FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2026

Lawrence, Kan. – The five Democrats vying for seats on the Kansas State Board of Education will unite Aug. 28 for a joint fundraiser in Lawrence.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Carnegie Building, 200 W. 9th St. The candidates will address attendees at 6 p.m., followed by a short question-and-answer period.

A live Zoom will be available at 6 p.m. for those who can’t attend. Register to attend the fundraiser in person or via Zoom. Other Democrat candidates running for national, state and local offices will be recognized at the fundraiser. Refreshments will be available.

“Every Kansas State Board of Education member affects all Kansans,” said Hank Chamberlain, national committeeperson for the Kansas Democratic Party. “Public education makes or breaks our future.”

The Democrat Kansas State Board of Education candidates are:

— Jennifer Lloyd, of Meriden, an educator with 28 years of experience. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in library science, both from Emporia State University. She has taught general education and special education classes. Currently, she is an elementary school librarian in Jefferson County and a Tier 3 reading interventionist for grades K-4. She is running in District 1.

— Amy Diediker, of Olathe, a former public school teacher and public school advocate for more than 20 years. Amy’s advocacy began when her daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease, giving her first-hand experience navigating 504 plans, accessibility needs and the challenges many families face. She is running in District 3.

— Lorie Wood, of Dresden, who has more than 30 years of experience teaching in rural communities across the United States and abroad. She has taught students from kindergarten through university levels. Lorie has a bachelor’s degree in English-Secondary Education with an English as a Second Language endorsement from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Birmingham in Birmingham, England. She is running in District 5.

— Ann Zimmerman, of Salina, who is serving her third term on the Salina school board. She has an elementary education degree from Kansas State University and a law degree from Harvard University. Her law practice focuses on mediation. She also is a singer-songwriter who performs dozens of school programs each year. She is running in District 7.

— Heather Guernsey, of Chanute, who serves on the Chanute school board. Heather has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Emporia State University. She also serves on the board of directors of the Kansas Association of School Boards. She is running in District 9.

The Board of Education candidates are planning to appear together at statewide campaign stops during the election cycle, which ends with the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Donations during the Aug. 28 fundraiser will be equally divided among the candidates.Donations also can be sent directly to specific candidates at their campaign websites.

In addition to Chamberlain, other sponsors for the fundraiser are Bill Hammond, retired business officer for Kansas community colleges and public school districts; state Sen. Marci Francisco; and the Food and Farm Caucus for the Kansas Democratic Party.

Following the fundraiser, attendees in Lawrence are encouraged to take part in the Final Friday activities, dine at local restaurants or watch the Kansas City Chiefs game at local sports bars.

Register to attend in person or virtually:https://bit.ly/KSBOE5

Support the five candidates:https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ksboe26

CONTACT:

Meredith Neill

info@amyd4boe.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2026

OLATHE, KS – Former public school educator Amy Diediker is stepping into the race for the

Kansas State Board of Education, District 3, with a clear goal: strengthen Kansas public

schools and ensure every student thrives in a safe, supportive learning environment.

Diediker’s decision to run is informed by more than 20 years of experience as an educator

and parent in Olathe Public Schools. Her perspective also reflects the time her family

worked with their local district to support her daughter’s medical and mobility needs.

Through that process, she saw how important it is for families to have strong partnerships

with local schools. She believes every Kansas student should have access to the same

strong systems that helped her own family.

“These experiences showed me how important it is for families to have strong advocates

who understand our schools and the challenges students face,” Diediker said. “Every child

in Kansas deserves access to a high-quality education and the support they need to thrive.”

Diediker’s campaign will focus on improving student achievement, supporting educators,

and making evidence-based decisions that put students and families first.

To learn more about Amy, please visit her website, www.amyd4boe.com

CONTACT:

Meredith Neill

info@amyd4boe.com

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