On Friday, September 5th, Kansas Senate Majority Leader, Chase Blasi, stepped into the shoes of school administrators as “Principal for a Day” at Apollo Elementary School and Eisenhower High School (EHS), gathering firsthand insights into the daily operations of K-12 public education in Goddard Public Schools.
Senator Blasi, who holds the distinction of being the youngest standing state senate majority leader in the country, spent the day in the diverse educational environments of both schools. "The unique difference between elementary schools and high schools really stood out," Blasi shared. At Apollo, he engaged with young learners, reading to kindergarten students and experiencing their boundless energy and curiosity firsthand. Meanwhile, he described EHS as "a city within itself," with the amount of programs available for students, showcasing the broad educational opportunities available to USD 265 students.
One observation that Senator Blasi had was the strong relationships between students and their educators. "I noticed that students really look up to the leadership in schools," he shared. "The bond between students and their teachers and administrators was impressive." The emphasis on relationships aligns with Blasi's own philosophy on success. When asked for advice on leadership and politics, he emphasized that "relationships are the key to success." He credits his own achievements to the connections he has made with policy experts throughout his career.
The “Principal for a Day” experience provided a valuable perspective as Senator Blasi prepares for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. "Talking to the administrators gave me a better understanding of some of the challenges that K-12 schools are facing," he noted. Looking ahead, Senator Blasi's goals for public education policy center around providing stability and financial security for public education. "I saw firsthand how education cuts, after the 2008 financial crisis, impacted public education and I'm very conscious about the decisions we make," he explained. "As lawmakers make financial decisions that could impact education, sometimes the state should stay out of the way."
When asked about influential educators from his own academic journey, Senator Blasi spoke warmly of several teachers from elementary through high school, noting that he still maintains contact with some of his high school teachers today. "I see them as role models," he said. "There is no question that educators make an extreme impact on students' lives." The senator emphasized that while most education reform discussions focus on higher education, the K-12 experience is what lays the foundation for student success.