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Hazel Stabler
2022 - Present
2026
3
Hazel Stabler is a member of the Wichita Public Schools Board of Education in Kansas, representing District 6. She assumed office on January 10, 2022. Her current term ends on January 10, 2026.
Stabler is running for re-election to the Wichita Public Schools Board of Education to represent District 6 in Kansas. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. The primary for this office on August 5, 2025, was canceled.
Stabler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Hazel Stabler was born in Arkansas City, Kansas. She earned a high school diploma from Emporia High School. Her career experience includes working as an artist.[1]
She has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Wichita Grand Opera
- Sedgwick County Mental Health
- Botanical Gardens Pistil
- Friends of Wichita Art Museum
- Designing Women of Mark Arts
- Council of Great City
Elections
2025
See also: Wichita Public Schools, Kansas, elections (2025)
General election
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
General election for Wichita Public Schools, District 6
Incumbent Hazel Stabler and Amy Warren are running in the general election for Wichita Public Schools, District 6 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Hazel Stabler (Nonpartisan)  | |
 | Amy Warren (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Hazel Stabler and Amy Warren advanced from the primary for Wichita Public Schools, District 6.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2021
See also: Wichita Public Schools, Kansas, elections (2021)
General election
General election for Wichita Public Schools, District 6
Hazel Stabler defeated incumbent Ron Rosales and Holly Terrill in the general election for Wichita Public Schools, District 6 on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Hazel Stabler (Nonpartisan) | 43.8 | 11,918 |
| Ron Rosales (Nonpartisan) | 29.9 | 8,148 | ||
 | Holly Terrill (Nonpartisan) | 26.0 | 7,072 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.3 | 72 | ||
| Total votes: 27,210 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Ron Rosales, Hazel Stabler, and Holly Terrill advanced from the primary for Wichita Public Schools, District 6.
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Hazel Stabler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stabler's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Professionally, I’m an international clothing designer. My work has taken me around the world, but my heart is firmly planted in Wichita. I use my creative platform to advocate for young people, public education, and the power of community. I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education, and I’ve dedicated myself to policies that focus on what students know and are able to do—not just test scores, but meaningful learning and development.
In addition to my board service, I’m involved in many areas of civic life. I currently serve as President of the Wichita Warriors Society Women’s Auxiliary.Friends of the Wichita Art Museum Board, and the Wichita Botanical Gardens Pistil board. In 2023, I was honored to be included in Who’s Who in American Clothing Designers.
I bring a unique blend of creativity, classroom experience, and community service to this work. My goal is simple: to champion student achievement and keep pushing for excellence across our district.- Championing Student Achievement and Early Literacy I’m committed to raising student achievement across all grade levels—starting with a strong foundation in reading. Ensuring students are reading at grade level by third grade is critical for long-term success. I will continue to support early literacy initiatives and interventions that help every child become a confident reader.
- Community-Driven Leadership I believe in transparent, responsive leadership. I host regular community chats to hear directly from families, educators, and students. Our schools thrive when we listen to our community and work together to find solutions that reflect our shared values.
- Equity, Excellence, and Opportunity for All Every child, no matter their background or ZIP code, should have access to a high-quality education. I’m committed to policies that close opportunity gaps and ensure every school in our district has the resources it needs to help students succeed.
Specifically, I focus on:
Early Literacy – Advocating for strong foundational reading skills by third grade, because early success in reading is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong academic achievement.
Equity in School Resources – Ensuring that all schools have access to the tools, staff, and support systems they need, especially in underserved communities.
Crabill’s philosophy reinforces my belief that effective leadership means putting students at the center of every decision. It’s not about politics—it’s about purpose. His practical guidance on governance, accountability, and community engagement mirrors the principles I bring to my work every day.
We are not managers of day-to-day operations; we are governing leaders who set policy, oversee the superintendent, approve budgets, and engage with the community to make sure our schools are meeting the needs of every child.
Students – Their education, safety, and success are at the heart of every decision I make.
Families and caregivers – I work to ensure they have a voice, support, and access to high-quality schools.
Teachers and school staff – I advocate for the resources, respect, and conditions they need to help students thrive.
Taxpayers and community members – Whether or not they have children in school, they deserve transparency, accountability, and a return on their investment in public education.
For students, that means making sure every child—regardless of background, language, or ability—has access to rigorous instruction, caring adults, and the resources needed to succeed.
For teachers and staff, it means advocating for professional development, fair compensation, supportive work environments, and the tools to meet students where they are.
For families, it means creating opportunities for engagement, listening to their concerns, and ensuring schools are welcoming, inclusive spaces.
For the broader community, it means staying transparent, accessible, and working together to build schools that reflect our values and support our future.
I believe that schools succeed when they are connected to the people they serve, so I will continue to build and strengthen partnerships with:
Parents and family advocacy groups
Faith-based organizations and neighborhood associations
Local businesses and workforce development leaders
Civic and cultural organizations like the Wichita Warriors Society Women’s Auxiliary and Friends of the Wichita Art Museum
Youth-serving nonprofits and mental health providers
Higher education institutions and local colleges
Teacher and staff associations, including the United Teachers of Wichita
• Clear, engaging instruction
• Culturally responsive and inclusive practices
• Strong classroom management built on respect and care
• Use of data to guide instruction and support growth
• A passion for helping all students succeed
How I’d Measure Good Teaching:
• Student growth and engagement, not just test scores—looking at how students progress academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Peer and administrative observations that focus on instructional quality and student interaction.
