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Corkins named Kansas Education Commissioner

The Kansas State Board of Education voted to name Bob L. Corkins as Commissioner of Education, replacing Andy Tompkins who retired in June. Corkins is a lobbyist who has championed school vouchers and limiting growth in education spending.

Amidst the growing criticism of the appointment, KNEA President Christy Levings noted that the role of the Kansas Commissioner of Education is to be "a proponent for Kansas public schools, to lead and inspire the educators who work in those schools and to work collaboratively with Kansas education organizations. Kansas NEA stands ready to work with the new commissioner."

Corkins is the executive director of Kansas Legislative Education and Research Inc., a non-profit, nonpartisan policy research firm that serves state legislators, and Freestate Center for Liberty Studies, a nonprofit educational organization for which Corkins provides fund raising, marketing, volunteer management and other services. Corkins also has served as executive director of the Kansas Public Policy Institute and is active in conservative politics. He has a law degree from the University of Kansas.

Corkins will assume his new position subject to terms of employment to be discussed with the State Board Chairman and Vice Chairman, and upon later ratification by the State Board. As Commissioner of Education, Corkins will oversee the Kansas State Department of Education and will work with the State Board in developing and implementing education policy for k-12 education in the state.

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