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Putting Kansas Kids & Rural Schools First
A lifelong educator fighting for strong rural schools, great teachers, and opportunities for every Kansas student.
30+ Year Educator
Public Education Advocate
Community Leader
Grandmother of District 5 students
Meet Lorie Wood
Lorie Wood is a lifelong educator who has dedicated her career to helping students succeed. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, she has worked in rural and urban communities across the United States and internationally.
She has taught in every learning environment and knows first-hand what works and what doesn’t. Her experience as an educator includes teaching K-12 English language learners, high school students in literature, journalism and English Language Arts (ELA), as well as college and university students in composition, academic writing and English as a Second Language (ESL).
In addition, she taught English for the US Navy in Japan, English as a Second Language (ESL), English for specific purposes (ESP), as well as journalism and academic, technical and institutional writing for seven years. She's also presented at several teaching conferences, written four textbooks, and developed curricula for online and standard educational environments. She has led teacher trainings and has had her lesson plans included in reference books written by distinguished authors in education.
Lorie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English - Secondary Education with an ESL endorsement and a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Throughout her career, she has intentionally chosen to teach in rural communities when possible. So she knows first-hand that strong schools play a central role in the health of towns and the opportunities available to students.
In 2019, Lorie moved to Kansas to be closer to her aging parents and to embrace a slower pace of life after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Today, she lives in District 5 and is proud to have grandchildren attending local schools. Her connection to Kansas classrooms is both professional and personal.
Lorie also serves as Chair of the Decatur County Democratic Party, where she has worked to strengthen community engagement and bring people together around shared goals. She is also the Rawlins County Silver-haired Legislature representative.
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Where I stand...
My ideals come from a strong belief in public education and a determination to ensure that the students in District 5 schools receive the same quality of education as those living in the wealthier counties of Kansas. I believe all students deserve safe and functional schools where they can learn and thrive. We achieve this by having fiscally responsible, but well-funded public schools throughout Kansas, including District 5. Together these will have a long term community impact!
Safe Schools Where Each Kansas Kid Can Learn
Every child in District 5 deserves to read fluently and understand math at grade level full stop. That's not a luxury or a nice-to-have; it's the foundation everything else in school and in life is built on.
Well-funded Public Schools and Long Term Community Impact
School funding gets discussed like a line item a number on a budget sheet, disconnected from everyday life and easy for people far from rural Kansas to overlook. I see it differently...
Local, District and State Partnership that Actually Works
I believe the people closest to a classroom teachers, principals, school boards, and parents are the ones best equipped to make decisions about that classroom, far better positioned than a committee in Topeka...
Why I am running
"Kansas schools are filled with dedicated teachers, hardworking staff, and students full of potential. But across District 5’s rural communities, our schools are facing serious challenges.
Teachers are leaving because salaries aren’t competitive. Paraprofessionals who support our most vulnerable students are often paid wages that make it difficult to stay in the profession.
Schools are struggling to provide the resources needed for students with special needs, and many rural districts are dealing with aging buildings that require major repairs. These issues affect real students, real families, and the future of our communities.
As a teacher, grandmother, and community leader, I have seen these challenges up close.
I believe rural Kansas deserves strong representation on the Kansas State Board of Education someone who understands classrooms, listens to educators and families, and works to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
That is why I am running.
Because our kids deserve a champion."
Community Voices
Lorie's commitment to education and community empowerment has inspired many. Her passion for ensuring every child's success shines through in everything she does.
Connie Davis
“As one English/ESL educator to another, I recognize Lorie’s personal background, comprehensive education, and her passion in advocating for the best public education for ALL students in Kansas.”
Melissa White
"Lorie's 30+ years of teaching not only made her a great teacher at every level, but it made her an excellent mentor to me. This also gives her something most board members don't have: real experience with what works and what doesn't in education."
Tim Peterson
"If you want it done and done well, ask Lorie."