Dr. Rachael Webb began her first week as superintendent of USD 487 with a focus on listening, learning and becoming part of the Herington community.
Webb’s first official day on the job was Wednesday, but the transition began months earlier through frequent contact with outgoing superintendent Donalyn Biehler. Webb said Biehler reached out soon after Webb was hired, and the two worked together to help make the change as smooth as possible for students, staff and the community.
“Neither one of us wanted this transition to be difficult for the students or the staff or the community at large,” Webb said.
Webb comes to Herington after 15 years in the Dodge City school district. She has 23 years of experience in education, including 11 years as a special education teacher. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Wichita State University in 2024, an accomplishment she described as one of the hardest and most rewarding things she has done.
Originally from Alabama, Webb said she came to Kansas during the economic downturn that followed the 2008 crash. While unemployment was high in many parts of the country, she said Dodge City still had job opportunities, in part because of the beef industry.
“There were a plethora of jobs available in Dodge City,” Webb said.
She interviewed by phone from Alabama, accepted a special education position and began in the middle of the school year. She said the move brought an immediate climate adjustment, including snow, but also gave her the opportunity to grow in her career. She stayed with the Dodge City district for 15 years.
Webb’s background also includes service in the United States Marine Corps. She served five years on active duty and three years in the reserves. She was attached to Third Radio Battalion, which she said was one of the most deployed units in the Marine Corps at the time. The experience, she said, taught “the smalltown Alabama girl” a great deal quickly.
Webb said she was not looking to leave Dodge City for just any position. Before applying for the USD 487 opening, she researched Herington, the school district, the community and the area.
“I did not just interview for any position,” she said. “I was not unhappy where I was. I was ready to move forward, but only to a special place.”
Webb said Herington appealed to her because of its small-town atmosphere, strong community base and potential. After visiting for her interview, she said the community felt welcoming and comfortable.
“We really just came and felt at home,” she said.
Webb and her husband, Shane, have six children, ranging in age from 25 to 15. Shane works for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and was able to transfer to the northeast region. Their youngest daughter, Karley, will attend Herington High School. Webb said Karley has al- ready met some students and played basketball with them, and is looking forward to attending school in Herington.
The family is temporarily renting a home and plans to build a small home in Herington near the high school. Webb said Karley is especially pleased with the location.
As the family settles in, Webb said they are also preparing to become part of Railer traditions.
“Now I’m a Railer,” she said, adding that she needs to buy Railer gear for the family.
Webb said she has researched some of Herington’s railroad history and appreciates that the Railer identity has been carried forward.
“It’s a very proud community, and rightfully so,” she said.
As she begins her new role, Webb said she does not plan to come in with immediate major changes. Instead, she wants to understand the district’s culture, priorities and direction. She has meetings planned with board members and administrators.
“It’s very important to listen and learn and appreciate all the work that’s been done before you show up anywhere,” Webb said.
She said her current goal is to embrace the position and serve as a good steward for USD 487.
Webb said she is passionate about education and the difference it can make in the lives of children and adults. She also supports career and technical education pathways, saying not every student is made for the same path.
She noted that USD 487 offers several CTE pathways, including agriculture, business and health care. Webb said she supports students pursuing academics as far as they want to go, while also valuing trades, vocational programs and career pathways.
“I have witnessed myself a lot of success with those pathways being offered to students in schools,” she said.
Webb said building trust takes time, because trust is based on relationships. As she begins her work in Herington, she said she wants to listen, learn and help provide the best education possible for students.
“I am very excited and passionate to work and just be a good steward for the community here,” she said.