Thursday, Sept. 4, 2026 | Issue 205

State Board to consider draft policy for instructional technology

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will consider a draft policy regarding the effective use of instructional technology in Kansas schools during their monthly meeting next week, in Topeka. 

The State Board will spend a significant portion of their September meeting discussing the draft policy that requires school systems to address the following: 



• Purpose and intended use of technology in elementary and secondary education settings 
• Student technology access and use 
• Digital citizenship and student well-being 
• Artificial intelligence 
• Privacy and security 
• Technology-use expectations and violations 

Read more about what the State Board will discuss regarding instructional technology and other items on their September agenda.

Kansans Can Star Recognition program paused for 2026-2027 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) will pause the Kansans Can Star Recognition program for the 2026-2027 school year.

This program previously recognized districts in qualitative areas (Kindergarten Readiness, Social-Emotional Growth, Individual Plan of Study, Civic Engagement) and quantitative areas (Academically Prepared for Postsecondary, High School Graduation, Postsecondary Success, Commissioner's Award). 

KSDE is committed to an aligned, coherent approach to supporting the Kansas school improvement model. This pause will allow KSDE to create a program aligned to these focused priorities, while districts focus on implementing their school improvement action plans in 2026-27. 

KSDE thanks every school employee for the important work they do on behalf of students and looks forward to recognizing districts for their efforts to ensure every student receives high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day. 



Contact Denise Kahler, denise.kahler@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Mentor teacher stipends

guidance for 2026-27

Mentor stipends reimbursement will be available for the 2026-27 school year. The procedures for applying for reimbursement will change, but the requirements remain the same as in previous year.  

In previous years, mentors were entered during the fall semester and in the spring semester. For the 2026-27 school year, mentor information will be entered in the spring semester only after the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) is closed. 

Who Is eligible for reimbursement as a Local Education Agency (LEA)? 

• Kansas USDs, cooperatives, and interlocals are eligible. 
• Private schools, outside providers/service centers, and special schools are not eligible. 

LEA requirements 

• Maintain a mentoring program. 
• Submit the Licensed Personnel Report (LPR) through Educator Data Collection System (EDCS). 
• Complete and submit the mentor stipends report by May 1, including mentors, mentees, assignments, and final submission. 

Mentor eligibility 

• Professional or accomplished license. 
• Classroom teacher assignment (educator types 1-5). 
• Minimum of three consecutive school years of teaching experience. 
• Completed mentor training program. 
• May mentor no more than two new teachers. 

Mentee eligibility 

• Valid non-substitute license. 
• Classroom teacher assignment (educator types 1-5). 
• New-to-the-profession teacher with 0-2 years of experience reported on the LPR. 

Key dates 

• Application opens no later than April 1. The opening date will be dependent upon the closure of the Licensed Personnel Report. 
• Final stipend request is due May 1. 
• State certification and final prorated amounts will be finalized by June 15. 

Distribution of funds 

• Stipends are prorated based on available funding and eligible mentors statewide. 
• Funds are reimbursed to the LEA general fund and must be paid only to qualified mentors. 
• Mentors supporting first-year teachers are funded first. 
• A mentor with two mentees receives only one stipend, equal to the larger qualifying amount. 

Administrator checklist 

☐ In-district mentor program or coordinated outside district provided program. 

☐ Confirm mentor and mentee eligibility. 

☐ Ensure LPR data is accurate and submitted. 

☐ Enter and connect mentor and mentee in Mentor Stipends application. 

☐ Submit final stipend request by May 1. 

Contact Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov, with questions. 

ICYMI: Kansas LETRS^™

training expectations outlined

Kansas school districts are expected to ensure that educators participating in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling™ (LETRS™) complete the full professional learning program, including the Facilitated Training Days and required Bridge to Practice activities. Although educators may qualify for the Seal of Literacy after successfully completing the required post-assessments, earning the seal does not replace or eliminate the remaining program requirements.

Bridge to Practice is an essential part of LETRS™. It gives educators the opportunity to apply their learning in the classroom, reflect on their practice and strengthen literacy instruction for students. Superintendents and district leaders should ensure that participants are given the time and support needed to complete these activities during the designated professional learning days.



