Join us for an educational panel to understand what’s at stake on the August 4, 2026, ballot amendment. Whether you’re just learning about the ballot amendment or want deeper context before voting on August 4, this event will offer clear, accessible information to help you make an informed decision! Moderated by Sherman Smith (Editor at Kansas Reflector), our panelists include:

Carol Beier is a former Kansas Supreme Court Justice who served from 2003 until her retirement in 2020. She was previously appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals by Governor Bill Graves. Before joining the bench, she practiced law in Wichita and Washington, D.C., and served as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit as well as a fellow at the National Women’s Law Center.

Art Gutierrez is serving his third term on the USD 253 Emporia Board of Education. He is a longtime advocate for public education in Kansas and has also served on the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) Executive Board, including as KASB President in 2023. He brings experience in school governance and insight into how state policy impacts local districts.

Mark Schreiber is a former utility executive and current Kansas state representative serving the 60th District. Born and raised in Garden City, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Emporia State University. He retired in 2017 as vice president of government affairs for Westar Energy (now Evergy) after a career in the energy sector beginning with Kansas Gas & Electric. He serves on several legislative committees, including Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Education, Judiciary, and the Legislature Modernization Committee.