The KASB Board of Directors conducted new board member orientation on Friday, Jan. 16, marking the start of the 2026 governance year and welcoming board leadership transitions. Dr. Emily Riner (Perry USD 343) assumed the role of President after completing her term as President-elect. Curt Herrman (Manhattan-Ogden USD 383), elected at the 2025 Delegate Assembly, assumed the role of President-elect. Following his year of service as President, Kevin Cole (Labette County USD 506) transitioned to the role of Past President.

New board members include Christy Weiler (Seaman USD 345), Region 2 Vice President; Jared Meitler (Rock Creek USD 323), Region 4 Vice President; Brian Fitch (Argonia USD 359), Region 6 Vice President; Chris Drake (Pratt USD 382), Region 8 Vice President; Tracy Rogers (Colby USD 315), Region 9 Vice President; Dan Patterson (Lakin USD 315), Region 10 Vice President; and Ian Long (Newton USD 373), Ex-Officio.

The Board met on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, and approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, the first reading of the Code of Conduct, board committee assignments, the KASB dues formula and an increase to Legal Assistance Fund dues. Board members also received updates on teacher retention efforts, legislative advocacy, Kansas Board Solutions, Inc., the KASB Strategic Plan and the Executive Director’s report.

The next meeting of the KASB Board of Directors is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Perry, KS. Members with questions are encouraged to contact their regional vice president.

KASB Board of Directors – 2026

• Emily Riner, Perry USD 343 — President
• Curt Herrman, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 — President-elect
• Kevin Cole, Labette County USD 506 — Past President
• Judi Price, Leavenworth USD 453 — Region 1 Vice President
• Christy Weiler, Seaman USD 345 — Region 2 Vice President
• Heather Guernsey, Chanute USD 413 — Region 3 Vice President
• Jared Meitler, Rock Creek USD 323 — Region 4 Vice President
• Joe Ryan, Smoky Valley USD 400 — Region 5 Vice President
• Brian Fitch, Argonia USD 359 — Region 6 Vice President
• Brenden Wirth, Rock Hills USD 107 — Region 7 Vice President
• Chris Drake, Pratt USD 382 — Region 8 Vice President
• Tracy Rogers, Colby USD 315 — Region 9 Vice President
• Dan Patterson, Lakin USD 215 — Region 10 Vice President
• Jodie Dietz, Blue Valley USD 229 — Region 11 Vice President
• Jamie Borgman, Shawnee Mission USD 512 — Region 12 Vice President
• Valdenia Winn, Kansas City Kansas USD 500 — Region 13 Vice President
• Julie Hedrick, Wichita USD 259 — Region 14 Vice President
• Julie Steele, Olathe USD 233 — Region 15 Vice President
• Ian Long, Newton USD 473 — Ex-Officio