IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 2, 2007 

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Sherriene Jones-Sontag                                                                                                            785/296-2302

SPEAKER NAMES KANSAN TO TECH EDUCATION AUTHORITY

Topeka – Kansas Speaker of the House of Representatives Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) announced today he has appointed Eddie Estes, president and CEO of Western Kansas Manufacturers Association (WKMA) to the Postsecondary Technical Education Authority, as required by Substitute for House Bill 2556.

“Eddie is a long-time leader in technical education in Kansas and is a well-known advocate for making sure what’s being taught in our schools includes the skill sets Kansas manufacturers need,” Speaker Neufeld said.  “His work with WKMA also gives him a broad understanding of the needs of Kansas employers.  I am pleased he has agreed to serve our state once again to improve our technical education system.”

Estes, Dodge City, has served on a number of technical education, work force development, and business-related commissions and boards through the years. 

“One of the most important parts of a thriving economy is having a well-trained workforce and I believe that is something this authority will be able to help happen,” said Estes.

The Western Kansas Manufacturers Association is an organization of progressive manufacturers who work together to promote, advance, and advocate about what is happening in the field of manufacturing in Western Kansas.   The association also offers numerous seminars throughout the year and provides scholarships to vocational school, community colleges, and universities for students planning a future in the manufacturing industry.

As directed by Sub for HB 2556, the Authority will:

• Coordinate statewide planning for existing and new postsecondary technical education programs and contract training;
• Review existing and proposed postsecondary technical education programs;
• Review requests of state funding for postsecondary technical education and make recommendations to the State Board of Regents for funding amounts and distribution;
• Develop benchmarks and accountability indicators for the programs;
• Develop and advocate annually a policy agenda for postsecondary technical education; and
• Conduct studies of ways to maximize resources to best meet the needs of business and industry, making recommendations to the State Board of Regents.

The 12-member Authority consists of four members appointed by the Board of Regents; three by the governor; one by the senate president; one by the speaker as well as the Commissioner of Education, the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor, who are ex-officio members.