TOPEKA, Kan. — The first meeting of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force has been scheduled for March 31. One of the members is the leader of a Hutchinson-based nonprofit organization.
David Jordan, President of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, has been tapped to serve on the task force, that was created by Governor Laura Kelly’s first executive order of her second term, Executive Order 23-01.
The Task Force is charged with reviewing the Kansas early childhood care and education system and developing a roadmap for the creation of a cabinet-level agency dedicated to supporting the youngest Kansans.
Members appointed to the Early Childhood Transition Task Force are:
- Barry Downing, Wichita—Honorary Chair
- Cornelia Stevens, Wichita—Co-Chair
- Sam Huenergardt, Shawnee—Co-Chair
- Secretary Laura Howard, Topeka
- Secretary Janet Stanek, Topeka
- Melissa Rooker, Fairway
- Amanda Petersen, Lawrence
- Sara Bloom, Hays
- Lona Duvall, Garden City
- Kelly Davydov, Overland Park
- Betsy Wearing, Salina
- Jennifer Adhima, Lawrence
- David Jordan, Hutchinson
- Monica Murnan, Pittsburg
- Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas City
- Senator Brenda Dietrich, Topeka
- Representative Susan Ruiz, Shawnee
- Representative Troy Waymaster, Bunker Hill
The Hunt Institute will provide operational and staffing support to the Task Force. Established in 2001 by former North Carolina Governor James Hunt, The Hunt Institute’s mission is to provide unbiased research, technical expertise, and learning opportunities that equip and empower educators and policymakers to drive equitable education reforms.
The Hunt Institute will serve as the Task Force’s primary convener, provide policy and research expertise, and manage a statewide community engagement tour. The Hunt Institute has provided similar services in the review of early childhood programming in states including New Mexico, Missouri, North Dakota, Alabama, and Delaware.
The March 31 meeting will be at 1 p.m. in the Kansas Statehouse in the Old Supreme Court chamber, room 346-S.
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