Dr. Alexa Posny is Commissioner of Education
Dr. Alexa Posny is the new Kansas Commissioner of Education.
Dr. Posny is currently serving as director of the Office of Special Education for the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. She served as deputy commissioner of education and leader of the Division of Learning Services for the Kansas State Department of Education from 2001-06 and as director of special education from 1999 to 2001. She will take office July 1.
"I am pleased to be back in Kansas and I look forward to working with Board members, administrators, teachers, and others involved in the education of our children. All students in Kansas deserve an education that allows them to be competitive in the 21st century," Posny said.
Dr. Posny earned her Doctorate of Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin at Madison as well as a Master of Science degree in Behavioral Disabilities. She received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.
"Dr. Posny is respected both in Kansas and nationally for her experience and expertise. She has always demonstrated a tremendous commitment to ensure that our schools have the tools and resources necessary to provide each child with an excellent 21st century education. We look forward to working with her to fulfill the basic right of a great public school for every child," said KNEA President Blake West.
The Kansas State Board of Education voted to hire Posny by a vote of 7-1. Board member John Bacon, R-Olathe, cast the only vote in opposition. Members Ken Willard, R-Hutchinson, and Steve Abrams, R-Arkansas City, were absent.
"Dr. Posny is an agent of change," said Board Chairman Bill Wagnon. "We feel she has the knowledge, experience and ability to best lead the Kansas public school system."
Dr. Posny was a finalist to replace Commissioner Andy Tompkins in 2005. At that time, the Board voted 6-4 to hire Bob Corkins, who served for slightly more than one year. Corkins resigned after the State Board elections in November gave control to six moderate Republicans and Democrats. Deputy Commissioner Dale Dennis has served as interim commissioner since that time.
A full release from the Kansas State Department of Education is available on-line at: http://www.kasb.org/legis/2007/PosnyAppointment.doc
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