Article Details

For immediate release
Oct. 28, 2010

Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications, 785-296-4876

New Deputy Commissioner for Learning Services Named
Brad Neuenswander to begin new duties immediately

TOPEKA – Brad Neuenswander, the current director of School Finance for the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), was named the Deputy Commissioner for Learning Services this week by Education Commissioner Dr. Diane DeBacker. The appointment is effective immediately.
 “Brad is an excellent choice for this position and I’m grateful he was willing to serve,” DeBacker said. “His experience both in the agency and in the field, serving as a superintendent, principal and teacher, will serve him well in his new position. His credibility with educators and education organizations will continue to be a positive for the agency.”
Neuenswander takes over for DeBacker, who was named Commissioner of Education in September. For the past four years he has served as the director of School Finance for KSDE, and will continue to fill that function until a replacement can be found. Prior to joining KSDE in 2007, Neuenswander was the superintendent of USD 268 in Cheney for six years and the superintendent of USD 388 in Ellis for three years. He served as a high school principal in USD 331 Kingman, an assistant principal in USD 268 Cheney and as a business teacher in USD 211 Norton. Neuenswander has a bachelor’s degree in business from Baker University and earned his education certification from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. He received a Master of Education Administration degree from Kansas State University and a District Administration certification from Wichita State University.
 “I’m deeply honored to have this opportunity and I look forward to being able to have an even greater impact on decisions related to educational instruction in our state,” Neuenswander said. “I believe strongly that the Kansas State Department of Education has an obligation to ensure high educational standards for our state and I’m looking forward to working with our staff and educators around the state toward that goal.”
 As the Deputy Commissioner for Learning Services, Neuenswander will oversee the departments of Teacher Education and Licensure; Career, Standards and Assessment Services; Research and Evaluation; Special Education Services; and Title Programs and Services at KSDE.
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