Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 | Issue 201 | | Kansas receives federal approval to pilot innovative through-year assessment system | | |
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Education to pilot a new approach to statewide assessment and accountability through the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority (IADA). Kansas is one of only seven states approved to participate in IADA since the program began in 2018.
KSDE will begin implementing the Kansas Through-Year Curriculum-Directed Assessment during the 2026-2027 school year with six participating school districts while continuing to meet federal assessment and accountability requirements.
Read more about the innovative through-year assessment pilot.
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KSDE to release 2026-27 version of the Kansas Education Data System (KEDS)
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By Christopher Fletcher, KSDE IT team
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is preparing to release the 2026-27 version of KEDS, the Kansas Education Data System. This initiative aims to improve data standardization, enhance system interoperability, and create synergy with the Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS).
The primary procedural change with KEDS is transitioning from a file upload method of reporting to a sync method which is enabled by an Application Programming Interface (API) connection between KSDE and the district or school’s student information system (SIS).
Read more about the transition to KEDS to improve data standardization.
| | Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program recognizes first special education completer | | |
Calm, comforting, with a “big heart” are just some of the words used to describe MaryDawn Hawkinson, (pictured right) the first special education completer of the Kansas Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program (RTAP) honored this week during ANW Special Education Interlocal #603’s professional development event in Iola.
Hawkinson was a paraeducator in Susan Harris’s (pictured left) special education classroom at Iola High School, Iola USD 257, for five years. During that time, Harris, who now teaches math in Uniontown USD 235, said she saw all of Hawkinson’s skills, mainly her ability to anticipate and solve issues. Harris said those skills, paired with Hawkinson’s determination, made her more than ready to be part of the RTAP cohort and complete the requirements to become a fully licensed special education teacher in the same high school classroom.
Read more about Hawkinson's journey to become the first special education RTAP completer.
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State Board to receive overview of
innovative assessment pilot
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2026-27 KSDE enrollment handbook
available online
| | Keith Dreiling, far right, KSDE school transportation safety unit, joined Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and members of the Kansas Highway Patrol recently for the signing of the Kansas School Bus Stop Arm Week proclamation. (Photo: Kansas Highway Patrol Facebook page) | | |
Gov. Laura Kelly signs Kansas School Bus
Stop Arm Week proclamation
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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has proclaimed Aug. 2 - 8, as Kansas School Bus Stop Arm Week.
"As students head back to school this month, be sure to watch for school buses and slow down in school zones. Remember, in Kansas when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, drivers on the roadways must stop.
Let's work together to protect student, school bus drivers, and the traveling public on Kansas roadways by remembering to Just Stop," the proclamation reads.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is providing videos to remind drivers to stop when they see school bus stop arms and what the fines are if they don’t.
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Reminder: Law prohibiting cell phone use
in a school or road construction zone
in effect as of July 1
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As of July 1, per House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, it is illegal to manually hold a mobile telephone and use it while operating a motor vehicle in a school or road construction zone at a time when a reduced speed limit is enforced.
Law enforcement officers will issue warnings for anyone they see as violating this law until July 1, 2027. After that, violators will be subject to $60 fines.
According to the law, exceptions for holding and using a mobile telephone in a school or road construction zone include the following:
- Reporting current or ongoing illegal activity to a law enforcement agency;
- Preventing imminent injury to a person or property;
- Summoning medical or other emergency assistance; or
- Relaying information between a transit or for-hire operator and the operator's dispatcher, if the device is permanently affixed to the motor vehicle.
Contact Keith Dreiling, keith.dreiling@ksde.gov, KSDE school transportation safety unit, with questions.
| | The EDCS is open for the 2026-27 school year | | |
The Educator Data Collection System (EDCS) is now open for the 2026-27 school year. Districts should submit their system's Fall Vacancy Report (FVR) by 5 p.m. CST on Sept. 25.
Contact Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov, with questions about the EDCS or the FVR.
| | Accountability, Accreditation and Assessments | | |
Final reminder: KESA virtual
monthly updates to resume Aug. 10
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Mark your calendars for the KESA monthly updates that will resume on Aug. 10, for the 2026-27 school year.
These virtual updates occur the second Monday of each month, beginning in August and ending in May. Each session is 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. via this Zoom link.
Topics for the Aug. 10 meeting include the following:
- High-level overview of the year
- Unpacking the 2026-27 School Improvement Model
- Changes to our team
- Future topics/formats for these sessions
Share this information with others on your staff who may be interested in attending.
