Board submits technical evaluation of commissioner‑search RFP to procurement after executive session

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State Board of Education recessed into an executive session on Nov. 13 to review responses to an RFP for a commissioner‑search firm, then returned to open session and authorized submission of the technical evaluation to the Office of Procurement and Contracts.

The vice chair read the motion summarizing the recommended technical evaluations for each bid and asked that the evaluation package be forwarded to procurement. The motion was seconded and approved by voice (noted as 9‑0 because one board member was absent). The board had announced the closed session would be 120 minutes and limited participation to board members, counsel and financial staff under non‑disclosure agreements.

After the vote, members discussed logistics for continued review and scheduled a follow‑up in‑person work session (targeted for Tuesday at noon) to handle the volume of materials and possibly continue in executive session with a potential subsequent vote. Board leadership said no action would be taken during the executive session itself and reiterated the confidentiality and non‑technology rules for the closed meeting.

The procurement submission advances the search process; board staff will circulate details about the special meeting and materials in advance.