Kansas District 1 Board Election to Shape School Policy
Voters will choose between two candidates who hold differing views on classroom screen time and academic curriculum.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should your local school board prioritize traditional academics over social-emotional learning and equity initiatives?
Jennifer Lloyd and Amy Cawvey are vying for the District 1 seat on the Kansas State Board of Education in the November 3, 2026, general election. The seat, currently held by Danny Zeck, covers school districts such as Lawrence, Leavenworth, Basehor-Linwood, and Lansing.
Why it matters
The State Board of Education oversees vital family logistics, including academic standards, the accreditation system, and the state's educational licensing process. This election will determine which candidate sets policy for K-12 schooling across District 1 communities.
The District 1 race features Democrat Jennifer Lloyd and Republican Amy Cawvey, who hold contrasting views on classroom technology. Lloyd, who has 28 years of education experience, advocates for reducing digital instruction, while Cawvey proposes screen-time limits through sixth grade.
The players
Jennifer Lloyd
The Democratic candidate for District 1 with 28 years of professional experience in education roles.
Amy Cawvey
The Republican candidate who previously served on the Lansing USD 469 school board and as chairman of the National School Boards Coalition.
Danny Zeck
The current incumbent for the District 1 seat who is not seeking reelection.
The details
The Kansas State Board of Education functions as the primary body for setting statewide academic policy and managing school accreditation. While Jennifer Lloyd emphasizes a shift away from digital-heavy instruction, Amy Cawvey has stated her intent to remove specific diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and social-emotional learning programs if elected. These policy decisions directly shape the daily classroom experience and curricular focus for students within the district.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: General election for District 1 board seat.
The Home Front
The State Board of Education plays a foundational role in managing the Kansas state accreditation system that monitors school performance. Candidates in this race hold diverging visions for how these state-level policies should shape local curriculum and daily classroom operations.
Families in District 1 should review the candidates' specific proposals regarding digital instruction and classroom curriculum before the November 3, 2026, election. Parents can check their local county election office website to confirm their specific polling location and registration status.
The takeaway
This election will set the direction for state education policy, including technology usage and curricular standards, starting in 2026. Voters in Lawrence, Leavenworth, Lansing, and Basehor-Linwood should verify their district boundaries ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election date.
Further reading
To understand the broader impact of state-level oversight on your local schools, explore the Administration section.
Live Poll
Should your local school board prioritize traditional academics over social-emotional learning and equity initiatives?