Kansas has made a significant investment in providing LETRS™ at no cost to educators. Honoring that investment means completing the entire program and translating that learning into stronger literacy instruction for Kansas students.

For more information, go to the Science of Reading Licensure FAQ.

Contact TLAlicense@ksde.gov with questions.

Reminder: Reviewers needed for

educator preparation programs 

The Kansas State Department of Education is seeking KSDE-trained program reviewers to review several educator preparation programs this fall and spring 2027. 

Higher education institutions must have approved programs for all areas for which they wish to make licensing recommendations, so these reviews are vital to maintaining strong educator preparation in Kansas. 

More information about what volunteers will do and a survey asking what programs they are willing to review can be accessed here. 

KSDE deeply appreciates the time and expertise of reviewers and encourages that time spent on reviews be recognized as professional development service to the profession. 

Contact Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov, with questions. 

ICYMI: Kansas Volunteer Commission

offers MLK Day of Service mini-grants 

The Kansas Volunteer Commission is offering MLK Day of Service mini grants to eligible entities to recruit and engage volunteers in meaningful service activities or deliver a service-learning activity related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Click here for more information and to apply by Oct. 6, for the grant period Jan. 1-31, 2027.  

Contact volunteer@ksde.gov with questions. 

Reminder: Family engagement survey administration required beginning

with 2026-27 school year

All districts in Kansas will be required to administer the KSDE Family Engagement Survey (FES-2) beginning with the 2026-27 school year. 

 This survey will inform district and building leaders about the success with engaging parents in the education of all children, provide access to the evaluation data at the district and building level, support work within the district across all programs (ESEA and IDEA), and meet the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Parent and Family Engagement requirements.  

Use of the survey reduces duplication by removing the need to upload documentation within KansaStar and the KIAS ESEA Consolidated Review, as KSDE will have access to the data. 

More information about the family engagement survey will be provided during the special education monthly webinar and the ESEA monthly webinar on Sept. 11.

Technical assistance will continue to be provided through KSDE through district level and building level training opportunities. Information about trainings will be communicated via the LCP listserv, Title I, Part A contact list, and available on the Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance Programs webpage.  

Contact Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov or (785) 296-7260 with questions. 

Updates for School Improvement Days, implementation and supports team changes 

By Jay Scott, director of KSDE implementation and supports team 

School Improvement Day Resources 

We are looking forward to School Improvement Days beginning later in September. 

All the School Improvement Day resources are now posted to the KESA Resources webpage. One of the main resources is the Implementation Standards/Indicators and Share-out Questions document that KESA DLT’s can use to monitor implementation of their KESA Action Plan as well as prepare for their 10-minute Share-out at their respective School Improvement Day. 



Our team will be hosting several virtual School Improvement Day Prep meetings to assist in preparing your KESA DLT for their School Improvement Day. Look for a meeting invitation to one of these prep meetings soon if they are not already scheduled.  

As always, contact your Regional Executive or Cohort Executive with any questions. 

Team name change 

As many of you are aware, KSDE is currently working through a reorganization, to support school improvement and meet the State BOE goals. One part of this reorganization is our Accreditation & Design Team becoming the Implementation & Supports Team. 

Our school improvement/accreditation work this year will remain virtually the same as it has the last two years so, the extent of the change at this point is simply changing our name. School Improvement Days, 6-month Check-ins, Action Plans, and meeting Compliance standards will continue this year as it has since KESA 2.0 began with the 2024-25 school year. 

The new Implementation & Supports Team now includes additional staff at KSDE. Here is the newly formed team: 

• Joe Jewett – Support for Federally-identified schools 
• Trish Backman – School Mental Health 
• Chris Macy – 21st Century after-school programs 
• Amber Miller – West Region 
• Jean Rush – East Region 
• Emily Scott – ESOL & Title III 
• Maureen Tabasko – Education of Homeless Children and Youth (McKinney-Vento) 
• Heather Terrill – Neglected & Delinquent programs 

This new team is working to define our Future State, focused on the 4 Fundamentals, during this year to be ready for the 2027-28 school year.  

