Aligned

As implementation of the cell phone bill begins to take shape, it is important that the intent of the law and how it is carried out stay aligned.

Governor Kelly recently issued recommendations outlining appropriate ways student cell phones may be stored during the school day.

Take a look at the guidance below.

The 'enrollment cliff’ is coming. The 18 year old population is expected to drop 15% between now and 2029. Expect many school closings and program downsizing. In some states, the casualties will be brutal.

Today’s Federal Issue Forum featured Congressman Ron Estes and important conversations on federal issues impacting Kansas.

Staying connected to these discussions matters because federal policy plays a role in education, workforce development, and the long-term success of our communities.

Thank you to Congressman Estes and the Wichita Chamber for bringing leaders together.

What an inspiring night attending the Child Start Legacy Gala and celebrating the incredible work Child Start does for children, families, providers, and our broader community!

Access to quality child care is more than a family issue. It is a workforce issue. When families have reliable care, parents can work, employers can retain talent, and children get the strong start they deserve.

Thank you, Child Start, for your continued leadership and commitment to strengthening early childhood opportunities across our region. Your work makes a lasting difference.

📌 NEWS UPDATE: State Board Names Dr. Stacey Preis as Interim Commissioner of Education

➡️ Read the full news release: https://ow.ly/QSeq50ZbVvM

Aligned was grateful to join the 2026 Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s State Legislative Appreciation Dinner.

Thank you to the Wichita Chamber of Commerce for hosting and to the legislators who worked on behalf of Kansas communities this session.

June 11 is the International Day of Play, a reminder that kids need time to move, reset, and simply be kids.

Aligned was proud to support Kansas’ recess bill this past session, and we appreciate Doug Shane for Kansas for bringing this important issue forward. While the bill was vetoed, our support remains the same.

Recess matters. It helps students return to the classroom more focused, engaged, and ready to learn, and Aligned will continue supporting this effort in the years ahead.

Today at 1:00 p.m., the Kansas State Board of Education will discuss devices in schools, including teacher training, screen time policies, research on technology and student outcomes, and next steps for classrooms.

Passing a bill is only the beginning. Our work continues by watching how policies are implemented in classrooms.

Tune in today to follow this important first step in tracking Kansas’ cell phone policy and broader technology use in schools.

Reminder:

Special Meeting Notice

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will conduct a special meeting in the first floor board room of the Landon State Office Building, with the focus being on the issue of device use in schools on Monday, June 8, 2026, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will then conduct their regular scheduled meetings on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

View board meeting resources here: https://buff.ly/e1jSrdG

This month, we’re taking a closer look at what’s happening across education policy in Kansas and Missouri including school funding conversations, accountability updates, state board changes, and what new research says about teacher pay and retention.

Read the full June update and stay connected to the conversations shaping education from pre-K through career.

https://wearealigned.org/monthly-update-june-2026/

Education choice continues to be a major conversation across the country, including here in Kansas and Missouri.

In 2026, states continued to debate:

📌 Expanding access for students and families
📌 Increasing or adjusting program funding
📌 Strengthening accountability and transparency
📌 Deciding the future role of school choice

As Kansas and Missouri continue these conversations, it is important to keep students at the center of the discussion.

Funding Expands, Access Grows, and New Battles Emerge in 2026 With most legislative sessions winding down in 2026, no new choice programs have been created, but the volume of legislation remains high.