Kris Meyer

Kris Meyer (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Kansas State Board of Education to represent District 4. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Meyer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Kris Meyer earned a high school diploma from Olathe South High School, a bachelor's degree from Ottawa University in 2007, and a graduate degree from Baker University in 2011. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit professional and educator.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Kansas State Board of Education District 4

Connie O'Brien defeated Kris Meyer in the general election for Kansas State Board of Education District 4 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Connie O'Brien (R)	50.7	79,486
	Kris Meyer (D)	49.3	77,228

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 156,714
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Kansas State Board of Education District 4

Kris Meyer advanced from the Democratic primary for Kansas State Board of Education District 4 on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kris Meyer	100.0	14,465

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 14,465
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Kansas State Board of Education District 4

Connie O'Brien defeated Nancy Moneymaker and Gina Montalbano Zesiger in the Republican primary for Kansas State Board of Education District 4 on August 6, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Connie O'Brien	44.8	9,885
	Nancy Moneymaker	36.2	7,991
	Gina Montalbano Zesiger	19.1	4,212

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,088
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Meyer in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Kris Meyer completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Meyer's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm running for the Kansas State Board of Education, District 4. I grew up in Johnson County, Kansas. My journey began working for my mother’s commercial cleaning company. Through hard work & perseverance, I became a first-generation college graduate. My husband, a USMC Veteran & I attended public schools in Kansas, & together, we are raising our daughters in public schools because we believe in the power of accessible education for all.

My life has been deeply rooted in public service. From helping my mom clean offices late at night to pursuing my dreams of becoming a teacher, I learned the value of service leadership & the importance of education from a young age. After graduating from college, I served as a proud teacher at USD 232 De Soto public schools. Over the years, I served as a school improvement specialist, associate high school principal, & principal of Starside Elementary from 2015 to 2021. For 13 years, I worked in Title I (economically disadvantaged) schools, relentlessly advocating for my students.

My background as an educator & parent of two daughters adopted from foster care has given me firsthand experience with the challenges our schools & working families face. I aim to address issues like equitable funding, teacher support, Social & Emotional Learning & innovative educational practices to create an environment where ALL students can thrive. I commit to listen, learn, & be a strong voice for our community.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ensuring equitable access to quality education for every child, regardless of zip code or background, is at the heart of my campaign & requires a comprehensive approach. Education is the great equalizer, & every child deserves the opportunity to succeed! To achieve this, we must address & dismantle barriers preventing equitable access to education. This includes implementing evidence-based interventions to support students facing additional challenges. We must invest in early childhood education, as children who attend high-quality preschool programs are more likely to succeed academically and socially. Furthermore, we must ensure our schools are safe & inclusive environments where all students feel valued & supported.
Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy. We must value & invest in our public schools! One of my top priorities is to hold legislators accountable for providing constitutionally mandated public school funding, particularly for Special Education, to ensure every Kansas child has the opportunity to succeed. We must also oppose private school vouchers, which divert critical funds away from public schools & undermine our commitment to equitable education for all. Fair funding, transparency, & community involvement ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to support our schools. By prioritizing education & engaging with lawmakers, we ensure every Kansas child has the resources & opportunities to thrive.
Educators are heroes. We must attract and retain competent, dedicated educators! It's vital for a high-quality public education system. We must maintain high standards for licensure & provide ongoing professional development & mentoring programs to support educators. Reducing class sizes can be achieved by fully funding Special Education, preventing schools from having to divert funds from their General Education budgets to cover shortfalls. Providing essential resources & social-emotional support are also crucial. By giving teachers the tools & time they need to succeed, we can ensure every child in Kansas has access to a competent, dedicated, & well-supported teacher, leading to a high-quality education for all.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a lifelong KANSAS public educator, I'm passionate about public policies ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children. Serving as an elementary teacher, paraprofessional, high school vice principal, & Title I elementary principal, I've witnessed the impact of well-funded education policy. I advocate for full funding because when Special Education is not funded, all students lose out on opportunities & smaller class sizes. As a former non-profit executive director for USD 232 & an Olathe Public Schools alumna, I support policies that attract & retain world-class teachers, provide robust resources for student achievement, & foster inclusive, safe environments where every student feels valued.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics of an elected official include integrity, transparency, empathy, and a commitment to serving the public interest. Principles such as accountability, fairness, and a dedication to continuous improvement are also crucial. Elected officials should be good listeners, open to diverse perspectives, and willing to collaborate with others to find solutions that benefit the community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The following core values and personal experiences make me a strong candidate for office:

