Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 | Issue 208

Brandy Lane, center, was named the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year during a ceremony on Sept. 19, in Wichita, by Education Commissioner Dr. Jake Steel, left, along with Rachel Marlow, right, the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

“Humbled beyond belief”: Brandy Lane selected as 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Brandy Lane, a seventh grade English language arts teacher at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Goddard USD 265, was named the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year on Saturday, Sept. 19. She was chosen from eight regional finalists who were selected from 142 nominations for the state's top education ambassador. Lane is now eligible for the National Teacher of the Year who will be announced next spring.

“Humbled beyond belief” were the words Brandy Lane used to describe her first reaction when she heard her name announced as the next Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY). 

“I was just absolutely in shock,” the Goodard USD 265 educator said after Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Jake Steel announced she is the 2027 KTOY at the annual Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet this past Saturday, in Wichita. “I was very surprised and honored and humbled just to be part of this amazing group of educators and the hundreds in my district whom I respect so much.”

Read more about what Lane and the 2027 KTOY team plan to accomplish in the coming months at the state's top education ambassadors.

Kansas awarded $8.4 million federal grant to strengthen educator pipeline 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has been awarded an $8.4 million grant over three years as part of the federal Teacher and School Leader Incentive (TSLI) program. 

This funding from the U.S. Department of Education aligns with KSDE’s school improvement model approved by the Kansas State Board of Education and supports statewide strategies aimed at improving educator effectiveness and increasing student achievement, particularly in high-need schools.

Read more about this federal grant designed to strengthen the state's educator workforce.

State Board holds special meeting to approve firm for Kansas School for the Deaf superintendent search

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education held a special meeting on Sept. 24, to vote on the firm tasked with finding the next superintendent of the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD), in Olathe. 

Meeting online, board members approved the hiring of Yes! You Can! Education Strategies LLC (YYCES), of West Hartford, Connecticut, for $38,000. Interim superintendents Joelle Allen and Joan Macy told the board they sent requests for proposals (RFP) for the search process to five firms and two responded. 

Allen said the KSD community chose YYCES because of their gathering of information and feedback during on-site visits with KSD staff, families and others connected to the school’s community as part of the RFP process. She said this engagement built rapport and trust with this firm. Allen said while YYCES is a new firm, they have strong networks and relationships within the larger Deaf community across the U.S., another key factor in their recommendation of YYCES.  

According to YYCES’s proposal, the firm “brings together experienced educational leaders with deep expertise in Deaf education, special education, language access, organizational development, and systems change. We partner with schools, districts, agencies, and educational organizations to strengthen programs, develop leaders, address complex challenges, and improve student outcomes.”  

Staff members of the firm will be on KSD’s Olathe campus several times in the coming weeks as they begin to work through the candidate search process beginning later this fall. The intent is to have a permanent superintendent by July 1. 

 

The State Board will meet for their regular monthly meeting, Oct. 13-14, in the first floor boardroom of the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Access the meeting materials, including the link for the livestream, here. 

Final reminder: New teacher licensure application fees to start Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, the application processing fee will increase by $20 for all teacher licensure applications. This change was approved by the Kansas State Board of Education during their June 2026 meeting. 

The new fee will apply to all license applications submitted on or after Oct. 1. Applicants who submit materials before that date will be processed under the current fee structure. 

NOTE: The Kansas Licensure Application Systems (KLAS) and Licensure Applications System will shut down temporarily at 5 p.m. CST, on Sept. 30, for KSDE’s IT team to implement the fee increase to licenses. The systems should reopen by 8 a.m., on Oct. 1.

 

Contact TLALicense@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2288 with questions or access the KSDE teacher licensure webpage. 

Resources available to school districts

to prepare for KSDE audits

The Kansas State Department of Education’s fiscal auditing staff will begin their annual unified school district audits on Oct. 12.

To help districts prepare for their annual KSDE audit, a new one-page “Audit Readiness Checklist” will be emailed to districts at least six weeks prior to their audit start date. This checklist includes a list of what to do and by when to be ready for the district’s audit. Districts will also receive a copy of the “Documentation Checklist.” Items check-marked on page 1 of this checklist must be uploaded at least three weeks in advance of the scheduled audit.  

