Your voter guide to who is running for state Board of Education in south-central Kansas
By Chance Swaim,
1 days ago
Half of the 10-member Kansas Board of Education is up for election in November, and two of them represent the Wichita area.
In District 8 — which represents the center of the Wichita school district plus Derby and parts of the Andover, Haysville, Mulvane and Rose Hill school districts — Democratic incumbent Betty Arnold will face Republican challenger Jason Carmichael, who previously ran for seats on the Wichita school board in 2023 and the Wichita City Council in 2021.
District 10 — which represents parts of the Wichita school district plus several surrounding suburban and rural districts — will elect a new representative after Republican incumbent Jim McNiece decided against running for reelection. Those vying to replace him are Democrat Jeffrey Jarman, Republican Debby Potter and independent candidate Kent Rowe.
The state Board of Education sets academic standards and graduation requirements for Kansas students while local school boards make curriculum decisions. The Legislature and governor determine school funding levels.
Board members serve four-year terms. When the board is meeting, they are paid $88.66 a day plus a subsistence allowance of $166 a day, resulting in compensation for board members between $3,500 and $8,300 last year.
The Eagle asked area candidates to share basic personal background and answer questions about key issues. Candidate responses have been edited only for clarity.
This district represents the center of the Wichita school district plus Derby and parts of the Andover, Haysville, Mulvane and Rose Hill school districts.
Betty Arnold
Betty Arnold Courtesy
Party: Democratic
Age: 75
Position: Kansas State Board of Education District 8 incumbent
Past position: Board of Education Wichita 10 years
What is the most pressing issue for Kansas schools, and what do you think the State Board of Education should do about it?
Preparing students in view of the fast changing dynamics. We are facing a crisis of teacher shortage, declining enrollment and a growing demand for students and teachers safety. This is not a fix that rests solely on the Board of Education but instead will require the willingness from all stakeholders to lead the way.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
Because I am. It takes time and dedication to understand all the nuances in and around the institution of education in order to ensure a quality education for all students. There are no quick fixes but by working with educators, students, community members and commerce we can continue to build a climate that will adapt to the changing demands. My overall vision will remain student focused.
Are Kansas schools adequately preparing students for college or careers? What more can the state do?
As new fields are developed which does impact career prospects, education will lag behind because it has to respond to changing demands. I believe Kansas Schools are responding well with career preparedness for students. Any improvement that we may want to see is tied directly to funding for education.
What can the State Board of Education to ensure the state has enough qualified teachers?
Unfortunately the supply chain is not controlled by the State Board of Education. However, we all can advocate for an increased awareness that educators are underpaid and certainly under appreciated in comparison to their value for the future of our students.
How do you plan to communicate with and engage your constituents on issues?
I have and will continue to be available to my constituents for questions and or concerns that they have. It is my priority to respond to all communications.
Jason Carmichael
Carmichael, a Republican, has not yet responded to The Eagle’s voter guide questionnaire.
State Board of Education, District 10
This district represents parts of the Wichita school district plus parts or all of these districts in Sedgwick County: Cheney, Clearwater, Goddard, Haysville, Maize, Mulvane, Renwick and Valley Center. It also represents parts of Andover and Rose Hill plus all other districts in Butler County. And it represents school districts in Cowley, Harper and Sumner counties, among others.
This seat is open because Jim McNiece, the incumbent, is not seeking reelection.
Jeffrey Jarman
Jeffrey Jarman Amy DeVault
Party: Democratic
Age: 54
Position: Director, School of Communication, Wichita State University
Past position: I served more than 8 years on the Maize Board of Education, including 4 years as the President. I am in my 29th year teaching at WSU. I am the Director of the School of Communication where I teach classes in persuasion and argumentation. I spent the first 20 years as the debate coach at WSU.
Education: B.S., Political Science, Missouri State University and Ph.D., Communication Studies, University of Kansas
What is the most pressing issue for Kansas schools, and what do you think the State Board of Education should do about it?
The two most pressing issues facing Kansas schools that the State Board can address are providing stable funding and attracting/retaining qualified teachers and staff. Both require strong advocacy from the Board to promote the importance and value of public education. While the Legislature appropriates the funds, there is an important role for the Board in advocating for stable funding. The current funding formula finally meets the minimum required by the state constitution, but it will expire in 2027. I strongly support extending the formula to provide stability to school districts. In addition, I strongly oppose vouchers and other efforts to divert public funds from public schools. As a Board member, I will advocate for stable funding and against vouchers.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
I served more than 8 years on the Board in Maize, including 4 years as the President. I understand the role of both local boards and the State Board. The State Board has no role to play in setting the policies of local school districts and it should not intervene in local affairs. The State Board is responsible for the general oversight of all schools and sets policy on topics such as teacher licensure, school accreditation and graduation requirements. My vision is to be an advocate for our public schools. Our communities will thrive when our schools thrive. My experience and vision has garnered broad, bipartisan support. I am endorsed by Republican incumbent Jim McNiece, as well as by local and state school board members, including both Republicans and Democrats.
