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January 2010 State Board News

Board Sets Timeline for Commissioner Search

The State Board will meet on March 8 in executive session to review applications for Commissioner of Education in Kansas.  Anyone interested in the job must request an application packet from NASBE, the National Association of State Boards of Education, which is coordinating the search process.  In addition to providing a resume, applicants will be asked to respond to 3 questions which reflect Board and stakeholder priorities for Kansas education.

The Board hopes to interview candidates and make a selection in late March or early April.

Board Approves KSSD/KSSB Reorganization Recommendations

Responding to recommendations from The Kansas Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission from November 23, 2009, the State Board endorsed Interim Commissioner Dr. Diane Debacker’s recommendations to combine as many functions as possible in the areas of administration, maintenance, security and food services at the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) and the Kansas State School for the Deaf (KSSD).

The most dramatic change is the combination of superintendent responsibilities under the leadership of Madeleine Burkindine, KSSB.  KSSD superintendent Bob Maile had previously announced his retirement at the end of the 2009-2010 year.

The State Board also directed a review of the impact of the combinations at the end of FY12, which coincides with the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

In other action, the State Board

• Received the annual report from the Special Education Advisory Council
• Approved recommendations from the Professional Practices Commission to revoke 3 licenses and suspend 1 license
• Received an update from the Kansas Learning Network
• Approved recommendations from the Licensure Review Committee to approve 6 and deny 2 licensure requests
• Approved 10 licensure waivers, I mathematics, 4 to extend days for an emergency substitute, and 5 special education
• Recognized representatives from career technical student organizations
• Recognized the superintendent and principals of the year

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the State Board will be February 9 and 10 in Topeka.  The agenda and board materials should be available on the KSDE website beginning February 1.

KNEA Legislative Contacts

Blake West, President
Peg Dunlap, Director, Instructional Advocacy
Mark Desetti, Director, Legislative and Political Advocacy
Terry Forsyth, Director, Political Action

The KNEA Lobby Team consists of elected leaders and staff. The Lobby Team welcomes member feedback on issues before the Legislature and on this site.