News Releases

Our press releases provide timely, accurate information about key initiatives, policy updates, and important events in Kansas education. They serve as an official source for news and announcements from the Kansas State Department of Education, helping educators, families, and communities stay informed about developments that impact schools statewide.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026

Contact: Denise Kahler, director, KSDE Communications and Recognition Programs, denise.kahler@ksde.gov, (785) 296-4876

Second candidate to interview for Kansas School for the Deaf superintendent today 

The public is invited to meet Michele Handley today at 4:30 p.m. 

OLATHE — Michele Handley, a candidate for superintendent of the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD), will interview today, Thursday, March 26, followed by a public forum for community members to meet her.

With nearly 30 years of Deaf education experience, Handley most recently served as a Deaf/hard of hearing consultant for the Michigan Department of Education. She previously served as superintendent of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. 

She holds certificates in deafblind education and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting. She earned a doctorate in special education from the University of Northern Colorado, a master’s degree in deaf education from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia. 

Parents, community members, KSD staff and other stakeholders are invited to attend the public forum from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Murphy Auditorium, 450 E. Park, in Olathe.

The Kansas State Board of Education serves as the governing body for KSD and is responsible for hiring the superintendent. 

Dr. Luanne Barron recently announced her retirement after nearly 40 years in Deaf education, the past nine years as KSD superintendent. The Kansas State Board of Education will announce her successor at a later date.  

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