President

Position: District 3

Term: 2021-2025

Email: Nick Fergus

I joined the USD 343 Board of Education in 2018, and I am currently serving as the Board President. My wife Pam and I live in Lecompton and both work in Topeka. I am the Director of Commission Service and Delivery for Security Benefit and she is a Dental Hygienist at Today's Dentistry. I attended the University of Kansas receiving a degree in Sports Management followed by several years managing a youth sports facility and running a small business based in Lecompton. I joined SE2 in 2006 as a commissions specialist. In 2022, I transitioned to Security Benefit directing a team of associates responsible for ensuring regulation adherence and creating innovative advances streamlining business processes. I've been challenged with various positions thru which financial accuracy and decision making have been critical. Along with developing strong people skills and deep roots in the community, my experience has helped me navigate the intricacies of our local school board.

I grew up in Lecompton and graduated from PLHS in 1992. My wife and I chose to raise our family here because of the community and the quality of our school district. Our son Thomas (2021) and our daughter Dayne (2022) have been successful in post secondary education largely due to the foundations established in USD 343. Serving on the Board of Education was a small way to give back to the community that we call home.

Vice-President

Positon: District 3

Term: 2024-2027

Email: Dr. Emily Riner

Dr. Emily Riner grew up in South Dakota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in political science and psychology before moving to Kansas City in 2008. There she earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and an Education Specialist in Principalship from Arkansas State University. Emily has experience working in the classroom with students K-12, served as an elementary administrator, and taught undergraduate and graduate students in the Teachers College at Western Governors University. Emily has a particular passion for ensuring that all students, no matter their background, have access to an excellent education. She works as a Government Relations Director working to open channels of aid for adult learners at Western Governors University. Emily is also a Commissioner on the Kansas Volunteer Commission. When she isn’t working, you’ll find Emily reading, hiking, or gardening and she loves living in Lecompton with her husband, four dogs, and barn cat.

Education has always been crucial to Emily. She grew up attending public schools in South Dakota, and her mother was a public school elementary teacher for 33 years. Her father was a first-generation college graduate who finished school when she was five. Her dad’s decision to further his education and her mother’s career allowed her to see first-hand the power of education and how it can change individual lives and positively impact future generations. After deferring law school to move to Kansas City and teach with Teach for America, she fell in love with teaching and has dedicated her career to K-12 and higher education. She brings her passion for public education and school board success with her to the USD 343 school board, and she plans to continue to advocate for both for as long as she is able to serve.

Member

Positon: District 2

Term: 2024-2025

Email: Ryan Soden

I am a proud 2002 graduate of Perry-Lecompton High School, and I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas. My wife, Aubrey, and I are thrilled to have our family rooted in the USD 343 School District. Our children, Ryker (Class of 2029) and Maebrey (Class of 2031), have grown up in this district, benefiting from its exceptional schools and community support.

My dedication to the youth in our community extends well beyond the boardroom. For the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a youth baseball and softball coach in our community. Through my involvement with the Jefferson/Jackson County Ball Association, I’ve held roles ranging from town representative to Vice President, and I currently serve as Commissioner. Coaching young athletes has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I take immense satisfaction in equipping them with the skills and mental fortitude to succeed, while ensuring they enjoy the journey along the way. I am deeply passionate about education and its vital role in shaping the future of our community and its next generation of leaders. This passion drives me to work toward ensuring that USD 343 continues to thrive and grow, creating opportunities for our students to succeed in every facet of their lives.

Member

Positon: District 1

Term: 2021-2025

Email: Ryan Blosser

I grew up in Perry and graduated Perry Lecompton High School in 1997. After high school I joined the workforce at Hamm companies in Perry. I started managing projects for Hamm in 1999. Currently I am the Central Region President for Summit Materials who acquired Hamm in 2009. I serve on several industry boards and the Greater Perry area board. I am married to Jill Blosser(Bigham) and have a daughter Charley Blosser that is currently a Sophomore at PLHS. I joined the board to get involved in the community.

Member

Positon: District 2

Term: 2024-2025

Email: Bill Culver

Bill Culver was born and raised in Texas before moving to Kansas in 1961. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) from Kansas State Teachers College (KSTC) and a Master of Education Administration (MEA) from Washburn University. With over 50 years of experience in public education, Bill has worn many hats throughout his career. He has served as a teacher, coach, building administrator, and central office administrator. His extensive experience has provided him with a deep understanding of the educational landscape and the needs of students and educators alike.

As a lifelong educator, Bill believes he can be a valuable asset to the district by serving on the Board of Education. He is committed to making a positive impact on the community and ensuring that all students receive a quality education. Bill's dedication to education and his desire to help shape the future of the district reflect his passion for learning and his belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Member

Positon: At-large

Term: 2023-2027

Email: Gretchen Reed

I hail from Hiawatha, Kansas and graduated in 1997 from Hiawatha High School. I then attended Kansas State University (Go Cats!) where I received a B.S. in Animal Science. Immediately after graduation, I continued my education at the University of Kansas Medical Center where I graduated with a M.S. in Occupational Therapy. After graduation, I worked as an Occupational Therapist in the Olathe and Eudora school districts before becoming a full time stay-at-home mom. My husband, Calvin, and I have four children: Tyler, a PLHS 2024 graduate, Isabel, Emmy, and Gwynneth. Once the kids were in school, I returned to Eudora; I currently work in the early learning center as an Occupational Therapist. Because I serve alongside teachers and students on a daily basis, I know there are successes and challenges every day. As a Board of Education member, I would like to be a champion for student and staff growth and success at Perry Lecompton. I am grateful to serve.

Member

Positon: District 1

Term: 2023-2027

Email: Jarae Essman

I grew up in the Topeka area and graduated from Shawnee Heights High School. I went on to study journalism at Allen County Community College and business at Washburn University. After marrying my husband, Ryan, we settled in his hometown of Grantville, KS. He assured me that the smaller school and community offered in the Perry-Lecompton school district would be a great environment to raise our family. We have 2 children: Zac, a 2024 PLHS Graduate, and Lia, Class of 2026. I have to admit, my husband was right! USD 343 Perry-Lecompton Schools has been a fantastic place to raise our children. They are able to be involved in so many different things and explore all their interests at PLHS.

When I was approached about joining the Elementary Site Council, I had no idea it would lead me to running for the School Board. I agreed to serve on the Site Council because I knew that I loved what the district was providing for our family and I wanted to give back. After a couple of years serving on the Elementary Site Council, and the District Site Council, I was approached again and asked to consider running for a position on the School Board. The decision was easy. I was excited for the opportunity to help lead the district by making decisions that would impact our students and community, creating a better future for everyone. It is an honor to serve this community as a member of the Board of Education. I will continue to keep the students and the community my top priority as I work with my fellow board members to ensure USD 343 is providing the best educational opportunities to meet every student’s needs and prepare them for a successful future after PLHS.