The Kansans Can Success Tour rolled through Emporia Wednesday evening.
The latest stop on the Kansas Department of Education’s tour to gain community input on the direction of education throughout the state saw Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson, Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander and members of the Kansas State Board of Education converse with community members and local leaders inside the Bowyer Community Building. Commissioner Watson spoke with KVOE News prior to his presentation and says the ongoing tour has been incredibly informative with a wide range of diverse opinions being offered throughout.
USD 253 Superintendent Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder was on hand during Wednesday’s tour stop and says having this face-to-face time with state representatives is a tremendous opportunity. She says the conversations are extremely beneficial especially with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing and districts across the state doing their best to implement effective mitigation strategies in schools.
While the pandemic was a talking point Wednesday it was not the sole focus as it has been during most other discussions on statewide education over the past 18 months. Commissioner Watson says the tour conversations are mainly focused on how best to shape education in all parts of the state for years to come and not just for the present.
Wednesday’s visit to Emporia was just the 37th stop of the 50 stop tour which continues with stops in Ottawa, Olathe and Overland Park Thursday. The tour will continue through Sept. 9.