Are Kansas schools adequately preparing students for college or careers? What more can the state do?
Yes! In addition to a high-quality curriculum, many local school districts have innovative programs in career and technical education, including programs to help students earn credentials like a CNA, opportunities for internships, and unique programs in engineering and aviation. Students in Kansas also complete an Individual Plan of Study to help students transition to college or the workforce. There are positive signs of success. The high school graduation rate is 89% which is among the best in the nation and Kansas students perform well on state assessment tests, including a small increase over last year’s scores. But, more can be done. The Blueprint for Literacy will help improve reading scores at an earlier age which will improve outcomes in all areas.
What can the State Board of Education to ensure the state has enough qualified teachers?
Public education is under attack. It is no surprise that we have a growing shortage of teachers (and many other critical staff positions) given the false and misleading accusations that regularly are made against teachers. It is not surprising that we struggle with recruiting and retaining quality teachers and staff when the profession is openly and falsely criticized. While serving on the Board in Maize, I saw first-hand the hard work of teachers and staff to ensure our students were successful. As a Board member, I will strongly support the work of teachers and staff across the state. In addition, stable and predictable funding will allow local districts the confidence they need to offer salaries and benefits to their staff.
Is there another issue you are concerned about? What do you think the State Board of Education should do about it?
First, the Board is divided and at risk of rejecting funding for programs that provide support for at-risk students and for homeless students. I will always support local districts when they submit requests to use existing funds for the benefit of our most vulnerable students. Second, the Legislature continues to push for vouchers. Vouchers would immediately cut hundreds of millions of dollars or more from public school budgets (without any reduction in the number of students that must be educated). This would lead to consolidation, school closures, increased class sizes, the elimination of extra-curricular activities, and increased property taxes (since local boards would need to replace some of the lost revenue). As a State Board member, I will strongly oppose vouchers.
How do you plan to communicate with and engage your constituents on issues?
As a former local school board member, I learned the importance of listening to constituents, including attending listening sessions. My background is in debate and I believe in the value of open dialogue. I have a commitment to learning about what is important to the schools and families in my district. During the campaign, I have visited with many school districts, including administrators, teachers, and board members, to learn how the State Board can work with them to help support our shared mission. I plan to be open and transparent with my constituents. My answers to these questions are an example of my willingness to share my positions on the important issues facing our schools.
Debby Potter
Potter, a Republican, has not yet responded to The Eagle’s voter guide questionnaire.
Kent Rowe
Kent Rowe Courtesy
Party: Kansas Green Party/Independent
Age: 76
Position: Board member Kansas Chapter Sierra Club
Past position: Mayor, Longton, KS (USD 283) 2000-2004
Education: Ph.D. Industrial Engineering Wichita State U. Master’s In Toxicology & Safety Mgt. Massey U. of New Zealand
What is the most pressing issue for Kansas schools, and what do you think the State Board of Education should do about it?
Funding. Stop consolidation for rural schools. Stop school closures in urban centers. All schools should generate revenue from renewable energy generated on district properties and communities. Excess generation then participates in demand response markets (Generation 180) which allows financial incentives to reduce electricity use during specified times of conservation. Electric school buses also serve as ‘power walls’ thereby optimizing time-of-use rates awarded back to the schools. Seven billon dollars are available through the IRA.
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate? What is your overall vision?
As a Judge of research papers during the 51st North American Power Symposium (2019) and having witnessed the transition to energy autonomy on military bases (Assoc. Prof. Aero. Science, USAF), I seek to be instrumental in enrolling schools in Demand Response programs which generate business revenue.
Are Kansas schools adequately preparing students for college or careers? What more can the state do?
Given the high drop out rate among first-year college enrollees, something is lacking in secondary school experience. Community colleges presently offer college credit classes within the High School curricula. This allows learners to discover collegiate academic rigor.
What can the State Board of Education to ensure the state has enough qualified teachers?
Increased salaries & benefits. Externality services can be provided through community involvement greatly assist teachers’ quality of work life & job satisfaction (e.g. child care, housing quality, resolve transportation issues, neighborhood/school grounds safety & security).
Is there another issue you are concerned about? What do you think the State Board of Education should do about it?
I would seek to reduce/eliminate stereotypes formed around LBGTQ+ and BIPOC cultures. Guest speakers, webinars, feature presentations, topic-specific Spelling Bees which are instrumental in the above. Moreover, diets among school lunch programs leave much to be desired and is contradictory to healthy lifestyles. Another issue concerns the apparent deficit in students’ knowledge of the workings of government. Librarians also must remain in place among school agencies. Most importantly, global warming dynamics and climate sciences are to be studied.
How do you plan to communicate with and engage your constituents on issues?
Lectures, appearances, webinars, hands-on training mobile labs, and demonstrations showcasing how renewable energy, soil & planet health, and sustainable practices benefit districts’ own schools & communities.
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