Sebelius forms the Governor’s P-20 Education Council
Group to focus on student success throughout education spectrum

To improve student achievement by creating a collaborative, seamless education system, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed Executive Order 08-05 forming the Governor’s P-20 Education Council.

“We know that success in college actually begins before children enter kindergarten. This council will help create a comprehensive system of education with benchmarks for success from pre-school through graduate school,” Sebelius said. “I’m encouraged with the caliber of those who are investing their time and talent to better the success of Kansas kids. Their efforts now will translate into better prepared Kansans and stronger communities throughout our state.”

The Kansas State Board of Education and Kansas Board of Regents will each appoint two members representing their Board, with Education Commissioner Alexa Posny and Kansas Board of Regents President Reggie Robinson coordinating staff efforts. Governor Sebelius will appoint co-chairs of the Council once all appointments to the Council are made.

Other members appointed to the council are:

• Barry Downing, CEO of Northrock, Inc., Wichita, as a member at-large
• Terry Dunn, CEO of JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City, as a member at-large
• David Kerr, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce
• Pam Robinson, representing the Kansas Association of School Boards
• Gail Kuehl, Owner/Operator of Kuehl Operations, Hays, as a member at-large
• Jan Long, representing the Kansas Parent Teacher Association
• Melissa Ness, representing the Kansas Children’s Cabinet
• Doug Penner, representing the Kansas Association of Independent Colleges
• Linda Robinson, President of USD 497 School Board, Lawrence, as a member at-large
• Cheryl Semmel, representing the United School Administrators of Kansas
• Blake West, representing the Kansas Teachers’ Association

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