• Ongoing feedback from students and families, because their voices matter.
• Professional growth and collaboration, including participation in training, innovation, and leadership.
How I’d Support Advanced Teaching Approaches:
• Invest in high-quality professional development that is ongoing, collaborative, and relevant to classroom realities.
• Encourage innovation, such as project-based learning, technology integration, and trauma-informed practices.
• Support teacher leadership by creating pathways for experienced educators to mentor others and help shape district strategy.
• Provide time and resources so teachers can try new approaches without fear of failure
Here’s where I’d focus:
1. Advanced Technical Training & Apprenticeships
We need to grow career and technical education (CTE) opportunities, especially in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and aviation. I support:
• Partnerships with local businesses and trade unions to create apprenticeship pipelines.
• Industry certifications and dual-credit options so students graduate ready for work or further education.
• On-site work experiences through internships or co-op programs tied directly to the curriculum.
2. Expansion of Future Ready Centers
I strongly support the expansion of Future Ready Centers across the district. These centers are hubs for:
• Hands-on, project-based learning
• Career exploration across multiple industries
• Exposure to real-world tools, technology, and professional expectations
They’re critical to helping students discover their interests, build confidence, and connect with mentors and opportunities.
3. Innovation in Curriculum & Programming
If given the opportunity, I would advocate for:
• Entrepreneurship and financial literacy education starting as early as middle school
• Expanded STEM and coding programs
• Culturally relevant curriculum that reflects and respects our students’ identities
• Social-emotional learning integrated into academic instruction
• Environmental education and sustainability programs
The key principles that guide my policies are:
1. Physical Safety
• Ensuring our buildings have the proper security infrastructure—secure entrances, surveillance systems, and emergency response plans.
• Partnering with law enforcement and school resource officers in a way that prioritizes relationship-building over punitive measures.
2. Emotional & Mental Safety
• Expanding access to mental health professionals, counselors, and social-emotional learning to address the root causes of conflict, anxiety, and isolation.
• Creating school environments where students feel respected, seen, and heard—especially students from marginalized or underserved communities.
3. Prevention & Training
• Supporting regular safety drills, staff training, and student education on conflict resolution, crisis response, and digital safety.
• Empowering teachers and staff with clear protocols and tools to recognize and respond to warning signs before issues escalate.
4. Community & Family Involvement
• Working with parents, neighborhood leaders, and students to shape policies that reflect the real concerns and lived experiences of our community.
• Transparency and communication during safety incidents to build trust and confidence in the district’s response.
Here’s how I would support mental health across the district:
1. Increase Access to Mental Health Services
• Advocate for more school-based mental health professionals, including counselors, social workers, and psychologists—especially in high-need schools.
Policies I’d Like to Change or Improve:
1. Cell Phone Use in Classrooms
I support reviewing and revising the district’s cell phone policy to ensure instructional time is protected, while still allowing age-appropriate use of technology for learning. We need consistency across schools and clearer guidelines for students, staff, and families.
2. More Transparency in Budget and Policy Decisions.
I would advocate for plain-language summaries and better community engagement in decision-making—especially for major funding or program shifts.
3. Equitable Resource Allocation
I’d push for a review of how resources are distributed across schools to ensure high-need campuses receive adequate support—from staffing to technology to mental health services.
⸻
New Policies I’d Like to Implement:
1. Expand Future Ready Curriculum
I would advocate for policies that support more CTE, technical training, and dual-credit programs, including expanding Future Ready Centers so every student has access to career-connected learning.
2. Formalize Mental Health Supports
Implement a clear, district-wide framework for mental health and wellness, including hiring more school-based mental health professionals, and requiring trauma-informed training for all staff.
3. Increase Parent Voice in Policy Decisions
That said, there are lessons to learn—and I believe strong leadership requires us to reflect and improve.
If given the opportunity, here’s what I would do differently in the future:
1. Strengthen Communication and Transparency
• Ensure clear, consistent messaging to families and staff—especially around health protocols, closures, and virtual learning expectations.
• Use multiple platforms (social media, phone, email, translated communication) to make sure everyone stays informed and connected.
2. Prioritize Equity in Access
• Be more proactive in addressing gaps in technology and internet access early on.
• Ensure that students who rely on schools for support—such as meals, mental health services, and special education—are prioritized even during closures.
3. Plan for Continuity of Learning
• Have a ready-to-go crisis learning plan that includes flexible, high-quality virtual instruction, teacher support, and student engagement strategies.
• Invest in training for educators on virtual teaching tools and trauma-informed instruction for disrupted learning environments.
4. Include Community Voice
Here’s how I actively work to build and strengthen those relationships:
Hosting community chats every other month to give families a direct line to share concerns, ideas, and ask questions in a welcoming space.
Being visible in schools and at community events to stay connected with what families are experiencing firsthand.
Supporting policies that expand parent voice, including advisory councils and more family engagement opportunities at the school level.
Partnering with local colleges, universities, and grow-your-own teacher programs to build a strong local pipeline of future educators and administrators.
Offering competitive compensation and benefits, along with supportive working conditions, mentorship, and professional development—especially for early-career teachers.
Highlighting Wichita’s strengths as a community, including its affordability, culture, and strong educational values, to draw in new talent.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2021
Hazel Stabler did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