Personnel Changes for 2026-27: 

We have had two personnel changes with our Regional Executives and Cohort Leads. Mindy Bruce, Central Region Executive, has resigned with her last official day being Aug. 28. Myron Melton, Cohort Lead for Suburban and Private System Cohorts, retired in June of this year. That leads to the following changes: 

• For 2026-27 only, the Central Region Executive position will be split across the three service centers in the Region. Instead of filling Mindy’s position this year, we contracted with Orion, ESSDACK, and Smoky Hill to provide support for school improvement/accreditation. Here are the educational service center staff who are working in the role of Central Region Executive this year: 
• Jill Lachenmayr - Orion 
• Tammy Fellers, Beth Parker, Kerri Maggard – ESSDACK 
• Noalee McDonald-Augustine – Smoky Hill 

The Central systems have been split geographically among the three service centers. We’re excited to partner with our service centers to continue to support your school improvement efforts this year. 

• I will be the Cohort Lead for the Suburban and Private Systems Cohorts, in addition to supporting the Urban and Special Purpose System Cohorts. 

In summary, our team’s name has changed, but that is the extent of the change for this year. Next spring, we will begin to share how our Implementation & Supports team will function beginning with the 27-28 school year.  

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

Reminder: LCP application, continuing schoolwide form due Sept. 30

The Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) application, continuing schoolwide form and private school consultation form (if applicable) are due on Sept. 30.  

To access assistance, there are HELP tabs in the upper right-hand corners of the applications in the authenticated application. Additional information can be found on the Allocations and Local Consolidated Plan webpage.

KSDE consultants have started reviewing applications, and final approval will begin on Oct. 1. The district's Grant Award Notification (GAN) will be generated once the LCP application is approved.  

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

Final reminder: KSDE CNW to host virtual

verification training on Sept. 8

The KSDE Child Nutrition and Wellness (CNW) team will host a virtual verification training, 1-4 p.m., on Sept. 8. 

School nutrition program (SNP) sponsors are required to annually verify households are eligible to receive free and reduced-price school meals. The training will cover the purpose and focus of verification and review the steps required to complete verification within all established deadlines. 

 The link to this online session is available at https://cnw.ksde.gov under Training, CNW Calendar. 

 Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, with questions. 

2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination application opens Sept 4; closes Nov. 6

 The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is accepting nominations for the 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Every school district is encouraged to nominate one exemplary elementary classroom teacher and one exemplary secondary classroom teacher for this prestigious award. 

Principals and superintendents do not submit a nomination entry form identifying their candidate(s) but will be required to approve and sign the nomination form completed by their candidate(s). 

 The 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination packet is available on the KTOY webpage. 

All nominations must be submitted using KSDE’s Kansas Teacher of the Year online authenticated application program that closes Nov. 6, 2026. 

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

Reminder: Kansas Horizon Award

nomination application due Oct. 9  

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

Reminder: 2027 United States Senate Youth Program applications due Oct. 9

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.  

The 2027 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. 

KSDE fall school transportation

meetings scheduled 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) School Transportation Safety Unit will host a series of fall transportation meetings across Kansas. 

These meetings are open to public and private school transportation directors, transportation supervisors, school transportation contractors, and other school officials involved in school transportation. Vendor attendance is not permitted. Topics will include: 

Note: The material covered in these meetings will also be presented for Greenbush members during their transportation forums in September. Greenbush members are welcome to attend any of the meetings listed below if a different date or location is more convenient. 

Go to the School Transportation Upcoming Events webpage to access more information and register for the following meetings that will be 9:30 a.m. to noon (CDT). There is no cost to attend, and meals will not be provided. 

• Sept. 9: Sublette 
• Sept. 10: Oakley 
• Sept. 11: Salina 
• Sept. 15: Topeka 
• Sept. 17: Great Bend 
• Oct. 1: Goddard 
• Oct. 8: Arkansas City 

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

Secondary Transition Tuesday

webinar dates announced 

The KSDE Special Education team is offering a webinar series for educators, parents, and youth to stay current on Secondary Transition topics in order to feel confident about putting into practice what they learn from these information sessions. 