Contact Jay Scott, jay.scott@ksde.gov, with questions.
| | KSDE to host at-risk accountability plan informational sessions | | |
KSDE is planning to host virtual and in-person training sessions this fall to support districts navigating the at-risk accountability plans due Oct. 31.
Three brief, virtual informational and Q&A sessions are scheduled before the at-Risk accountability plan authenticated application is available on Sept. 21, for districts to submit plans. Register here for the following online sessions:
- Aug. 12: 1-2 p.m.
- Aug. 26: 11a.m. - noon
- Sept. 15: 1-2 p.m.
Additional virtual and in-person trainings on how to use the application and submit plans will take place after Sept 21. Registration for these in-depth trainings will be available soon.
Contact stateatrisk@ksde.gov with questions about these trainings or the at-risk accountability plans.
| | Standards and Instruction | | House Bill 2485: Universal Screening and Literacy Requirements | | |
By Dr. Laurie Curtis, KSDE assistant director of literacy, teaching and learning
For the 2026-2027 academic year, reporting of universal screener data will be collected in the fall (due Oct. 10) and in the spring (due May 28) using the Kansas Education Data System (KEDS).
While we have screened students three times a year in the past, systems have only reported K,1, 2, 3, and 8th grade in the spring. Systems will continue to screen students three times a year.
Read more about the universal screener data collection as outlined in Kansas House Bill 2485.
| | Student Health and Nutrition | | |
KSDE CNW to host regional meetings
in September
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KSDE Child Nutrition & Wellness consultants will be hosting meetings throughout the state in September.
All food service staff are welcome to attend the meetings, 2 – 4 p.m., listed on the CNW Calendar, that cover the following:
- School food service staff will get the chance to network and connect with other food service professionals.
- Consultants will provide program updates, conduct professional development training on food safety (in honor of National Food Safety Education Month), and facilitate discussions and sharing among attendees.
Attendance can count towards annual professional development training hours.
To register, email the consultant listed in the meeting description. Contact Holly Steinlage, holly.steinlage@ksde.gov, with questions.
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Reminder: Spring 2027 spots for
Body Venture exhibit available
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Body Venture, KSDE’s traveling health education exhibit for K-5 students, has openings available in spring 2027.
Body Venture is an hour-long, immersive walk-through exhibit that teaches students about nutrition, physical activity, and healthy living. Guided by volunteer presenters, students travel through 11 interactive learning stations inside a giant human body.
Beginning as a "local Kansas food," students follow the path of digestion and nutrient absorption before journeying through the heart, lungs, bones, muscles, and skin. The experience ends with the "pathway to life," a review of key health concepts.
Contact Jonathan Miller, jonathan.miller@ksde.gov, to schedule or for more information.
| | Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition | | |
Registration open for 2026-27
Dynamic Learning Maps® webinars
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Registration is open for the 2026-27 webinars designed for educators and leaders supporting students with the most significant cognitive disability who take the Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) alternate state assessment aligned with alternate academic achievement standards.
These webinars provide program guidance, assessment updates, instructional resources, and professional learning opportunities to build local capacity.
Register here for the following online sessions that begin at 3 p.m. (All webinars are recorded and posted on the DLM® webinar page).
Aug. 27: “What do I need to do to get ready for the fall test window?”
Sept. 10: “How do I write instructional plans?”
Oct. 8: DLM® ELA and math instructional resources
Nov. 5: DLM® science instruction aligned with the new science Essential Elements (EEs).
Dec. 10: DLM® fall test window wrap-up - What needs to be finished by Dec 18?
Note: This webinar will also cover WIDA Alternate Access and the History, Government and Social Studies (HGSS) Alternate Rubric.
February 4, 2027: DLM® spring window.
April 8, 2027: DLM® wrap-up – What needs to be finished by April 23?
Important DLM® Dates:
Fall test window: Sept. 14, 2026 - Dec. 18, 2026
Spring test window: Feb. 1, 2027 - Apr. 23, 2027
Contact Cary Rogers, cary.rogers@ksde.gov, with questions.
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Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot
ASQ Screening and Beyond training
sessions set for Aug. 11 and 12
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Registration is open for a fast-paced, 30-minute virtual training to review the Kansas Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot requirements and receive resources for sharing screening results with families.
