Ann Zimmerman

Ann Zimmerman graduated from Salina High School South. She earned a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 1979 and a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. Her career experience includes working as an attorney and business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kansas has excellent public schools, and I want to help make them even better. It's a challenging time to be a child - we see lower scores across the country. That makes it a challenge to be a teacher. Teachers and school staff across Kansas work heroically to help children learn. We need to celebrate their work, support them in being a positive influence in their students' lives, and equip them to allow each student to learn and grow to the greatest extent possible.

I grew up in a family of plumbing, heating and air conditioning wholesalers.

I had a great education in Salina Public Schools and earned an elementary education degree at K-State. I taught in inner-city schools in Kansas City, Kansas. That was the hardest job I ever had.

Later, I went on to something easier - I went to Harvard and got a law degree. I came back to Kansas.

Now I use my legal education to mediate between people in conflict. I will use those skills at the state level whenever they are needed.

This is my third term as an elected member of the Salina school board. I have a deep knowledge of public education.

I am concerned with politicians elected who do not support public schools. Like the U.S. founding fathers, I believe that public education is necessary for democracy. When students are not thriving, it's not time to bash the schools. School staff are trying harder than anyone to make sure kids learn. Our job is to provide what those schools need to help every child thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe in Kansas public schools. My life is richer for my public education, and I believe public schools are necessary for democracy.Schools can always improve. I have experience in how schools work, what they are required to do and what can make them better.Students, teachers and all school staff need our full support.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want our public policy to influence students to become the best human beings they can be - smart, kind, wise, with successful lives. The policies that aid in this are ones that allow caring, passionate teachers to make a good living while receiving adequate professional development in a supportive teaching environment.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I admire outgoing state commissioner Dr. Randy Watson's willingness to redesign school completely if it helps student thrive.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Important principles are integrity; openness to new, different, or unexpected ideas; seeking to understand; and treating others with respect.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

State school board members must keep themselves as informed as possible on the issues of the board; work as a team with the other board members; contribute to board discussions; ask questions; listen well - to other board members, department staff, and the public; and use their greatest wisdom and integrity in the decisions they make.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be able to say that while I was on the state board, the board worked together well for the betterment of Kansas students.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

The state school board sets standards - for schools to be accredited, for students to graduate, for colleges of education to follow. It does not control funding. That is left to the legislature, which is why we need to elect legislators who support public schools.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am just getting started - no formal endorsements yet as of July 1, and my website is still in development.