The 2025-2026 Academy for Communication and Engagement in Schools — ACES — is officially underway with 12 new and emerging school communications professionals from KASB member districts across the state.  

Participants will meet over six months to explore school PR core competencies and best practices, expand their professional network of support and create a custom communication plan to help advance the district’s most important goals. 

“ACES is designed to help a communication pro accelerate their learning and professional growth,” said Kristin Magette, KASB assistant executive director of communication services and ACES leader. “Shortening that learning curve helps the district harness the true value of effective communication for students, families, employees and the entire community.”  

 

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Congratulations to these district communication professionals selected for this year’s ACES class: 

Sherri Doyon, Orion Education and Training Interlocal 

Tiffanie Kinsch, Shawnee Heights 

Elena Kuckelman, Andover 

Ariel Lambert, Solomon 

Katie Mays, Winfield 

Olivia Opat, Salina 

Paige Padgham, Wamego 

Scott Peavey, Spring Hill 

Jackson Schneider, Haysville 

Aubin Skipper, Pleasanton 

Michelle Sutherland, Pretty Prairie 

Amber Weeks, Morris County 

 

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“We consistently hear from our members that effective district communication is a priority for support,” said Dr. Brian Jordan, KASB executive director. “Offering ACES is one way we can support our members’ needs and invest in the long-term success of our local school districts and the people who work there.” 

The ACES group will meet in person monthly in school districts around the state. These meetings include learning and practicing practice of key skills with insights from special guests and peers. Participants also will develop a communication plan tailored to their district, community and communications capacity.  

Support and encouragement will continue in the time between in-person sessions, thanks to experienced district communications professionals and respected members of the Kansas School Public Relations Association that will serve as mentors to the participants. 

“This partnership with KanSPRA was the only way KASB could have provided such rich support to each ACES participant,” Magette said. “KanSPRA is the strongest and most supportive network of communicators in the state, and it’s exciting to help forge a connection with the newest group of communicators.” 

Among the 12 ACES participants there are several different job titles and roles with varied communication FTEs, ranging from 1.0 to .25.     

“When communication is part of your role, it doesn’t matter how many hours you have,” Magette said. “In this field, there are always more requests and demands than you can fit, even for those in a dedicated full-time role. The key is learning to use the limited hours you have for high-priority work that moves the district’s strategic goals forward. And that’s our vision for every professional in ACES.”