Attendees will explore a new KSDE Early Childhood mini toolbox that helps schools use Ages & Stages Questionnaire® (ASQ) data to support student success.
If you can’t attend the training but are interested in receiving the toolbox so your district can create an effective plan, contact Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov or Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov.
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Kansas educator wins national
agricultural literacy award
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The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) has selected Kelsy Sproul, pictured right, a graduate teaching assistant in the department of curriculum and instruction at Kansas State University as the recipient of NAITCO’s 2026 CoBank Partnership in Agricultural Literacy (PAL) Award.
As a kindergarten teacher in Chautauqua County Community USD 286 and the 2026 Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, Sproul "aligned reading and writing instruction with agriculture-related content. This approach increased student engagement and improved literacy outcomes by enabling students to connect academic skills to familiar contexts," according to NAITCO.
Read more here about how Sproul strengthened agricultural literacy in her southern Kansas school district.
(Photo: National Agriculture in the Classroom website)
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Kansas HOSA students compete on
national level in Indianapolis
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The Kansas HOSA (Future Health Professionals) organization had 85 individual and team competitors participating in the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, in June.
Top competitive event honors included the following Kansas high school students:
First place: Ellie Johnson, Olathe North High School, Respiratory Therapy
Third Place: Mihir Deshmukh, Blue Valley West High School, ATC Genetics
Kansas HOSA members also earned national recognition for service. The Hays High School HOSA chapter received gold level American Red Cross chapter recognition.
Barbara James Service Award recipients included gold honorees: Akshat Agarwal, Olathe Northwest High School; Shreyas Amireddy, Blue Valley West High School; Sloka Ganne, Blue Valley West High School; Riya Mazumdar, Olathe North High School; Maggie Mendez, Olathe North High School; Aarushi Patel, Blue Valley High School; Manasvi Shah, Blue Valley West High School; and Elliot Zolton, Olathe North High School. Silver recipients were Brennan Crippen, Derby High School; Prisha Dalal, Blue Valley North High School; Wasif Kabir, Wichita East High School; Varun Kabra, Blue Valley North High School and Yathin Palvalas, Olathe Northwest High School; and bronze recipients were Jayden Bui, Wichita East High School; Alexa Escalera, Hugoton High School; Kamryn Kirkham, Hugoton High School; Kassidy Kirkham, Hugoton High School and Arlee Westhoff, Chanute High School.
More Kansas HOSA information can be found at https://www.kansashosa.org/
The above information was provided by Tina Garetson, tgoosz@kumc.edu, Kansas HOSA state advisor.
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Registration is open for the
2026 Kansas MTSS Symposium
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Registration is open for the 2026 Kansas MTSS Symposium, Sept. 15- 17, at the Hyatt Regency, in Wichita.
There is an incredible roster of national experts presenting at this three-day event, including Dr. Anita Archer, James Nottingham, Dr. Ben Solomon, Dr. Elizabeth Stevens, Jimmy Casas, and many more.
Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Jake Steel and all the deputy commissioners will talk about how KSDE is preparing to support Kansas schools in building conditions for student success.
Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you there!
View the event registration page for more information, a schedule of the symposium, and to register.
Contact Brad Schwartz, blschwartz@pittstate.edu, with questions.
| | Kansas Technical Assistance System Network training opportunities | | |
The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) provides evidence-based professional learning and technical assistance, grounded in the federal requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Contact 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.
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August
7: Introduction to the ASQ, virtual, 1 – 3 p.m. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov.
7: KIDS Collection TEST (assessment testing) opens for Aug. 7, 2024-July 25, 2025 time period. Contact: KSDE Helpdesk (785) 296-7935.
10: Request for State Foundation Aid for September opens for all USDs; closes Aug. 14. Contact: Rose Ireland, rose.ireland@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4973.
10: August KESA monthly update, 10:15 – 11 a.m., virtual. Join via this Zoom link. Contact: Jay Scott, jay.scott@ksde.gov.
11: Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot ASQ Screening and Beyond training, 4 p.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov, or Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov.
11: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda, meeting materials and livestream.
12: Kansas State Board of Education working session, "Technology Use in the Classroom," 9 a.m. - noon, Docking State Office Building, Cherokee Room 346,
915 S.W. Harrison St., in Topeka.
12: Reporting Seal of Literacy Earners training, virtual, 1-3 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88252586718; Meeting chat link: https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/88252586718; Meeting ID: 882 5258 6718. Contact: Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov, (785) 296-6712, or Leslie Bruton, leslie.bruton@ksde.gov, (785) 296-8011.
