WICHITA, Kan. — More than 150 school board members, superintendents, educators, policymakers, and education stakeholders from 17 Kansas school districts gathered last week for the 2026 Kansas School Board Resource Center (KSBRC) School Board Summit, Innovation with Purpose, to explore practical, research-based strategies for improving student achievement.
The Summit comes at a critical time for Kansas education. State assessment results show that approximately 150,000 Kansas students are functionally illiterate, underscoring the urgent need for school leaders to focus on the core mission of education: ensuring every student gains the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. In the wake of this literacy crisis, KSBRC brought together school board members, administrators, teachers, and policymakers to learn from experts and discuss proven strategies that can strengthen instruction and improve outcomes for students.
“The focus of every educational decision should be whether it helps students learn and succeed,” said Dr. Tracy Frederick, Executive Director of KSBRC. “Our goal is to equip school board members and district leaders with practical tools and proven strategies that improve academic achievement and help more Kansas students reach their full potential.”
A highlight of this year’s Summit was the launch of the Kansas Coalition of Public Innovative Districts Results Now 2.0 Improving Academic Achievement Program, led by nationally recognized education author and consultant Dr. Mike Schmoker.
Through an interactive workshop, Schmoker challenged participants to focus on the instructional practices that have the greatest impact on student learning. Rather than continually pursuing new programs and initiatives, attendees examined how schools can strengthen the foundational elements of effective education: a coherent curriculum, authentic literacy, and soundly structured lessons.
Participants worked through Schmoker’s FOCUS framework, learning how to identify where districts should invest their limited time, energy, and resources to achieve the greatest gains in student achievement. The workshop emphasized moving from research to meaningful classroom practice and ensuring that every student is prepared for college, careers, and citizenship.
In addition to the keynote workshop, attendees participated in breakout sessions addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Kansas school districts. Topics included budget efficiencies, legal and policy considerations for school boards, opportunities and guardrails within special education, and practical approaches to student conduct. Each session was designed to provide district leaders with actionable ideas and practical tools they can take back to their communities.
Participants praised both the quality of the presentations and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow education leaders.
“It was an amazing day,” said Jeremy Demuth, President of the USD 382 Pratt Board of Education. “It was so great to hear directly from Dr. Schmoker. He has so much energy behind his message.”
“Today was a fantastic day,” said Lacee Sell, Superintendent of USD 267 Renwick.
Another attendee shared feedback from a Pratt teacher who appreciated seeing her school board members participate alongside educators, saying it made teachers feel valued and reinforced that district leadership and classroom staff were working toward the same goals.
The strong turnout reflects a growing recognition among Kansas school boards and district leaders that improving academic outcomes requires a clear focus on what works. By bringing together educators, administrators, and governing boards around proven practices, the Summit reinforced the importance of aligning leadership, policy, and classroom instruction around measurable academic results.
As Kansas schools work to address persistent literacy and achievement challenges, KSBRC remains committed to providing school leaders with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to improve outcomes for every student.
About KSBRC
The Kansas School Board Resource Center (KSBRC) provides school board members and district leaders with training, resources, and practical solutions to improve student achievement and strengthen local school governance. KSBRC is a subsidiary of Kansas Policy Institute.
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CONTACT: Ellen Hathaway, Communications Director of Kansas Policy Institute: ellen.hathaway@kansaspolicy.org