Both of these checklists were discussed at the recent Counting Kids workshops. Slides from these workshops are posted on the Fiscal Auditing webpage, under the “Additional Resources” heading. 

For the 2026-27 school year, enrollment (ENRL) data submitted to the Kansas Individual Data on Students (KIDS) system will be used to calculate funding. The Enrollment Handbook and all other audit guides are available on the KSDE Fiscal Auditing webpage. 

Contact KSDE Fiscal Auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976, with questions. The KIDS helpdesk can be reached at KIDS@ksde.gov or (785) 296-7935.  

Professional development and mentoring program updated contact information

needed by Oct. 16 

The KSDE teacher licensure team is requesting districts and systems to submit updated contact information for their professional development and mentoring programs. This information will be used to provide updates for these programs and technical assistance, as well as avoid information overload for superintendents. 

Use the following links to submit your district/system contact information no later than Oct. 16:  

PDC Chair/PD Program Staff Contact Information 2026-27 

Mentoring Program Contact Information 2026-27 

• Information about the professional development committee (PDC) chair(s) and the lead mentoring program contact(s) is required.  
• If you are using a service center program for mentoring, enter the information for the local mentoring program contact(s), not the service center.  
• For other program staff who are interested in receiving information directly, add each staff member’s information separately in its own form. 

Contact Ed Kalas, edward.kalas@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Kansas school bus stop arm violation data collection set for Oct. 19 - 23 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) School Transportation Safety Unit is requesting the participation of all Kansas school districts and transportation providers in the 2026 Kansas Stop Arm Violation Data Collection survey, which will be conducted during National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19 -23, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS). 

The information gathered through this effort helps Kansas and national transportation safety leaders better understand the prevalence of stop arm violations and develop effective strategies to improve student safety. 

New approach for 2026 

Each district will select one school day of its choice between Oct. 19 – 23, to conduct its stop arm violation count. Districts can choose the day that best fits their schedule during the week, ensuring greater participation to provide a more complete picture of stop arm violations occurring across Kansas. 

In addition to selecting one school day during the week of Oct. 19, all district and transportation providers are asked to do the following: 

• Have school bus drivers record all observed stop arm violations occurring while students are loading or unloading from the school bus. 
• Complete and submit your data using the Stop Arm Violation Data Collection Survey 
• Submit the survey even if no violations are observed on the selected day. 

The following resources are provided to help with the stop arm count survey:  

• Stop arm violation survey information and examples 
• Optional stop arm violation worksheet 
• Access the KSDE school transportation webpage for more information on the stop arm violation reporting. 

Contact Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov, with questions. 

ICYMI: LCP application's parent

comment section explained 

The following information pertains to the parent comment section on the Title I page of the local consolidated plan (LCP) application. 

Parent and Family Engagement policy/plan: 

A local education agency (LEA) must incorporate its written parent and family engagement policy/plan (developed in accordance with section 1116 of the ESEA) into its local consolidated plan (developed under section 1112 of the ESEA), which is submitted to its state education agency (SEA). (ESEA section 1116(a)(2)). 

If the LEA’s plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the LEA must submit any parent comments, along with the LEA’s plan, to the SEA. (ESEA section 1116(b)(4)). 

Title I plan: 

If the LEA plan for Title I, Part A, developed under section 1112 of the ESEA, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). 

Explanation: 

During the annual Title I meeting, a review of the Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) policy/plan, federal allocations and budget per building, as well as the plan of allowable activities, should be shared with parents and families. If a comment is received in writing (email, paper copy, or through the PFE survey throughout the year) about the plan being unsatisfactory, the comment(s) will be added to the next LCP application cycle. KSDE state and federal accountability LCP region contacts will follow up with any LEA with a comment submission as part of the monitoring process. Keep documentation of all communication received from a parent or family member, as state and/or federal monitoring may occur at any time.  

Contact Dr. Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, (785) 296-6714, with questions. 

September KESA virtual monthly update available to view 

The Sept. 14 KESA virtual monthly update is available for viewing. The recording can be accessed here via YouTube. 

This information can also be found on the KESA Monthly Updates and Information Sessions webpage. The PowerPoint slide deck is available by clicking on the thumbnail to the right. 

The next monthly KESA virtual update will be Monday, Oct. 12. 