1. Experience in KANSAS Public Schools: With extensive experience as an educator, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our educational system. This background equips me with the insights needed to advocate effectively for policies that support students and teachers.
2. Commitment to Equity: Growing up in a working-class family and being a first-generation college graduate, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or zip code, has access to a high-quality education.
3. Leadership and Advocacy: My role as a district representative on the negotiations team has honed my skills in leadership and advocacy. I am experienced in working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve common goals, which is essential for effective governance.
4. Community Engagement: Having worked closely with my community as principal and non-profit leader, I understand the importance of listening to and engaging with parents, students, and educators. I value their input and am committed to being a voice for all Kansas students and educators.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: My experience in school administration has taught me to approach problems with a strategic and solutions-oriented mindset. I am adept at analyzing data, identifying issues, and implementing effective solutions to improve educational outcomes.
6. Integrity and Transparency: I believe in leading with integrity and maintaining transparency in all my actions. As an officeholder, I will ensure my decisions are guided by ethical principles.

7. Passion for Continuous Improvement: I am driven by a desire to continuously improve our education system. Whether it is through advocating for robust professional development, funding critical programs, or expanding STEM and technical training, I'm committed to fostering an environment where students and educators can thrive.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBOE) include setting educational standards, overseeing the implementation of policies and programs including school accreditation and teacher licensure, ensuring equitable funding for schools, and advocating for the needs of all students. It also involves engaging with educators, parents, and the community to gather feedback and make informed decisions that enhance the quality of education.

Another core responsibility of KSBOE members is to work with the legislature. The roles of the Kansas Legislature and the KSBOE should be distinct but complementary when it comes to standards, curriculum, and student assessment. The KSBOE should have control over standards and assessments. This allows for a consistent and expert-driven approach to setting educational expectations and evaluating student performance across the state. The KSBOE is better positioned to develop and implement these standards because it can draw on educational expertise and focus on long-term educational goals without being influenced by short-term political pressures.

On the other hand, curriculum decisions should be left to local districts. Local educators and administrators are more attuned to the unique needs and contexts of their communities and can tailor the curriculum to best serve their students. This local control ensures that the curriculum is relevant and responsive to the specific demographics, goals, and priorities of each district.

The legislature's role should be to provide the necessary funding and support to implement these standards and assessments effectively. Additionally, the legislature can establish the legal framework within which the KSBOE and local districts operate, ensuring accountability and equity in education across the state.

By clearly defining these core responsibilities, we can create a balanced and effective education system that meets the needs of all students.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a janitor for my mother's woman-owned commercial cleaning business. Growing up in a working-class family, I witnessed firsthand the hard work and sacrifice it took for my mother to build her business from the ground up. From a young age, I assisted her with tasks such as taking out the trash, filling paper towel dispensers, and vacuuming. During high school, cleaning office buildings became my part-time job. I could participate in sports and after-school activities, then head out to clean office buildings in the evenings. This job was ideal because it taught me the value of hard work and humble beginnings while also highlighting the importance of furthering my education. During college, I continued this job, reinforcing the lessons of dedication and perseverance, and continued working for my mother's company until receiving my first teaching job in 2007.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to ensure that EVERY student has access to a high-quality, equitable education. This involves advocating for sufficient funding, particularly for Special Education and At-Risk programs, to ensure resources are not diverted from General Education. When programs such as Special Education are not funded, all students lose out on opportunities and smaller class sizes, because districts must use funds from their General Education budgets to cover the shortfalls. Additionally, a school board member must support policies that attract and retain world-class teachers by providing robust professional development, mentoring programs, and reducing class sizes. Furthermore, they must foster inclusive, safe environments where every student feels valued and supported, ensuring all children, regardless of background or zip code, have the opportunity to succeed.

It is also essential for a school board member to engage with the community, listening to the concerns and needs of students, parents, and educators to make informed decisions. I will support nominees from reputable organizations such as the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) for teacher vacancies on State Board advisory committees and commissions, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented and that we can work together to improve education for all students. Transparency and accountability in decision-making processes are crucial for maintaining trust and integrity within the school district. My background as an elementary teacher, paraprofessional, high school vice principal, Title I elementary principal, and non-profit executive director for USD 232 De Soto Schools has shown me the importance of these roles and the impact they have on student success.

Who are your constituents?

The kids! While everything must begin with students and what is right for all students, my constituents in District 4 include students, parents, teachers, administrators, families, and community members. As an elected official serving on the Kansas State Board of Education, my constituents will include students, parents, teachers, administrators, families, and community members within the great State of Kansas. It is important to represent the diverse voices and needs of all these groups to create a supportive and effective educational environment.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Supporting the diverse needs of KSBOE, District 4 involves promoting inclusive policies, ensuring equitable access to resources, and providing targeted support for students and staff who need it. This includes addressing the needs of marginalized groups, offering professional development for teachers, and creating programs that support the social-emotional well-being of students and staff.

