Kris Meyer and Connie O’Brien running for Kansas State Board of Education seat
By Blaise Mesa,
12 hours ago
An award-winning teacher is taking on a former legislator in the race for the 4th District seat on the Kansas Board of Education.
Democrats 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 District 4?
Democrat Kris Meyer
Meyer is a Kansas Horizon Award-winning teacher. She spent 16 years working in public education as a teacher in De Soto, was a school improvement specialist and was principal of Starside Elementary School for six years.
Meyer and her husband both went to public schools and have children in the system.
Meyer currently works at AdventHealth Kansas City Foundation, a nonprofit that supports new moms, adults diagnosed with cancer, children with special needs and individuals with mental health needs.
“I’ve seen firsthand the importance of equitable funding, the need for strong teacher support and the vital role that public education plays in our communities,” she said.
Meyer is endorsed by the Kansas National Education Association and Game On for Kansas Schools.
O’Brien spent eight years in the Kansas House, from 2009-2017.
The mother to over 10 children graduated from St. Mary College with a degree in social studies and secondary education. She was the director of religious education at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tonganoxie.
She has taught in classrooms, was a 4-H leader and served on the Kansas Real Estate Commission for four years.
What is the first thing you’d do in office if elected?
Meyer: The first thing I’d do is work to ensure that every school in Kansas is fully funded, particularly for special education, at-risk programs and social-emotional learning. This includes holding legislators accountable for providing the constitutionally mandated funding needed to support all students and ensuring that resources are allocated equitably.
O’Brien: The first thing I would do is listen to parents and teachers. I would bring back basics to education. I would like to improve vocational education for students. Introduce a program to help students who would like to get a job and join the workforce.
How can the Kansas Board of Education better support students who are falling behind?
Meyer: The board can better support students who are falling behind by advocating for targeted interventions, including smaller class sizes, individualized learning plans, and increased access to tutoring and support services. We must ensure that schools have the resources to identify struggling students early and provide the necessary support to help them succeed.
O’Brien: First we need to find out which subjects are causing them difficulties. If it is reading, introduce them to phonics and make sure they understand the different sounds words make. Check out different math programs. Just knowing where the problem is will help the student and make sure they understand.
What role should the Kansas Board of Education play in LGBTQ+ issues?
Meyer: The Kansas Board of Education should play a proactive role in ensuring that all students, including LGBTQ students, feel safe, respected and supported in our schools. This includes implementing inclusive policies, providing training for educators on LGBTQ issues and promoting a school culture that values diversity and inclusion.
O’Brien: O’Brien didn’t answer this question.
How can the Board of Education support teachers?
Meyer: The board can support teachers by advocating for competitive salaries, professional development opportunities and listening to our teachers. We must also focus on reducing class sizes, providing adequate resources and ensuring that teachers have the time and support needed to effectively perform their duties. Supporting teachers is essential to attracting and retaining world-class educators.
O’Brien: Teachers should be allowed to teach and not be burdened with a lot of bureaucracy.
Do you think Kansas schools have quality curriculum? Why or why not?
Meyer: Kansas schools have a strong foundation, but there is always room for improvement. Local school boards must continuously review and update the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of today’s students. This includes incorporating more STEM education, the teacher training Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, and science of reading training for all educators, as well as ensuring that our curriculum is inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives.
O’Brien: O’Brien didn’t answer this question.
Is there an issue/question that you weren’t asked that you want to talk about?
Meyer: I’d like to emphasize the importance of mental health support in our schools. As we continue to face the challenges of a post-pandemic world, we must prioritize the mental health and well-being of our students and educators. This includes providing access to mental health resources, promoting awareness and creating supportive school environments.
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