Contact Jay Scott, jay.scott@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Important information for upcoming

School Improvement Days

By Jay Scott, director of KSDE implementation and supports 

School Improvement Days (SI day) kick off next week, so I wanted to share a few reminders to ensure these important, collaborative days are strong learning experiences.  

Before your day: 

1. All staff attending for your system need to register by going to this schedule and clicking on the date of your respective School Improvement Day.  
2. With your system DLT, plan and practice your responses to the 10 System Share-out questions for your system’s share-out (10 minutes only) at your School Improvement Day. This is to be a group effort, not simply one person from the team sharing out. Reminder: This is not a formal presentation, rather it is simply your system DLT answering the 10 questions succinctly and directly. With 10 minutes to share and 10 questions to respond to, there is no room for extra context.  
3. Two to four weeks ahead of your School Improvement Day, each system will receive a reminder email that will include the Action Plans of each system in the SI day cohort. As you listen to share-outs at your School Improvement Day, you’ll have each system’s Action Plan to refer to.  

During your day: 

1. Here are the agenda and the slides for the day. 
2. The morning is all about implementation of your current Action Plan while the afternoon is devoted to your next Action Plan.  
3. The morning will include share-outs and like-position collaboration. 
4. The afternoon will feature system DLT flexible time in developing the next Action Plan. 

After your day: 

1. Engaging stakeholders, at the appropriate level, in the development of your next Action Plan.  
2. Same as the last two years, each system has 60 days after the School Improvement Day to submit their next Action Plan in the KESA application. 

All of the resources you need are located on the KESA Resources webpage. Your regional or cohort executive will host virtual School Improvement Day prep meetings one or two months ahead of your SI day to walk through this information in detail.  

Our team is very excited for this third year of School Improvement Days! We hope you are excited as well to continue building the culture of clarity in action, transparency in implementation, and professional collaboration.  

Contact your regional or cohort executive with questions. 

Child and Adult Care Food Program Jump Start training scheduled for Oct. 28 

The KSDE Child Nutrition & Wellness (CNW) team will host a free, six-hour training on Oct. 28, in Wichita. 

The first session, “Business of the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP),” 9 a.m. – noon, covers enrollment and income eligibility forms, meal counts, and claims.  

The second session, “Meal Planning for CACFP,” 1 - 4 p.m., will provide information on recordkeeping requirements for menu planning and meal documentation.

Individuals can register for the morning, afternoon, or both sessions. Both sessions are recommended for new authorized representatives of centers and for new support staff who provide assistance to the authorized representative.   

Contact Pam Rosebaugh, pam.rosebaugh@ksde.gov, to register. 

Deadline approaching for

Kansas Horizon award nominations

The deadline to nominate first-year teachers for the 2027 Kansas Horizon Award is Oct. 9.  

The Kansas Horizon Award program recognizes and rewards teachers who have served as examples of excellent teaching in elementary and secondary classrooms during their first year of teaching. Nominated teachers must have completed their first year of teaching and be starting their second year.   

Completed applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, Oct. 9.  

Contact Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950 with questions. 

Applications due Oct. 9 for

2027 United States Senate Youth Program 

Applications for the 2027 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) are due Friday, Oct. 9. The students selected will be notified after Dec. 1.  

Any high school junior or senior is eligible for the program as long as they have not previously been a delegate to Washington Week and have not received a USSYP scholarship. The student applicant must hold a high-level leadership position in any student government, civic or educational organization during the entire 2026–27 academic year.   

To apply, students must submit the following:   

• A completed 2027 USSYP application.  
• An official academic transcript with an unweighted grade point average (GPA).  
• Two letters of support:  
• One from either the high school principal or a teacher.  
• One from an adult advisor to the organization or student body entity they represent confirming the student’s leadership position, the student’s leadership qualities and personal attributes.  
• Two written application essays (required). Limit responses to 500 words or fewer per response.   
• Signatures of principal and parents on the application. 

The application, written essays templates and additional information can be found on KSDE’s U.S. Senate Youth program webpage.  

Contact Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950 with questions. 

2026 E-Rate training sessions

offered in October

The 2026 in-person E-Rate training sessions will be provided by BTU Consultants to explain the opportunities and requirements of the E-Rate program for Kansas schools. 

