The Kansas Association of School Boards is expanding its support for member districts with the launch of KASB Human Resources Services, a new program designed to help school boards and district leaders tackle workforce challenges, strengthen organizational systems and plan for the future with confidence.

The program brings together strategic planning, human resources studies and independent investigations to provide districts with objective analysis and practical recommendations. As schools continue to navigate changing enrollment trends, staffing challenges and growing demands on resources, KASB Human Resources Services offers another way for districts to access trusted expertise tailored to their local needs.

Leading the new program is Chris Cooper, who brings more than 30 years of experience in public education as a teacher, building administrator and district leader. Cooper holds a master's degree in educational leadership and is recognized for his expertise in school-improvement processes and data-informed decision-making.

Throughout his career, Cooper has worked alongside educators and school systems to strengthen practices and improve outcomes. He has served as a multi-state Co-Teaching Trainer and a College and Career Competencies Framework Trainer, partnering with more than 25 schools during the past year alone. He is also a frequent presenter at state and national conferences and has extensive experience providing professional learning, coaching and implementation support through both onsite and virtual formats.

In his role with KASB, Cooper will lead a variety of services aimed at helping districts evaluate current practices and plan for the future.

One area of focus is Future Planning Studies. These services include enrollment projections, school configuration studies, facilities planning and budget projections. By examining enrollment trends and operational data, districts can better understand how future changes may affect staffing, facilities and financial resources. These studies provide school boards with information that can support long-term planning and informed decision-making.

The program also offers Human Resources Studies that focus on key personnel systems and practices. Districts may request reviews of HR policies, hiring practices, onboarding processes, staff training programs and evaluation systems. KASB can also conduct Human Resource Allocation Studies to help districts determine whether staffing resources align with district goals and student needs.
In addition, KASB Human Resources Services provides independent Human Resources Investigations related to personnel concerns, including policy violations, inappropriate use of funds and hiring or dismissal practices.

The addition of Human Resources Services reflects KASB's ongoing commitment to providing practical support that helps school boards govern effectively and make informed decisions. Whether a district is planning for future enrollment shifts, reviewing staffing structures, evaluating policies or addressing a specific concern, the program offers access to experienced guidance and objective analysis.

As school districts continue to navigate challenges related to staffing, resources and long-term planning, KASB Human Resources Services provides another tool to help local leaders move forward with confidence. Under Cooper's leadership, the program will offer districts a trusted partner focused on helping schools operate effectively and remain prepared for the future.