Five Kansas State Board of Education members took part in a ceremonial swearing-in Tuesday, Jan. 12, via Zoom.

TOPEKA — Thirty-two first-year educators from Kansas are being recognized for their outstanding teaching skills through the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award program.

Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring January 2021 as Mentoring Month in Kansas to coincide with National Mentoring Month.

The next regular Kansas State Board of Education meeting will be conducted virtually Jan. 12 and 13, 2021.

 Every two years, the State Board reorganizes to elect new leadership and to consider committee assignments. This will occur at the January meeting, along with swearing in of newly elected and re-elected Board members:  Melanie Haas, Dist. 2; Ann Mah, Dist. 4; Deena Horst, Dist. 6; Betty Arnold, Dist. 8; Jim McNiece, Dist. 10.  During monthly meetings, the State Board of Education provides an opportunity for citizens to share views about topics of interest or issues currently being considered by the State Board.  Written comments may be emailed to Board Secretary Peggy Hill at plhill@ksde.org by Jan. 8.  

The agenda and meeting materials are viewable at:  https://www.ksde.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=4X5Xnekg2-k%3d&portalid=0 The meeting will be livestreamed for the public.

Kansas State Board of Education members at their December virtual meeting accepted a recommendation to modify the Navigating Change guidance to allow for elementary school students to remain in an in-person or hybrid learning environment even when county metrics recommend a remote only learning environment – if school districts adhere to established safety protocols.

Two Kansas schools are being nationally recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2020.

Kansas State Board of Education members in honor of American Education Week, Nov. 16-20, accepted a resolution supporting all of the dedicated school personnel in Kansas in recognition of their hard work, sacrifices and commitment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kansas State Board of Education signed and approved a resolution thanking all school personnel in Kansas for their hard work, sacrifices and commitment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic

Forty-five teacher education students from 23 Kansas colleges and universities have been recognized as Teachers of Promise by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

Ensuring all schools are safe and secure is important in meeting the needs of students and providing quality education. However, school safety includes more than secured doors and a safe schools plan. It also includes the mental health of students and educators, feeling safe in remote learning environments and monitoring a child’s internet and technology usage.