Topics include the following: 

• Overview of the E-Rate program 
• Benefits and requirements of participation 
• E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) login, maintenance and examples 
• Finding your E-Rate history and Category 2 budget 
• Applying for E-Rate 
• Form 470 and request for proposals (RFP) requirements 
• Form 471 details 
• Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) review 
• E-Rate approval and acceptance 
• Form 486 to accept funding 
• Form 500 to make changes 
• Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursements (BEARs) v. Discounts – getting reimbursed 
• Record keeping and audit preparation 
• Q&A session 

The focus will be an interactive dialog with step-by-step examples. Handouts will be provided at the following classes and will be available online prior to the following sessions: 

Oct. 19: Salina, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register here. 

Oct. 20: Hays, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register here. 

Oct. 21: Sublette, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. *Virtual attendance option available. Register here. 

Oct. 22: Clearwater, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register here. 

Oct. 23: Girard, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register here. 

Contact Jenni Marlatt, jenni.marlatt@ksde.gov, with questions. 

CDL proxy testing and ELDT theory training set for Oct. 20-21

Clay County USD 379 will host a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and entry-level driver training (ELDT) theory event, 8 a.m., Oct. 20-21, at Clay County Community High School, 1630 9th Street, in Clay Center. 

For more information about the two-day training and to register, click here. 

  

To prepare for this training, attendees should study the appropriate sections of the Kansas CDL Manual. 

Contact Mike McCoy, mikemccoy@usd379.org, with questions. 

Final reminder: Kansans Can Competency leadership training set for Oct. 1 

School leadership staff and educators who can serve as competency coaches (e.g., school counselors, interventionists, teacher leaders), are invited to the Kansans Can Competency leadership training, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Dr. John Burke Learning Center, in Haysville. 

This in-person training is designed for schools considering or actively implementing competency instruction (i.e., self-efficacy, self-regulation, assertiveness, or conflict management) in grades K–12.  

Access the event page for more information and to register.  

Contact Dr. Pattie Noonan, pnoonan@ku.edu, or Chris Cooper, chris@impacteducation.net, with questions. 

Don’t forget: IPS technical assistance

available in October  

Technical assistance for Individual Plan of Study process and implementation will be available in October. 

Host sites will share highlights of their programs, IPS scope and sequence ideas and how they build family, community, and business partnerships. New templates provided for elementary, middle and high school electronic portfolios will be available. 

Other topics of these technical assistance trainings include the following: 

• New middle school career exploration passport activity  
• Designing and implementing electronic portfolios  
• IPS district scope and sequence development and how to improve implementation in the district. 
• Developing and implementing programs of study  
• Updated work based learning and entrepreneurship information 
• How to support and recruit special populations in CTE 
• IPS tools and resources including TOTO information from the Kansas Department of Labor 

Oct. 23: Wichita, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Textron Aviation Career & Learning Center. Registration closes Oct. 8. 

Oct. 30: Hays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., FHSU North Central Tech South Campus. Register here. 

Contact Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, with questions. 

ICYMI: Golden Owl Award^® nominations open

Kansans can help recognize the agriculture teachers who are shaping the next generation of leaders by nominating them for the 2027 Kansas Golden Owl Award^®. Nominations are open through Dec. 31. 

This annual award honors agricultural educators whose commitment, innovation, and mentorship make a lasting difference for students, schools, and communities. Eligible nominees must be Kansas-licensed educators currently teaching agricultural education at the high school level. 

Go to the Kansas FFA webpage to nominate a Kansas ag educator and for more information. 

Contact Beth Gaines, director@kansasffafoundation.org, with questions. 

Screen time effects on young children

training offered Oct. 23 

The Kansas State Interagency Coordinating Council (KICC) is offering, “Screen Time Effects on Infants to Kindergartners,” a virtual training session, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., on Oct. 23. 

Explore how screen time can influence the developing brain and learn about healthy alternatives for young children. 

Register and learn more about this training event here, part of the Local Interagency Coordinating Councils (LICCs) fall retreat. 

Contact Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, with questions.  

Kansas Technical Assistance System Network  training opportunities

The Kansas State Department of Education Technical Assistance System Network (KSDE TASN) provides professional learning and technical assistance, in support of the KSDE School Improvement Model and grounded in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals

with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

• View a list of Upcoming KSDE TASN events 
• Learn more about KSDE TASN projects

Contact Dr. Michele Hayes, mrhayes@pittstate.edu, with questions. 