Register here for the following 2026-27 sessions, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., that will be recorded and posted afterward on the KSDE TASN Secondary Transition webpage:

Sept. 8: Disability Mentoring Day 

Oct. 6: College is for Everyone: Preparing Students with IDD for Postsecondary Education 

Nov. 10: Pre-employment Transition Services 

Dec. 8: Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making Options 

Jan. 12: School Mental Health Practices to Build Resilience 

Feb. 9: Community Supports Waiver 

April 13: Postschool Outcomes 

May 11: Individual Plans of Study 

Contact Stacie Martin, stacie.martin@ksde.gov, with questions. 

Registration open for

McKinney-Vento webinars

Online trainings are available this month and in October for professionals who work with McKinney-Vento students. 

Sept. 17: “Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness under Title 1, Part A,” 11 a.m. – noon. 

Oct. 15: “Transportation Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness,” 2 – 3 p.m.  

Contact Maureen Tabasko, maureen.tabasko@ksde.gov, with questions.  

Registration open for the

ESOL Innovations conference set for Nov. 9

Discover the latest supports for Multilingual Learners (MLs) and gain insights into the latest resources, strategies, and supports shaping the field at the ESOL Innovations Conference on Nov. 9. 

Register here for the conference that will be at Wichita USD 259’s Alvin E. Morris Administrative Center, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend. 

Carol Salva, author of Boosting Achievement: Reading Students with Interrupted or Minimal Education, will be the conference’s keynote speaker and breakout presenter.  

The following topics will be covered during the conference:  

• Designing MTSS intervention models and materials that are appropriate for ELs 
• Co-teaching models for meeting the needs of your ELs 
• The referral process and services for dual-identified students (SPED and EL) 
• Supporting students with SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) needs 
• Strengthening Tier I instruction 
• Interpretation and translation services and best practices 
• State auditing and reporting 
• Community resources and advocacy groups 
• Utilizing data to drive instruction for ELs 

Click here for the group rate at Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town.  

Contact conference@esolinnovations.org with questions. 

Reminder: Sign-up available for fall 2026 program reviewer training on Oct. 20

Educators with expertise in all license and endorsement area are invited to participate in an online training to become a program reviewer for educator preparation programs.

The fall 2026 training, hosted by the KSDE teacher licensure team, is 9 a.m. - noon, on Oct. 20. The deadline to register is Sept. 15.

Attendees will learn how to examine the description and supporting documents of an educator preparation program to determine whether the program meets the Kansas higher education preparation program standards for that license area. Attendees’ school districts can be reimbursed for substitutes if needed.

Contact Catherine Chmidling, catherine.chmidling@ksde.gov, with questions.

Kansas Volunteer Commission

names new executive director

The Kansas Volunteer Commission has named Andy Ewing as the new executive director of the organization under the umbrella of the Kansas State Department of Education. 



Read more here about Ewing who is looking forward to building relationships across the state, listening to community needs, and working alongside partners to expand the reach and impact of service. 

Ewing can be reached at andy.ewing@ksde.gov.

Training for school mental health

plans offered this fall

KSDE is partnering with the Kansas Educational Service Centers to create school mental health teams who will align their local school mental health plans with KSDE's most recent guidance. The toolkits for in each of the following areas have recently been updated:

• Suicide Prevention, 2023
• Mandated Reporting, 2024
• Bullying Prevention, 2025

KSDE's guidance on each topic can be found on the school mental health webpage.

Districts interested in updating their implementation plans to align with KSDE guidance may register for any of these upcoming trainings:

Sept. 22: Orion, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Clearwater. Register here.

Oct. 2: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lawrence. Register here.

Oct. 7: Smoky Hill, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Salina. Register here.

Oct. 9: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Hutchinson. Register here. 

Oct. 21: Smoky Hill, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hays. Register here. 

Oct. 23: Greenbush, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Girard. Register here.

Oct. 29: Southwest Plains, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sublette. Register here. 

Oct. 30: ESSDACK, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Hutchinson. Register here. 

Contact Trish Backman, trish.backman@ksde.gov, with questions.

