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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.
26-Year Educator
Rural School Advocate
Community Leader
Grandmother
Meet Lorie Wood
Lorie Wood is a lifelong educator who has dedicated her career to helping students succeed. With more than 26 years of teaching experience, she has worked in rural communities across the United States and internationally.
Her classrooms have included kindergartners learning English for the first time, high school students studying literature and journalism, and university students developing their writing skills.
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 intentionally chose to teach in rural communities, where 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.
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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 champions."
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.”
Tim Peterson
"If you want it done and done well, ask Lorie."
Melissa White
"Lorie's 26 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."