12: At-risk accountability plan information session, virtual, 1-2 p.m. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov.
12: Kindergarten Readiness Snapshot ASQ Screening and Beyond training, 8 a.m., virtual. Register here. Contact: Natalie McClane, natalie.mcclane@ksde.gov, or Stacy Clarke, stacy.clarke@ksde.gov.
13: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov.
15: Pathways student data management reporting closes in the authenticated applications website. Users need either “School Approve” or “District Org” update access to submit data. Contact: Pathways Helpdesk, PathwaysHelpDesk@ksde.gov.
18: Schoolwide Programs training for Title I building administrators, directors, coordinators and/or district administrators; virtual; 9 – 10 a.m.; https://ksdetasn.org/events/1UaksA. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260
19: Targeted Assistance Programs training for Title I building administrators, directors, coordinators and/or district administrators; virtual; 1 – 2 p.m.; https://ksdetasn.org/events/3JiZ-w. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260
20: Reporting Seal of Literacy Earners training, virtual, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82743025776; Meeting chat link: https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/82743025776; Meeting ID: 827 4302 5776. Contact: Contact: Contact: Sarah Eaverson, sarah.eaverson@ksde.gov, (785) 296-6712, or Leslie Bruton, leslie.bruton@ksde.gov, (785) 296-8011.
20: Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance programs training for Title I district administrators, directors and coordinators, virtual, 2-3 p.m.; https://ksdetasn.org/events/U_35NQ. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260.
24: Counting KIDS 2026 workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center, in Oakley. Register by Aug. 18. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.
24: Schoolwide Programs training for Title I building administrators, directors, coordinators and/or district administrators; virtual; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; https://ksdetasn.org/events/escYJA. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260
25: Counting KIDS 2026 workshop, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Dodge City USD 443 district office, in Dodge City. Register by Aug. 19. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.
25: Kansas Educational Directory annual review/updates closes. Contact: Marcia Ricklefs, marcia.ricklefs@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4209.
25: Interlocal budgets due to KSDE to Frank Harwood, frank.harwood@ksde.gov, Dale Brungardt, dale.brungardt@ksde.gov, or Marcia Ricklefs, marcia.ricklefs@ksde.gov, or call (785) 296-3872.
26: At-risk accountability plan information session, virtual, 11 a.m. - noon. Register here. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov.
27: Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance programs training for Title I district administrators, directors and coordinators, virtual, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.; https://ksdetasn.org/events/cDn4lw. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260.
27: Counting KIDS workshops, 8:30 a.m. – Noon or 1-4:30 p.m., Auburn-Washburn USD 437 district office, in Topeka. Register by Aug. 21. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.
27: Targeted Assistance Programs training for Title I building administrators, directors, coordinators and/or district administrators; virtual; 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.; https://ksdetasn.org/events/3JiZ-w. Contact: Roxanne Zillinger, roxanne.zillinger@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-7260
31: Counting KIDS workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Eisenhower Elementary School, Abilene USD 435, in Abilene. Register by Aug. 25. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.
31: Driver education claim form for reimbursement due. Contact: Jessica Apodaca, jessica.apodaca@ksde.gov, (785) 296-0952.
September
1: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Hutchinson CTE Academy, Hutchinson USD 308, in Hutchinson. Register here by Aug. 26. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.
2: Counting KIDS workshop, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush), in Girard. Register by Aug. 27. Contact: Fiscal auditing, auditing@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-4976.
8: Counting KIDS workshop, 1-4:30 p.m., Andover USD 385 district office board room, in Andover. Register by Sept. 2. 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.
10: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@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.
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.
21: Authenticated application opens for at-risk accountability plan submission. Plans are due Oct. 31. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov
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
October
8: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov.
13-14: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials
November
12: English Learners Connections webinar, 2 p.m., Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/event_groups/y0xyAw. Contact: Emily Scott, emily.scott@ksde.gov.
9-10: Kansas State Board of Education meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Agenda and meeting materials
31: At-risk accountability plans due in the authenticated application. Contact: stateatrisk@ksde.gov
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| | Click here to have KSDEweekly sent to your inbox. | | The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: KSDE General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, KSDE, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 296-3201. | | | | |
