GOP leader hopes new map moves Kansas school board to right

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas are pushing a redistricting plan that the state Senate’s top GOP leader hopes will move the state school board to the right. The Senate on Tuesday approved a bill that would redraw the districts for the 10-member elected State Board of Education so that districts are equal after a decade of population shifts across Kansas. The 31-8 vote sends the measure to the House. Lawmakers are expected to give final approval to new lines for board districts this week. Republicans hold a 6-4 board majority, but the board is less conservative than the Legislature. Senate President Ty Masterson says more conservatives would lead to a “more vibrant” debate about education policy.