Shaver seeing second term on Kan. State Board of Education

Jana Shaver, retired Independence teacher and district curriculum director, announced her candidacy Tuesday for a second term on the Kansas State Board of Education.

Shaver represents District 9, which covers 14 total counties and six partial counties in Southeast Kansas. She is a Republican.

"I have decided to seek a second term on the Kansas State Board of Education because my lifelong personal commitment to quality education for Kansas school children won't let me walk away when our public schools are faced with so many challenges," Shaver said.

"Funding for Kansas schools is diminishing while demands and requirements are increasing." Shaver added.

With the Kansas Commissioner of Education position still unfilled, Shaver said it is more important than ever that state board members have practical experience in education and a commitment to maintaining quality in Kansas public schools.

"My 27 years as a teacher and curriculum director have given me the knowledge and insight to understand and appreciate the many challenges and issues our schools face," she said.

During her three-and-a-half years on the KSBE, Shaver said she has been an ardent advocate for schools and students. She pointed to her support for programs that will enable Kansas school children to be successful as they grow into productive adults. As the KSBE representative on the Early Childhood Council, she has promoted early childhood programs and all-day kindergarten.

"I have always supported policy initiatives to strengthen career technical programs because an economic recovery will require a well-trained work force," Shaver said. "Our schools have shown tremendous improvement in student performance over the past several years and we cannot allow the current economic downturn to stop this progress," said Shaver. "I want to continue to be a voice for strong Kansas public schools."

Shaver graduated from Fredonia High School and Independence Community College. She received her bachelor of science, master of science, and specialist in education degrees from Pittsburg State University. She served as a teaching assistant and adjunct professor at PSU for several years.

Shaver currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Kansas State Board of Education, is a member of the Kansas Advisory Committee for Career and Technical Education, and is on the Kansas Board of Communities in Schools and Kansas Allied School Health.

Her local community activities include ICC Foundation Board, Independence Historical Museum Board, and the First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees. She has been an active volunteer for the William Inge Theatre Festival and Neewollah activities for many years.

Shaver and her husband, Richard, a retired retail businessman, reside in Independence. Son Todd Taylor, step-daughter Melissa Hadley, and daughter-in-law Denise Taylor also live in Independence with their families, while step-daughter Dr. Melinda Shaver lives in Hulbert, Oklahoma. The Shavers also have ten grandchildren.

To contact Shaver with questions regarding the State Board of Education or her candidacy, interested persons can e-mail janashaver@cableone.net or call (620) 331-1452.