KSDE School Finance interest letter provides important dates, reporting requirements 

The KSDE School Finance team provides an updated 

interest letter each week to help districts stay informed about key financial timelines and requirements.

This letter includes interest rate information from the Pooled Money Investment Board, state and federal payment schedule reminders, reporting deadlines, legal max notices, budget hearing timelines and other fiscal guidance that support effective financial planning and compliance.

September

25: Title IV-A Expenditure Survey for SFY25/26 due. Contact: Christine Macy, christine.macy@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-3287

25: Fall Vacancy Report (FVR) due in the Educator Data Collection System (EDCS) by 5 p.m. CST. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

25: (LOCATION CHANGE) Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Geary County Convention Center at Sonesta, 310 Hammons Drive, in Junction City.

Contact: Pat Bone, pat.bone@ksde.gov

28: CTE technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Southwest Plains Service Center, in Sublette. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

29: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Dodge City USD 443 district office, in Dodge City. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

30: At-risk plan and application training, 9-11:30 a.m., in-person, Hays USD 489 Rockwell Administrative Center board room, in Hays. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

30: Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) application due. (Open year-round for changes). Contact: Nicole Clark, nicole.clark@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4925

October

1: New fee for all teacher licensure applications goes into effect. Go to the KSDE teacher licensure webpage for more information. Contact: TLALicense@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2288

1: Deadline to submit budget documents to county clerks. Contact: Daniel Kalas, daniel.kalas@ksde.gov, Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-3872.

1: New test coordinator bootcamp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

1: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Eudora USD 491 West Resource Center, in Eudora. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

1: School transportation meeting, 9:30 a.m. – noon, in Goddard. Access the school transportation upcoming events webpage for more information and registration. Contact: Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov

1: Kansans Can Competency leadership team training, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Dr. John Burke Learning Center, in Haysville. Contact: Dr. Pattie Noonan, pnoonan@ku.edu, or Chris Cooper, chris@impacteducation.net

1: EDCS/LPR Review Day 1 training, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

1: Deadline to update Special Education Personnel Categorical Aid Report. Contact: Evelyn Alden, evelyn.alden@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-3868.

1: Dropout/Graduation Summary Report (DGSR) opens for all USDs; closes Oct. 31. Contact: DGSR helpdesk, (785) 296-4924

1: Kansas Pre-Kindergarten Pilot (KPP-TANF) first quarter expense reimbursement payment request window opens; closes Oct. 14. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020

1: Request November federal funds (Form 240), if funds available, window opens; closes Oct. 15. Contact: Amanda Williams, amanda.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-2020

2: School mental health local plan compliance training, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register here for the session at Greenbush, Lawrence. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

2: Federal fiscal file review (located in KIAS web app) for Cohort 3 data verification opens; closes Oct. 14. Contact: Helen Swanson, helen.swanson@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-1712

5: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Andover USD 385 district office, in Andover. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

5: Request for State Foundation Aid for November for all USDs opens; closes Oct. 9. Rose Ireland (785) 296-4973

6: CTE and Perkins coordinator network meeting, virtual, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access the Zoom link here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

6: Kansas Volunteer Commission MLK Day of Service mini grant application due. Contact volunteer@ksde.gov

6: Secondary Transition Tuesday webinar, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Access the TASN webpage for more information and to register. Contact: Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov

6: EDCS/LPR Review Day 1 training, 2 – 4 p.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

7: At-risk plan and application training, 9:30 a.m. - noon, in-person, Salina USD 305 district office board room. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

7: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov

7: School mental health local plan compliance training, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register here for the session in Salina. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

8: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Southwest Plains Regional Service Center, in Sublette. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

8: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov. 

