When Dan Patterson talks about public education, he doesn’t lead with policy or politics. He talks about people — and about giving back. 

A longtime board member for Lakin USD 215 and now Region 10 Vice President on the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) Board of Directors, Patterson’s motivation is simple. He believes in serving the community that raised him. 

“I’ve always felt like people should give back,” he says. “You can give time or money, and I have a lot more time than money.” 

That mindset has shaped more than a decade of service. Patterson grew up in Lakin and now helps lead the same district. Many of the educators he works with today are people he went to school with, which makes the work personal. 

“When someone you grew up with says, ‘I appreciate what you’re doing,’ that’s what keeps you coming back,” he says. “It’s about community.” 

Over the years, Lakin has faced constant change, including significant administrative turnover. In 10 years, the district has seen 17 administrative changes, including multiple superintendents. 

“Trying to find your direction and then having leadership change again is tough,” Patterson admits. Those experiences reinforced for him how important it is for boards to provide stability and stay focused on what’s best for students and staff, no matter who is in the superintendent’s seat. 

Patterson brings his professional background in sales into the boardroom, where listening and relationship-building matter just as much as decision-making. He’s quick to say he doesn’t see himself as the expert. 

“They’re the professionals,” he says. “My job is to ask questions, listen and help move us forward together.” 

His involvement with KASB grew through relationships as well. After a brief conversation at a convention, Patterson was asked to serve on the KASB nominating committee. That opportunity connected him with board members from across the state and deepened his commitment to the association. 

“It’s the people that pull you in,” he says. “You build relationships, and then you want to stay involved.” 

Now, as Region 10 Vice President, Patterson sees his role as a connector. He believes boards benefit from leaning on one another when challenges come up. 

“No one has all the answers,” he says. “But together, we have a lot of experience that we don’t always tap into.” 

He hopes to encourage more peer-to-peer conversations, fresh perspectives and a willingness to reach out instead of going it alone. 

Outside of board service, Patterson’s life centers on family. He spends much of his free time with his grandchildren, follows his son’s college baseball career and stays connected with an exchange student who once lived with his family and is now playing college basketball. When time allows, he enjoys golfing with family and friends. 

Patterson credits influential educators from his own school days — teachers and leaders who balanced high expectations with genuine care — for shaping how he leads today. That same approach guides his work as a board member and regional leader. 

His advice to new board members is straightforward: ask questions, don’t rush decisions and use the resources available through KASB. 

“There’s a lot of support out there,” he says. “You don’t have to do this work alone.” 

Board members in region 10 are encouraged to connect and be part of the conversation. To reach out to Dan Patterson or learn more about learning or networking opportunities, please contact Melissa Holder at mholder@kasb.org.