Additionally, by supporting and working with local school boards, the KSBOE supports the diverse needs of all students in Kansas public schools. Local school boards are best equipped to understand and support the evolving needs of their constituents. For example, curriculum decisions should be left to local districts. Local educators and administrators are more attuned to the unique needs and contexts of their communities and can tailor the curriculum to best serve their students. This local control ensures that the curriculum is relevant and responsive to the specific demographics, goals, and priorities of each district.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Building relationships with the broader community involves regular communication, active listening, and collaboration. I will engage with parent-teacher associations, community and educational organizations such as KNEA and the Kauffman Foundation, local businesses and economic development leaders, and other key stakeholders to gather input and build partnerships. Specific groups to target include those representing marginalized communities, educational advocacy organizations, and local civic groups.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

Dedicated and well-informed educators constitute GREAT teaching! Great teaching involves a deep understanding of the subject matter, the ability to engage and inspire students, and the use of effective instructional strategies. It also includes the ability to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. I will measure good teaching through a combination of student outcomes, school accreditation visits, and feedback from students and parents. Supporting advanced teaching approaches involves providing ongoing professional development, opportunities for collaboration, and access to the latest educational resources and technologies.

From my 13 years serving in Title I schools, I know great teaching starts with ensuring every student's basic human needs are met. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs states that students must have their basic physiological and safety needs met before they can focus on higher-order needs such as belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. Only after these foundational needs are fulfilled can students truly achieve their maximum potential. This demonstrates the importance of creating a supportive and caring school environment to help students grow personally and academically.

Regarding advanced teaching approaches, I greatly admire the founders of the CAPS Network. The Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) began with a small group of students engaging in internships and projects for businesses in a Kansas City suburb. Over time, it expanded to become a national leader in profession-based learning. CAPS empowers high school students by immersing them in professional environments, solving real-world problems, and using industry-standard tools. This approach not only enhances career readiness but also boosts students' confidence in their professional skills. As a high school administrator, I witnessed the power of such advanced teaching approaches and their impact on our students' futures.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I would like to expand the curriculum in areas such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), advanced technical training, and apprenticeships. There is a growing need for programs that prepare students for the workforce by providing hands-on, real-world experiences.

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, they often pay students while they learn a new trade, skill, or industry. They are available in many fields and industries, including finance, early childhood education, healthcare, construction, trades, technology, and more. They open doors to career growth after a student's apprenticeship is complete, and they may offer college course credits. Apprenticeships offer a strategic solution to the talent needs of employers in the workforce. By developing tailored talent, promoting diversity and inclusion, and reaping the cost-efficiency and long-term return on investment benefits, companies can position themselves for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Like the emphasis placed on statewide reading interventions in Kansas, I would also advocate for comprehensive educator training in math interventions, including the development of programs that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. In 2021, $15 million was spent to train our Kansas teacher corps and college professors in the science of reading and the LETRS training in K-12. To date, more than 6000 teachers have been trained and results are starting to show improvement in student reading achievement. A strategic emphasis on teacher preparedness for teaching math interventions and programming will aid our students in becoming fluent in the areas of critical thinking and problem-solving and give them the competence needed for success in their post-secondary endeavors.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

The role of the State Board in school finance is to make funding recommendations to the legislature that support the law and student needs. The legislature should take those recommendations and ensure that the school funding system provides the necessary resources for addressing diverse student learning needs.

During the upcoming 2024-25 school year, Kansas public schools will take about $150 million out of their General funds to support Special Education. As a member of the KSBOE, I will continue to push for the legislature to follow the law and fully fund the 92% of excess costs they pledged to fund within the law.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

The principles driving my policies for safety in schools include creating a safe and secure environment for all students and staff, preventing violence and bullying, and promoting mental health and well-being. This involves working with local school boards to implement comprehensive safety plans, providing training for staff, and fostering a positive school culture.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Supporting the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff involves providing access to mental health resources and services, creating a supportive and inclusive school environment, and promoting awareness and education about mental health. This includes hiring qualified mental health professionals, offering training and professional development, and creating programs that support social-emotional learning and well-being.

During my tenure serving in Kansas public schools, and particularly my most recent position as a non-profit executive director for the USD 232, we sought to fund programs for students, families, and educators surrounding mental health. This included providing several free showings of Angst, a film program to help students and adults with anxiety. I recognize the importance of providing resources and activities to support safety, positive mental well-being, and life skill development to students and educators alike.

Additionally, under my leadership at the non-profit, we partnered with other area school districts and education foundations to explore programs like Mental Health First Aid, an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. When you are providing services to people in crisis or individuals coping with traumatic experiences, taking your time, developing a rapport, and developing trust is critical. I will continue to further my efforts and advocacy of supporting the mental health needs of my constituents when serving as a member of the Kansas State Board of Education.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

To date, the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) has endorsed my campaign.

