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.
Important information shared with Kansas superintendents and other leaders on Aug. 13
Aug 13, 2026
by Angela DeinesKansas Education Commissioner Dr. Jake Steel and the three deputy KSDE commissioners shared the following information on Aug. 13, with Kansas superintendents and other educational leaders.
Literacy screening changes as a result of HB 2485
Screening data now submitted via the Kansas Education Data System (KEDS), not KIDS.
Use composite scores for 2026–27.
The grade levels that will be screened are Pre-K through the fall of ninth grade.
The three risk levels are high, low/some, at benchmark.
The reporting deadlines are Oct. 10, and May 28, 2027.
Current approved screeners may still be used.
Kansas will move to one statewide universal screener during the 2027–28 school year.
Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.
Kansas alternate literacy screener
This screener is for K-3 students with most significant cognitive disabilities.
Rubrics must be completed for each grade.
Scoring guide determines risk level.
The eighth grade DLM® comprehension will not be reported in 2026–27.
KSDE is developing a fourth through eighth grade alternate screener for 2027–28.
Contact Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov, with questions.
Initial dyslexia training modules
These modules are required for new teachers or those new to Kansas with licenses in:
Elementary (Pre-K–6)
EC Unified
High Incidence SPED
ELA 5–12
Reading specialists
School psychologists
Contact Laurie Curtis, laurie.curtis@ksde.gov, with questions.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
The deadline to submit CTE student data management information is Aug. 15.
Update pathway assignments and participant/concentrator/completer status.
Technical assistance workshops are scheduled throughout September in Topeka, Derby, Hays, Sublette and Shawnee Mission.
Topics include pathway updates, work-based learning requirements, Kansas Department of Labor resources and Students’ Right to Know Act.
Contact Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov, with questions.
The Kansas school improvement model includes the Four Fundamentals:
Structured Literacy
Standards Alignment
Balanced Assessment System
Quality Instruction
Supporting Structures within the school improvement model include resource allocation, classroom observation, professional learning, collaboration, tiered supports, and community partnerships.
The 2026-27 School Improvement Days will begin in late September and run through late April across the state. The morning session will go over current action plan implementation and the afternoon session will cover the next action plan planning.
Contact Jay Scott, jay.scott@ksde.gov, with questions.
Budget requirements and deadlines
Districts must publish their budget and revenue neutral rate (RNR) hearing notice 10 days before the hearing.
RNR and budget hearings must occur after Aug. 20 as published.
If a district exceeds their RNR, a hearing must be held between Aug. 20 and Sept. 20, matching the date and time submitted to the county.
Districts need to approve the following:
RNR resolution (if applicable)
Budget (must include state assessments and building needs assessment)
LOB percentage for 2026–27
Districts need to submit their budget to KSDE by Sept. 20, and to their county by Oct. 1.
Contact Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, with questions.
Budget publication rules
Legal notices must be published in a newspaper with general circulation in the district (K.S.A. 64‑101(c)).
There is no requirement to publish in each county’s official newspaper.
County clerk sets the legal tax levy; proper publication must be completed (K.S.A. 79‑2930(b)).
Contact Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, with questions.
Counting Kids workshops
There are multiple sessions scheduled across the state from Aug. 24–Sept. 14.
Note: Count Day for 2026 is Monday, Sept. 21, because Sept. 20 is a Sunday.
Contact Fiscal Auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, with questions.
Regional test coordinator half-day trainings for veteran district test coordinators are scheduled for the following dates and locations
Sept. 10, in Salina
Sept. 24, Topeka
Oct. 8, in Sublette
Oct. 27, Maize
The schedule for the new test coordinator bootcamp is coming soon and will include test security training.
Contact Chelsea Pelfry, chelsea.pelfry@ksde.gov, with questions.
Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) application timeline
Submit the LCP Aug. 13 - Sept. 30.
KSDE reviews begin Aug. 20.
Schoolwide and private school consultation forms are due Sept. 30, if applicable.
Approvals begin Oct. 1.
The Grant Award Notification (GAN) will generate for the district once the LCP application is approved.
Contact Nicole Clark, nicole.clark@ksde.gov, with questions.
ESEA programs
Access to ESEA resources, program information, allocations, and technical assistance can be found at https://www.ksde.gov/policy-and-funding/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-programs which includes updates, reminders, and guidance for ESEA program implementation and reporting.
Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or Joe Jewett, joe.jewett@ksde.gov, with questions.
KEDS update for 2026-27
KEDS is now live and the sole collection point for assessment rostering and dyslexia screener scores.
Districts must confirm SIS vendor setup.
KIDS remains the funding source of truth for 2026–27; districts will submit information to both systems.
KSDE will determine the KIDS close date after funding period.
Contact kedx.ksde.gov, with questions.
At-Risk accountability plans
At-risk accountability plans due to KSDE by Oct. 31.
Register here for all of the virtual and in-person sessions that will be available throughout August and September. Registration is limited for in-person trainings.
In-person trainings will be in Topeka, Dodge City, Hays, Eudora, Andover and Salina.
Contact stateatrisk@ksde.gov with questions about these trainings or the at-risk accountability plans.
