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.

  • 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
    Full story
  • 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
    Full story

  • 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
  • Dr. Jake Steel

    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
    Full story
  • Dr. Randy Watson

    Kansas Commissioner of Education Search

    The Kansas State Board of Education seeks an experienced, principled, and politically astute leader to serve as Commissioner of Education. Reporting to the elected State Board of Education, the Commissioner will lead the Kansas State Department of Education and advance policies and practices that improve outcomes for all Kansas students.
    Apr 3, 2026 by Angela Deines
    Full story

Media inquires, contact:

Communications
(785) 296-4876