Beryl New and Bruce Schultz run for northeastern Kansas State Board of Education seat

A retired teacher and a current Kansas State University professor are running for the state school board.

Republicans have won this seat in the past five elections.

Election day is Nov. 5 . Oct. 15 is the last day to register to vote and early voting starts Oct. 16. You can find your polling place and the races you vote in here .

Who are the candidates for the Board of Education’s 6th District?

Democrat Beryl Ann New

New retired last year after 36 years in public education. She worked as a teacher, secondary school administrator and director of certified personnel and equity.

She has a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education and master’s degree in educational leadership from Washburn University. Her doctorate is from the University of Kansas.

She’s also served on the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice.

“I understand the challenges and the celebrations at each level of an educational system,” she said. “I know how difficult it is to find highly qualified teachers due to current circumstances. I have worked for years with local and state teacher preparation programs to explore nontraditional pathways into the teaching force.”

She’s endorsed by the Kansas National Education Association and Game On for Kansas Schools.

Her campaign website is here .

Republican Bruce Schultz

Schultz is a professor at Kansas State University. He earned a doctorate from Cornell University in 1991.

Schultz has also been an interim department head, college faculty council president, university faculty senate member and regents academic committee chair.

He and his wife have two children and six grandchildren.

“With over 40 years of experience serving on boards at all educational ​levels — from preschool to university — Bruce has consistently prioritized ​education in his life,” his campaign website said.

He is endorsed by Kansans for Life. His campaign website is here .

Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire. His responses are compiled from his campaign website.

What is the first thing you’d do in office if elected?

New: I will review the board’s current initiatives and listen to learn current issues. I will ensure that the concerns my constituents have shared with me are consistently represented during board meetings and in all other public meetings. I will research topics that are new to me which represent issues that require informed decision-making.

Schultz: Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire. His campaign website said communication is a key.

“Create and maintain straightforward, accessible ​communication channels between parents, teachers and school boards, ensuring all ​parties are treated with respect,” the campaign website said.

How can the Board of Education better support students who are falling behind?

New: Every Kansas child deserves a high quality, free, appropriate public education. Effective professional development and mentoring programs can support all professional staff to prepare students for both post-high school employment and postsecondary education. Research-based resources will also help bridge learning gaps in key areas, such as literacy and numeracy. The State Board of Education can, and does, provide these types of support. However, early childhood education will continue to be a key element in ensuring that children are kindergarten-ready, hopefully preventing future challenges to maintaining grade-level progress.

Schultz: Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire. His campaign website didn’t list specific proposals to help children, but it said Schultz will “recognize parents as the initial teachers, highlighting ​the need for collaboration with professional educators. Implement programs to assist ​parents to better engage in their child’s education.”

What role should the Board of Education play in LGBTQ+ issues?

New: Every child has the right to feel welcome, safe and valued in a public school environment.  It is the responsibility of the board to enact and enforce policies, based on current laws and statutes, to ensure that student safety and respect is a priority in every aspect of a student’s life.

Schultz: Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire.

How can the Board of Education support teachers?

New: I believe that teachers may well be the most valuable resource we have in public education. Supporting their needs should be a priority of the State Board of Education.  Professional development, the credentialing process, mentoring for new teachers and rigorous licensure standards are critical for maintaining the level of professionalism we value in educators. The board should welcome teachers’ input and feedback and respond conscientiously whenever action is necessary.

Schultz: Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire.

Do you think Kansas schools have quality curriculum? Why or why not?

New: Yes, I believe that the State Board of Education has provided clear learning targets and growth outcomes which allow districts to select quality curriculum resources. State Department of Education staff also do a commendable job, in my opinion, of supporting teachers and district staff through direct support and professional development opportunities.

Schultz: Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire. His campaign website didn’t critique the state’s curriculum, but it said Schultz will “prioritize education in critical subjects like math, language arts, ​science and financial literacy for their practical utility and measurable outcomes. Ensure ​that education for students with disabilities is accessible, appropriate and effective.”

Is there an issue/question that you weren’t asked that you want to talk about?

New: I am grateful for the opportunity to seek this position to continue my service to public education, and I look forward to being a voice for all the children of Kansas.

Schultz: Schultz didn’t respond to the questionnaire. His campaign website said school safety is key.

“Ensure schools are safe places for all students, focusing on preventing ​bullying and maintaining a secure atmosphere where students can live and learn without ​fear,” his campaign website said.

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