Superintendent Mr. Tyson Eslinger

After graduating from Deerfield High School in 2000, Mr. Eslinger pursued higher education. He received his bachelor's degree in education from Newman University in 2007, his master's degree in building leadership from Emporia State University in 2017, and completed his district leadership program at Fort Hays State University in 2020.

Mr. Eslinger's broad educational experience is rooted in a family tradition of educators. He began his teaching career in 2007 at Dighton Jr/Sr High School as a teacher and coach. In 2010, he transitioned to Kenneth Henderson Middle School and Garden City High School, continuing in teaching and coaching roles. In 2016, Mr. Eslinger returned briefly to his hometown of Deerfield to teach and coach before advancing to the position of building principal at Hugoton Middle School in 2017.

In 2019, Mr. Eslinger's career took a new direction as he joined Southwest Plains Regional Service Center as an education consultant. However, when the Superintendent of Schools position opened in Deerfield, Mr. Eslinger took the opportunity to lead his home district. He began his tenure as Superintendent of Schools in USD 216 Deerfield in 2020.

During his time at Deerfield, Mr. Eslinger achieved significant milestones. Working collaboratively with the Board of Education, community, and staff, they successfully passed the district's first bond in 32 years. Under his leadership, enrollment grew by approximately 100 students, and career and technical education pathways expanded from 2 to 12. The district has also seen improvement in academic data. He also helped to implement a new strategic plan for the district.

Mr. Eslinger's influence extended beyond Deerfield. He served as the Chair of the SWPRSC Superintendent Council and sat on the Rosen National Advisory Board for Reading.

Mr. Eslinger is married to Shelly Eslinger, who is also an educator. They have two daughters, Peytyn and Pyper, who will attend USD 417