News Releases

Our press releases provide timely, accurate information about key initiatives, policy updates, and important events in Kansas education. They serve as an official source for news and announcements from the Kansas State Department of Education, helping educators, families, and communities stay informed about developments that impact schools statewide.

Two teachers named Region 3 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

OVERLAND PARK —Corinne Flynn, a fourth grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary School, Paola USD 368, and Audrey Gilroy, an art teacher at Westridge Middle School, Shawnee Mission USD 512, were named Region 3 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award during an awards ceremony on Sunday, April 19.

Apr 19, 2026 by Denise Kahler
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Region 2 Finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year: Alexandra Vahsholtz

Two teachers named Region 2 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

TOPEKA — Dawn Smith, an English language arts teacher at Atchison High School, Atchison USD 409, and Alexandra Vahsholtz, a fifth grade teacher at Village Elementary School, Emporia USD 253, were named Region 2 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award during a ceremony on Sunday, April 19.

Apr 19, 2026 by Denise Kahler
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Region 1 Finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year: Alayna Mancillas and Scott Glass

Two teachers named Region 1 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

SALINA —Scott Glass, a chemistry and engineering teacher at Garden City High School, Garden City USD 457, and Alayna Mancillas, a preschool teacher at Hickok Elementary School, Ulysses USD 214, were named Region 1 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) awards program during a ceremony on Saturday, April 18.

Apr 18, 2026 by Denise Kahler
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Two teachers named Region 4 finalists for 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

WICHITA — Brandy Lane, an English language arts teacher at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Goddard USD 265, and Danielle Ricke, an early childhood teacher at Southwest Elementary School, Pratt USD 382, were named Region 4 finalists for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) award during an awards ceremony on Saturday, April 18.

Apr 18, 2026 by Denise Kahler
Full story

Kansas State Board of Education selects Dr. Jake Steel as next education commissioner

TOPEKA — A product of Kansas public schools will soon lead the state’s education system.

Apr 14, 2026 by Denise Kahler
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