By Sarah Perez, KASB Marketing Communications Manager

Leadership for Tomorrow (LFT) is a statewide professional learning program developed by KASB to support and grow education leaders across Kansas through a combination of structured learning and hands-on experiences in districts across the state. In my role as KASB’s marketing communications manager, I’ve seen how the program helps school leaders strengthen their leadership skills and expand their impact. This year, I also have the opportunity to engage in that learning firsthand as a participant in the LFT 2026 class.

For Session 2 of the program we traveled to Southeast Kansas to visit Columbus USD 493 and Fredonia USD 484. The two-day session provided practical insight into district leadership, student-centered learning and community engagement efforts underway in Kansas public schools.

Our visit to Columbus began with district leaders outlining their upcoming strategic planning process, which will launch this spring in partnership with Michelle and district stakeholders. The conversation focused on how strategic planning can help districts clarify priorities, align goals and ensure community input is part of the work from the start.

Columbus administrators also shared the academic progress the district has made at the elementary level. Through curriculum alignment and a comprehensive redesign of their MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), the district has seen consistent growth, particularly among students in grades 4–6 who have experienced the system over multiple years.

We also learned about the district’s facility reconfiguration following the passage of the 2021 bond. District leaders walked through the planning process and decisions behind adding new 7th grade classrooms, remodeling the 4th–8th grade campus, transitioning the high school to a 7–12 model and reconfiguring another campus to serve grades 2–6. Touring the facilities and hearing directly from administrators offered useful perspective on communication, leadership and managing change during a large-scale transition.

The Columbus visit included time at OWLS, the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site, where we saw how outdoor learning is integrated into instruction and community partnerships. Student leadership team members also shared the history and traditions of the district, reinforcing the role student voice plays in sustaining school culture.

The second day of the session took place in Fredonia and began at The Hive, a student-run coffee shop in downtown Fredonia. Students and sponsors explained how the program operates and how it supports entrepreneurship, workforce skills and community connections.

At Fredonia High School, agriculture students and instructors shared how the hydroponic trailer project supports hands-on learning and real-world career experiences. Participants also learned about Fredonia’s Unified Sports program, which is recognized as one of the top programs in Kansas. District leaders described how intentional planning has helped create inclusive opportunities that support belonging and positive school culture.

The session concluded at the elementary school and early learning center, where we observed the Amplify Reading program and discussed early literacy instruction and intervention supports.

The Leadership for Tomorrow 2026 class will meet four more times this year and travel to several districts including Udall, Goddard, Hugoton, Liberal, Graham County and Trego — continuing a year focused on learning, collaboration and leadership development across Kansas.