thon brings more than two decades of experience in Garden City, having served the district in a variety of leadership capacities. He began his career as a Social Studies teacher and coach at Garden City High School, later becoming the District Athletic Director and then Assistant Principal at GCHS. Most recently, he has served as the district’s Chief Human Resources Officer, where he has helped lead major initiatives to recruit, retain, and support high-quality educators.
“Drew Thon is a proven leader who understands both the heart of our community and the operational demands of our outstanding district,” said Superintendent Josh Guymon. “His promotion to Deputy Superintendent ensures we will continue to raise expectations, support our staff, and keep students at the center of every decision we make.”
During his time in district leadership, Thon has played a key role in tackling the teacher shortage head-on. Over the past year, Garden City Public Schools hired nearly 100 new certified staff members, increasing the number of certified teachers in classrooms and reducing our reliance on uncertified personnel. He also chaired the committee that launched the district’s first Random Student Drug Testing Program, helped lead the expansion of special education services with several new classrooms across the district, and is guiding the launch of the District’s new Teacher Apprentice Program. Thon currently serves on the District Leadership Team, the KESA Accreditation Team, and the district negotiation team.
“Drew Thon brings a bold, forward-thinking approach to every challenge he takes on,” added Guymon. “Whether it’s launching new programs, modernizing recruitment efforts, or finding smarter ways to support our staff, his innovative mindset is helping move our district into the future.”
Thon’s steady leadership has made him a trusted presence in times of challenge and change. “Drew is someone this district has been able to count on during our most challenging moments,” said Guymon. “He doesn’t seek the credit, he puts his head down, does the work, and keeps moving forward with an unwavering commitment to our schools and community.”
A strong believer in the power of public education, Thon shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this new role.
“I’m honored to serve as Deputy Superintendent and grateful for the trust placed in me by Mr. Guymon,” Thon said. “This isn’t just a promotion, it’s a responsibility to keep showing up, doing the work, and making sure we continue to grow our district and community.”
Thon earned a B.A. in Social Studies Education from Kansas State University, followed by a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and a District-Level Leadership Certificate from Fort Hays State University.
Born and raised in Tribune, Kansas, Thon has called Garden City home for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Kristen, herself a proud Garden City High School graduate and current school psychologist, have four children.
“Garden City is home for my family,” Thon said. “This is where we want to be and because of that I want the best possible schools not just for my own children, but for every child growing up in this community.”
Thon’s leadership has been recognized statewide. He is the founder of the Garden City High School Athletic Hall of Fame, a former president of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), and was named both the 2024 Rick Bowden Kansas Administrator of Excellence and the 2024 GCAEOP Administrator of the Year.
“I started my career in this district, and I’ve poured my heart into it ever since,” Thon said. “I’m proud to take this next step and continue working alongside our teachers, paras, bus drivers, coaches, custodians and administrators to build something special for our staff, students, and community.”