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment for students is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. It should provide a safe and welcoming space where students feel valued and respected. The environment should foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, and offer access to the resources and support students need to succeed academically and personally.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

During the coronavirus pandemic, our school district took significant steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. This included transitioning to remote learning, implementing health and safety protocols, and providing support for students and families, including lending wireless hotspots to any family in need. We were one of the first districts in our area to return full in-person learning for elementary school students. I saw firsthand the profound academic and socio-emotional impact returning to in-person learning had on our students and educators.

However, there are always lessons to be learned and areas for improvement. In hindsight, I would have advocated for more robust support for mental health and well-being, and additional training for teachers in remote instruction.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

As a lifelong Kansas educator, building relationships with parents in the districts I served was a noted strength. I remained visible to the public, going so far as to create and broadcast YouTube videos during the pandemic to ensure I reached the homes of my beloved families. I created community scavenger hunts to ensure families safely remained connected to our school during the mandatory stay-at-home order. As a principal, I maintained an open-door policy and routinely held "Coffee with Kris" forums for parents and community members to be heard and get their questions answered.

In my experience, I know that to build a relationship with parents, I must hold regular meetings and forums to gather their input and address their concerns. I will also maintain open lines of communication through newsletters, social media, and community events. Additionally, I will involve parents in decision-making processes and seek their feedback on key initiatives.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

My preferred strategies for recruitment include offering fair and comprehensive salaries and benefits to all educators, providing opportunities for professional growth, and creating a supportive work environment. I also believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion in hiring practices to ensure that our faculty, staff, and administration reflect the diversity of our student population.

During my 13 years serving in Title I (economically disadvantaged) schools, I hired individuals with diverse backgrounds that lowered the affective filter of the students they served. For example, in our English Language Learners (ELL) program, I often hired individuals who spoke the native languages of our ELL students. These individuals knew best how to be culturally inclusive. They recognized the unique needs of their ELL students and proactively identified, addressed, and remedied achievement disparities.

Schools in which diverse populations succeed are led by well-informed educators who are invested in their success and the success of all the staff members serving this dynamic population.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring that resources are used effectively. It is essential for government agencies, including school boards, to be open about their financial practices, provide clear and accessible information to the public, and be accountable for their decisions and actions.

The role of the Kansas State Board of Education in school finance is to make funding recommendations to the legislature that support the law and student needs. The legislature should take those recommendations and ensure that the school funding system provides the necessary resources for addressing diverse student learning needs.

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Campaign website

Meyer’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Public Funds for Public Schools One crucial aspect of ensuring quality education for all is the allocation of public funds for public schools. Public education is the cornerstone of our state's legacy. It was so important to our Kansas founders that they made it the Legislature’s number one priority and established a state board of education to supervise. We must fully fund our public schools with public monies, staunchly resisting efforts to divert public dollars to private schools and ensure higher education is accessible to anyone who wishes to pursue a degree. Full & Equitable Funding I am steadfast in my commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education for every child, irrespective of their socio-economic background or zip code. It’s a catalyst for economic prosperity and a conduit for our children's potential. Fully funding Special Education and At-Risk programs affects EVERY student, allowing teachers to meet the needs of exceptional learners and do what they do best: TEACH! A robust public education system not only stimulates economic growth by attracting and retaining businesses but also facilitates social mobility, providing disadvantaged students with a pathway out of poverty. Let Teachers Teach: Attract & Retain Quality Heroes (Educators)! A highly competent teacher workforce is a necessary foundation for improving children’s educational outcomes. We must allow teachers to focus on teaching by removing barriers to student learning. We can do this by fully funding Special Education and At-Risk programs, providing access to key resources, and providing teachers ample time to perform their jobs properly. Losing experienced educators to turnover has a direct impact on students. A beloved educator can serve as a role model or mentor. By removing barriers to learning and providing teachers with the resources and training they need, we can ensure our classroom heroes feel supported and equipped to provide their students with the quality education they deserve, fostering a desirable work-life balance that encourages them to remain in this noble profession. When our public education system falters, so too does our state. Drawing upon my extensive background in education, I understand the importance of advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of teachers and students. Therefore, I am uniquely positioned to champion the cause of public education in District 4 and advocate for meaningful policy changes at the Capitol. ^[2]	”
—Kris Meyer’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Kris Meyer campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Kansas State Board of Education District 4	Lost general	$30,609	$0
Grand total			$30,609	$0
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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Candidate

Kansas State Board of Education District 4

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 6, 2024
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Kris Meyer’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed July 25, 2025

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 6, 2024

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Kris Meyer’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed July 25, 2025

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Kris Meyer

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Kansas State Board of Education District 4

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Kansas State Board of Education District 4

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Kansas State Board of Education District 4

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

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