Kansas Education Finance ‘Icon’ Dale Dennis To Retire After 53 Years

By Tim Carpenter, The Kansas Reflector

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Sept. 9, 2020

TOPEKA — Kansas deputy education commissioner Dale Dennis plans to retire this month after more than half a century working for public school children.

Dennis arrived at the Kansas State Department of Education in 1967 as a school finance administrator. His career in education began in 1959 as a teacher at Blue Mound High School and led to hiring as principal at LaCygne High School.

He became deputy commissioner of education in 1976 and filled in as interim commissioner four times since 1995. His retirement is effective Sept. 30.

“I’ve tried to be as helpful as possible,” Dennis said. “If you can make a difference and help a school district — which will help students — it’s all about that. It’s about making a difference.”

Steve Carlin, superintendent of Garden City school district, said Dennis was considered “the gold standard” in terms of advocacy for education.

“He’s an icon,” Carlin said. “He’s an invaluable resource and is so helpful to superintendents and districts. We are fortunate to have a state department and people like Dale here to help us. That makes my job as a superintendent so much easier. No matter what corner of the state you’re in or how big or small a district is, he’s an advocate for public education.”

Dennis’ job has been to supervise oversight of $5 billion in state and federal funding that flows through the Department of Education to schools.

Gov. Laura Kelly said generations of Kansas schools, teachers and students were better off due to the work of Dennis.

“I’m inspired by his 53 years of distinguished service, and while he may be retiring, I know that his commitment to our public schools will continue,” the governor said.

Randy Watson, commissioner of education in Kansas, said Dennis had performed his responsibilities with honor and integrity. He said people like Dennis were a rarity and his “passion, dedication and love for serving others will truly be missed.”

Craig Neuenswander, director of school finance at the Department of Education, will replace Dennis as deputy commissioner. He’s a former superintendent in Riley County and Iola districts. His doctorate is from Kansas State University.

The Kansas Reflector seeks to increase people's awareness of how decisions made by elected representatives and other public servants affect our day-to-day lives. We hope to empower and inspire greater participation in democracy throughout Kansas.