8: Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) alternate state assessment webinar; DLM^® ELA and math instructional resources, 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov

8: School transportation meeting, 9:30 a.m. – noon, in Arkansas City. Access the school transportation upcoming events webpage for more information and registration. Contact: Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov

9: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Manhattan High School, in Manhattan. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

9: ESEA programs administrator webinar, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Register here. Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov

9: Kansas Horizon Award nominations due/postmarked. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950

9: United States Senate Youth Program nominations due. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4950

9: School mental health local plan compliance training, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Register here for the session in Hutchinson. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

10: Deadline to submit KIDS Collection ENRL - (Funding and Enrollment) Contact: KSDE Helpdesk, (785) 296-7935

10: Interlocal agreements close. Contact: Marcia Ricklefs, marcia.ricklefts@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4209

10: PBR (Principals Building Report) & SO-66 (Superintendent's Organizational Report) due. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973

12: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Garden City High School, in Garden City. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

13-14: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials

14: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov

14: New test coordinator bootcamp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Hays USD 489, in Hays. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

15: At-risk plan and application training, 1-2:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

15: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

15: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Olathe Public Schools Innovation Center, in Olathe. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

15: “Transportation Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness,” virtual, 2 – 3 p.m. Contact: Maureen Tabasko, maureen.tabasko@ksde.gov

15: LCP (Local Consolidated Plan) carryover final expenditure report due. Contact: Nicole Clark, nicole.clark@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4925

16: Professional development and mentoring program updated contact information due. Contact Ed Kalas, edward.kalas@ksde.gov

16: CDL proxy testing and ELDT theory training, 8 a.m., at Clay County Community High School, 1630 9^th Street, in Clay Center. Contact: Mike McCoy, mikemccoy@usd379.org.

20: Educator preparation program reviewer training, virtual, 9 a.m. – noon. Deadline to register is Sept. 15. Contact: Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov

20: EDCS/LPR Review Day 2 training, 1 – 3 p.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

21: School mental health local plan compliance training, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register here for the session in Hays. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

22: At-risk plan and application training, 1-2:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

23: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Textron Aviation Career & Learning Center, in Wichita. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

23: School mental health local plan compliance training, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register here for the session in Girard. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

27: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Maize Performing Arts and Aquatic Center, in Maize. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

28: Kansas Civic Engagement Conference, Docking State Office Building, in Topeka. Information and registration available at kanserve.ksde.gov. Contact: volunteer@ksde.gov

28: At-risk plan and application training, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

28: New test coordinator bootcamp, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Maize Performing Arts and Aquatic Center, in Maize. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

29: School mental health local plan compliance training, 8:30 a.m. – 2: 30 p.m. Register here for the session in Sublette. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

29: EDCS/LPR Review Day 2 training, 9 – 11 a.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

30: Individual Plan of Study (IPS) technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., FHSU North Central Tech South Campus, in Hays. Register here. Contact: Kevin Bronson, kevin.bronson@ksde.gov, or Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

30: School mental health local plan compliance training, 8:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. Register here for the session in Hutchinson. Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov

31: At-risk accountability plans due in the authenticated application. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

November

3: CTE and Perkins coordinator network meeting, virtual, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access the Zoom link here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

5: Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) alternate state assessment webinar; DLM^® science instruction aligned with the new science Essential Elements (EEs), 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov

6: ESEA programs administrator webinar, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Register here. Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov

6: 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year application closes. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4950

9: Trauma-Responsive School Community facilitator workshop, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: Ben Faunce, benf@tasnsmhi.org

9: ESOL Innovations conference, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Wichita USD 259’s Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center. Contact: conference@esolinnovations.org

9: EDCS/LPR Review Day 3 training, 1 – 3 p.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov 

9-10: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials

10: Secondary Transition Tuesday webinar, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Access the TASN webpage for more information and to register. Contact: Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov

12: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov. 

17: EDCS/LPR Review Day 3 training, 9 – 11 a.m., virtual. Join the Zoom meeting here. Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov

18: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov

19: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

20: Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka. Registration information will be posted when available.

December

2: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov

8: Secondary Transition Tuesday webinar, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Access the TASN webpage for more information and to register. Contact: Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov

8-9: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials

10: Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) alternate state assessment webinar; WIDA Alternate Access and the History, Government and Social Studies (HGSS) Alternate Rubric and "DLM^® fall test window wrap-up - What needs to be finished by Dec. 18?", 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov

11: ESEA programs administrator webinar, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Register here. Contact: Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov

15: CTE and Perkins coordinator network meeting, virtual, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access the Zoom link here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

16: Federal fiscal file review office hours for Cohort 3 LEAs, 9-10 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: fiscalfilereview@ksde.gov

17: Test coordinator webinar, 1 p.m. Join here. Contact Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040