A Kansas public servant with a career spanning more than five decades in education is being recognized by Kansas State University's College of Education for his innumerable contributions to educational administration. Dale Dennis, deputy commissioner of education for the Kansas State Department of Education, is the 2012 recipient of the Dan and Cheryl Yunk Excellence in Educational Administration Award from Kansas State University's College of Education. The award honors the Manhattan couple who were exemplary teachers and administrators throughout their careers in the Manhattan school system.

Topeka - Today, a group of 46 former traditional Republican legislators from across the state have joined forces to form Traditional Republicans for Common Sense. The group will advocate for common sense policy positions - like job creation, funding our schools and providing for common sense tax policy.

Kansans are proud of the quality of their public schools, and a steady and continuing increase in student performance over the past decade has given us ample reason for that pride. Unfortunately, faith in a number of our schools may have been shaken recently because of misleading information being widely shared by a private organization that is focused primarily on tax reduction.

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force is pleased to announce the presentation of the Task Force’s 2012 ABC Award to Sue Storm, Kansas State Board of Education member. This award, part of the Task Force’s annual Friends of Education program, represents the Task Force’s highest honor in recognition of outstanding contributions and/or long-term service to public education in Kansas.

The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force is pleased to announce the 2012 Friends of Education award recipients. The Friends of Education Award program recognizes volunteer efforts of individuals, organizations and businesses that demonstrate support of public education.

Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker said Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Education is expressing reservations about the state’s request for a waiver from No Child Left Behind. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education granted 11 state waivers. In the second round, 26 states (including Kansas) and the District of Columbia are applying. Kansas submitted its application in February. Those states are now going through a “peer review” process which involves federal officials combing through the applications to ensure they comply with the waiver guidelines.