School Mental Health Initiative, trauma-responsive trainings set for this fall

The School Mental Health Initiative (SMHI) is offering several high-quality, in-person professional development opportunities this fall at no cost. 

The topics covered will be nervous system regulation, trauma responsive support planning, trauma responsive practices application, a trauma responsive school community facilitator workshop.

Access the TASN calendar for the session dates and more information.

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

4: 2028 Kansas Teacher of the Year application opens; closes Nov. 6. Contact: Kira Williams, kira.williams@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4950 

6: KIDS Collection TASC (Teacher and Student Connection) opens for Sept. 6, 2024 –May 25, 2025. Contact: KSDE Helpdesk (785) 296-7935

7: Request for State Foundation Aid for October opens for all USDs; closes Sept. 11. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973 

8: Counting KIDS workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Andover USD 385 district office board room, in Andover. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

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

9: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – noon, Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, Maize USD 266, in Maize. Register by Sept. 3. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

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

10: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Salina USD 305 Board of Education Office, in Salina. Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

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

10: Dynamic Learning Maps^® (DLM^®) alternate state assessment webinar, “How do I write instructional plans?” 3 p.m. Register here. Contact: Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov

10: Counting KIDS workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Kansas City Kansas USD 500 central office, in Kansas City, Kansas. Register by Sept. 4. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

11: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Instructional Resource Center, Olathe USD 233, in Olathe. Register by Sept. 4. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

11: CNW farm tour, in St. John. To register, contact Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov

11: CTE technical assistance, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Hays High School, in Hays. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

11: Designation of Attendance Officer(s) due. Contact: Hannah Miller, hannah.miller@ksde.gov, (785) 296-7083 

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

14: Counting KIDS workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Hiawatha High School auditorium, Hiawatha USD 415, in Hiawatha. Register by Sept. 8. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.

15: At-risk accountability plan information session, virtual, 1 - 2 p.m. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov.

15: Outcomes Part B verification window closes for Early Childhood SPED, ages 3-5. Contact: Angel Spann, angel.spann@ksde.gov, (785) 296-8965 

17: Constitutional Day live mock trial for Kansas third-graders, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., virtual. Register and get more information here. Contact: Adam Topliff, adam.topliff@ksde.gov

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

17: ESSA building expenditures report for all USDs opens; closes Oct. 15. Contact: Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, (785) 296-3872  

17: “Serving Students Experiencing Homelessness under Title 1, Part A,” virtual, 11 a.m. – noon. Contact: Maureen Tabasko, maureen.tabasko@ksde.gov.

18: CNW farm tour, in Marysville. To register, contact Eryn Davis, eryn.davis@ksde.gov

20: USD budgets due to KSDE’s Frank Harwood, frank.harwood@ksde.gov, Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, or Daniel Kalas, daniel.kalas@ksde.gov, or call (785) 296-3872

20: KIDS Collection ENRL (Funding and Enrollment) opens; closes Oct. 10. Contact: KSDE Helpdesk (785) 296-7935

21: Authenticated application opens for at-risk accountability plan submission. Plans are due Oct. 31. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

21: CTE technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Shawnee Mission USD 512 Center for Academic Achievement, in Overland Park. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

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

21: Principals’ Building Report (PBR) and Superintendents’ Organization Report (SO-66) open; close Oct. 9. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973

22: Interlocal agreements open; close Oct 10. Contact: Marcia Ricklefs, marcia.ricklefs@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4209

22: Kansas Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) for incoming kindergarten students closes. Contact: Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov, (785) 296-3953 

22: 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

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

24: Annual test coordinator training, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m., Bishop Professional Development Center, in Topeka.  Register here. Contact: Chelsea Pelfrey, chelsea.pelfrey@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0040

24: CTE technical assistance, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Derby USD 260 Administrative Center, in Derby. Register here. Contact: Natalie Clark, natalie.clark@ksde.gov

24: At-risk plan and application training, 1-3:30 p.m., in-person, Docking State Office Building, in Topeka. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov

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: Curriculum leaders meeting, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., JC NAZ, in Junction City.

Registration closes Sept. 10. 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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8-9: 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