KPI Events

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We invite you to join us on Wednesday, June 17th at 12:00 PM (CDT) for an informational webinar delving into the “miraculous” improvement in reading and math scores in Mississippi.

The unprecedented improvements in fourth grade reading and math scores that occurred in Mississippi between 1998 and 2024, moving them from the worst in the country to among the highest, was labeled a “miracle.” State departments of education and individual districts are trying to figure out the secret to Mississippi’s success in hopes of emulating the results. However, the reality is far more complex than most might expect.

Douglas Carswell will explore the key innovations, difficult decisions, and unwavering commitment to systemic change that created Mississippi’s “miracle.”

Panelist: Douglas Carswell

Douglas Carswell is a leader of the liberty movement with experience building high-performing teams that achieve change. For the past five years, he has led a state-based think tank in Mississippi, securing a string of free-market reforms, including major labor market deregulation in 2021, comprehensive tax reform in 2022, school funding reforms in 2024, and legislation to eliminate the income tax in 2025.

Having been a laggard for decades, Mississippi is now one of the fastest-growing states in America.

Previously a Member of the British Parliament for 12 years, Douglas co-founded Vote Leave, the official Brexit campaign. Re-elected every time he ran, Douglas achieved one of the largest swings in any election in British history when he called a special election on himself to secure the Brexit vote.

Douglas was born in Britain, raised in Uganda, but came to America by choice.

He is the author of five books, as well as Milestones, a radical policy blue print for the reforms Britain needs. He served as a non-executive director at the UK Department of for International Trade, helping secure free trade deals around the world.

Douglas lives in Flowood, with his wife, Clementine, daughter, Kitty, and Crumble, the dog.

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We invite you to join us on Wednesday, July 1 at 12pm (noon) (CDT) to hear from members of the Kansas Education Funding Task Force who will share insights into the data informing their work, and the factors being considered as they develop recommendations for policymakers.

As the task force continues its work, a great deal of information—and misinformation—has been circulated regarding discussions and recommendations. This webinar will provide you with the opportunity to hear directly from task force members about issues under consideration, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding Kansas education funding.

The Kansas Education Funding Task Force is charged with examining the state’s K–12 finance system to determine whether education funding is aligned with student achievement, taxpayer accountability, and the long-term sustainability of public education, and opportunities to improve outcomes for Kansas students.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for school board members, administrators, educators, and community stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the task force’s work and its potential impact on Kansas public education.

Panelist:

Senator Renee Erickson is a lifelong Kansan, educator, and a tireless public servant. A former teacher, principal, and administrator, she holds two master’s degrees and has dedicated her career to improving education and strengthening communities. Senator Erickson earned a degree in business administration from Oklahoma Christian University, a degree in business education from Wichita State University, a master’s degree in public school administration from Baker University, and a master’s degree in family life education and consultation from Kansas State University. She has served as a teacher, a data and assessment coordinator, a middle school principal, a financial planner, and the director of the Unified School District 259 instructional technology center. Elected to the Senate in 2020, she chairs key committees on education and government efficiency. Senator Erickson  champions fiscal responsibility, educational freedom, and constitutional rights.

Dr. Megan Steele, is the Kansas Representative for District 51. Representative Steele serves on the Education Funding Task Force, Education, and K-12 Education Budget Committees. Dr. Steele brings a grassroots, education, and healthcare-focused perspective to the Kansas legislature. Her personal journey from young motherhood to earning a Ph.D. in Nursing and serving as an educator has taught her the importance of faith and grit. As a freshman lawmaker, she quickly established herself on key education committees and was promoted to the influential Education Funding Formula Task Force. Megan is deeply committed to family values, parental rights, government accountability, and she is especially passionate about restoring excellence in education. She believes that every child deserves the fundamental right to read. With a clear, principled voice, Megan is fighting for common-sense solutions that put children, families, and freedom first.

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We invite you to join us on Monday, July 6^th at 12 pm (noon) CDT for a special webinar focused on legislation enacted during the 2026 Kansas legislative session that impacts school board governance and district operations.

This one-hour webinar will provide school board members and district leaders with an overview of significant legislative changes affecting Kansas public schools, including new statutory requirements, policy implications, and compliance responsibilities. Participants will gain practical guidance on required policy updates, newly mandated policies, and implementation considerations to help ensure compliance with Kansas law and support effective local governance.

Presenter: Mike O’Neal – CEO of O’Neal Consulting, LLC Mike is an attorney with over 35 years of litigation experience. He also spent 28 of those years in the Kansas House of Representatives, including two terms as the elected Speaker of the House. Retiring from the House at the end of the 2012 session, Mike was hired as President and CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, a position he held for 4 years before retiring to open his own legal consulting and governmental relations firm. He has over 40 years of combined legal, legislative and governmental relations experience. Mike holds a JD from the University of Kansas School of Law.