TOPEKA (KSNT) — Four new Republicans and one new Democrat will be joining the Kansas Board of Education in 2027, and they’re sharing more about their goals for K-12 Monday.
Kansas voters cast their ballots during the 2026 general election on Nov. 3. On the ballot were races such as the governor’s seat, an open U.S. Senate seat and many others. However, Kansans also voted for five new members of the Kansas State Board of Education (KBOE).
The KBOE is responsible for overseeing all K-12 education in the Sunflower State. They implement policies that impact assessments, course materials and even technology usage in the classroom.
Now, the board faces a major shakeup, with five of its nine members set to be replaced in January of 2027. Here’s a look at the five new members who won seats last Tuesday.
- District 1: Amy Cawvey (R)
- District 3: Amy Diediker (D)
- District 5: Jean Clifford (R)
- District 7: Alana McWilliams (R)
- District 9: Destry Brown (R)
Democrats will also have more representation on the board come 2027, after managing to flip one seat during the midterm election. The board will be made up of five Republicans and four Democrats.
On Monday, Nov. 9, our Kansas Capitol Bureau visited with two new KBOE members in Topeka, as the current board met for its monthly meeting. We asked electees what issues are top of mind as they prepare to take their seat.
“One of the things that come to mind right off the bat is screentime,” said Amy Cawvey (R), the district 1 electee.
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Kansas lawmakers passed a new law in 2025, banning the use of personal devices in Kansas schools. However, the issue of devices in the classroom remains a big topic of discussion for the KBOE, with some current members lobbying for limits on school issued devices as well.
Cawvey agrees, and plans to advocate for this.
“The evidence is out there that the screens are harmful for kids at these ages,” Cawvey said. “We’ve had local control up until now on this, and screens are being used too much.”
However, not all incoming board members agree. Amy Diediker, the new Democrat of the group, argues that the board should not force technology bans on schools. She believes local school boards and districts should have the final say.
“I believe really strongly in local control,” Diediker said. “I believe as the state board, we can set guidelines for school districts to follow and then leave it to local control and local authority to come up with plans that best serve their communities.”
But regardless of the issue, the new members who spoke with our Kansas Capitol Bureau said they’re eager and willing to work across the aisle.
“Obviously, I have a difference of opinion with the other new electee, but her voice is just as valuable,” Cawvey said. “I think every voice is important whether I agree with it or not.”
“I’m someone who will stay laser-focused on pro public education and supporting our kids the best that I can in my role and working with everyone on the board, Republicans and Democrats, on doing the best that we can for Kansas kids,” Diediker said.
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