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Boards of education have several functions, including establishing the vision for the district, setting goals, establishing policies for a school system, hiring and evaluating the superintendent of schools, and helping build support for public education.  School boards serve as the leading advocate on behalf of students and schools in its community.  Informing citizens about the schools' accomplishments, challenges and needs is an essential part of school board leadership.  Through their actions, board members represent the community and help foster understanding and support for the schools.

In 2015, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2014, which changed local election dates, including school board elections.  Board elections were previously held in the spring of odd-numbered years; however, they are now to be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years.  If needed, primary elections will be held on the first Tuesday in August of odd-numbered years.

Board member terms will run from the second Monday in January through December.  Terms of office will be for four years unless a board member resigns, resulting in an appointment of a new member until the next election date.

We will have four of the seven board positions on the election ballot this fall:  

Location of the board member districts:

1. Board positions 1 and 4 will be elected from the area in the district: west of the Delaware River; west of Linn Road, Kentucky Township South of Highway 24 and east of the Delaware River; Lecompton Township west of 1029; Big Springs Township.

2. Board positions 2 and 5 will be elected from the area in the district: City of Lecompton; Lecompton Township east of 1029; Kanwaka Township; North Wakarusa Township.

3. Board positions 3 and 6 will be elected from the area in the district: City of Perry; Kentucky Township east of Linn Road and North of Highway 24; Rural Township; Sarcoxie Township.

4. Board position 7 will be elected at large (from anywhere in the district).

For a larger view of the Board Member Districts click here.

More information on the four positions up for election:

• Board position from district #1 - Currently held by Jarae Essman, who will seek re-election.  This is a four-year term.

• Board position from district #2 - Currently held by Jacki Aldrich, who will seek re-election.  This is a four-year term.

• Board position from district #3 - Currently held by Emily Riner, who will seek re-election.  This is a four-year term .

• At-Large board position - Currently held by Travis Daniels,  who is not planning to seek re-election.  This is a four-year term.  

Individuals wishing to run for a board of education position have until noon on June 1, 2023 to file with the Jefferson County Election Office (even if you live in Douglas County). A registration fee must be paid at the time of filing

Anyone who is interested in having more information regarding school board elections or filing for office is encouraged to contact the school district office at 785-597-5138.  You will also find it helpful to start monitoring KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards) public communications from their website: KASB 

Sixty six seniors graduated from Perry-Lecompton High School on Saturday, May 20, 2023.  A large crowd of visitors and guests were welcomed to the commencement exercises by PLHS Principal Mike Maloun.  The PLHS band played the National Anthem and Senior class Presidents Ruby Johnson and Malorie Facile shared some memorable moments from past years.  Mrs. Rita Lesser was selected by the senior class as the “2023 Teacher of the Year”.  Mrs Lesser gave the commencement message taking the seniors on a road trip through life.   Students were presented with their Diplomas by USD 343 Board of Education and enjoyed special music by both the band and the Singers. 

If you were unable to be there or would like to see it again here is a link to the ceremony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOIZcnIXJzc

Congratulations to the class of 2023 and best of luck in your future endeavors.