Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) is proud to announce the launch of Thrive, a year-long human resources learning cohort for school district leaders. The cohort will gather five times throughout the year at sites across Kansas. Members will gain knowledge of HR law and best practices to champion and support a positive and engaging workplace culture.    

Thrive is designed to equip school district leaders with the tools to create a positive and productive workplace culture. During Thrive, participants will learn about critical processes within the human resources function, problem-solving skills, and essential best practices in the HR role. They will also gain an understanding of technical and practical aspects of employee management, awareness of state and federal laws impacting the human resources function and skills to navigate difficult conversations. Additionally, participants will learn about systems to establish and maintain employee information and will have access to a supportive network of colleagues from across the state. 

Thrive also provides an opportunity for participants to learn about KASB services and support. KASB is dedicated to supporting Kansas school districts, and Thrive is just one of the many ways we are committed to helping school district leaders succeed.

The Kansas Association of School Boards is pleased to announce the Thrive Class of 2023:

• Jeremy Boldra, Assistant Superintendent, USD 385 Andover  
• Abby Bowen, Director of Human Resources, USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden 
• Justin Burchett, Assistant Superintendent, USD 368 Paola 
• Shay Carter, Executive Director of Special Education, USD 231 Gardner-Edgerton 
• Brandi Clarke, Executive Director of Human Resources, USD 266 Maize 
• Jared Giffin, Director of Human Resources, USD 253 Emporia 
• Tim Hayden, Superintendent, USD 267 Renwick 
• Brandon Haynes, Superintendent, USD 226 Meade 
• Dr. Steve Heinauer, Director of Human Resources, USD 229 Blue Valley School 
• Jenny Hurley, Director of Human Resources/Communication, USD 203 Piper 
• Craig Idacavage, Superintendent, USD 312 Haven 
• Gillian Macias, Assistant Superintendent; USD 261 Haysville 
• Kimberly Mauk, Director of SWP Southwest Plains Regional Service Center 
• Scott May, Coordinator of Early Learning and Human Resources, USD 265 Goddard 
• Mark Meyer, Executive Director of Human Resources, USD 231 Gardner-Edgerton 
• JoAnn Nowatzke, Human Resource Specialist; USD 290 Ottawa 
• Deborah Ramberg, General Director of Human Resources, USD 501 Topeka 
• Tara Schraeder, Assistant Human Resources Director, USD 443 Dodge City 
• Darren Schroeder, Superintendent, USD 364 Marysville 
• Leesa Sneath, Chief Human Resource Officer Southwest Kansas Coop District #613