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The April 24 KSDEweekly is now available for viewing. Read more about the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year team, how special education professionals in the field are utilizing state-level supports for serving children with autism and much more.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2025
TOPEKA — Today, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) issued a letter to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in response to an April 3rd request from the ED regarding state compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) regulations in schools across the state to continue receiving federal funding.
The April 17 KSDEweekly is now available for viewing. Read more about the state-level autism services available to Kansas school districts, how a Chapman USD 473 bus driver uses her time creatively with the students she takes to and from school each day, the latest KSDE Insight Podcast, important KESA 2.0 information and several professional development opportunities.
Never miss an issue of KSDEweekly. Email ksdeweekly@ksde.gov with questions, comments or stories ideas.
Challenge encourages employer-supported volunteering
Tracie Betz, an early childhood special education preschool teacher at Quinter Elementary School, Quinter USD 293, and Tranda Strnad, art teacher at Republic County High School, Republic County USD 109, were named Region 1 finalists for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award program during a ceremony on Saturday, April 12.
Susan Rogers, first grade teacher at Derby Hills Elementary School, Derby USD 260, and Jason Peters, mathematics teacher at Hesston High School, Hesston USD 460, were named Region 4 finalists for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award during a ceremony on Saturday, April 12.
April 8, 2025
State Board members honor 200 high school seniors during April meeting
TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced this week that 200 Kansas high school seniors have earned the recognition as 2025 Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.
Denise Kahler, director, Communications and Recognition Programs - (785) 296-4876
For immediate release
April 6, 2025
OVERLAND PARK — Rachel Marlow, K-5 music teacher at Central Elementary School, Olathe USD 233, and Lauren Sage, biology and environmental science teacher at F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City USD 500, were named Region 3 finalists for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award during a ceremony on Sunday, April 6.
TOPEKA — Troy St. Clair, Pre-K-5 physical education teacher at Scott Dual Language Magnet School, Topeka USD 501, and Julie Smith, business and digital media teacher at Santa Fe Trail High School, Santa Fe Trail USD 434, were named Region 2 finalists for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award during a ceremony on Sunday, April 6.
The April 3 KSDEweekly is available to view. Read more about KSDE's response to the U.S. Department of Education's ending of the liquidation period for the Education Stabilization Fund, who the state finalists are for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), which Kansas schools received the 2024 Challenge Awards, and ideas for celebrating the Month of the Military Child.
The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by 785-296-3201.