May 19, 2013

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Reporter: AP - Posted by Suzie Gilbert

Evolution Big Issue In Kan. School Board Races

Surprising fossils dug up in Africa are creating messy kinks in the iconic straight line of human evolution from knuckle-dragging ape to briefcase-carrying man. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ State Board of Education candidates can't escape questions about how Kansas public schools should teach evolution, even as they stress other issues in their campaigns.

Educators expect the board to consider new science standards next year.

Five of the board's 10 seats are on the ballot in this year's elections. The Aug. 7 primary will settle races for party nominations in two districts.

In the 6th District, Usha Reddi, a Manhattan teacher, and Carol Viar, (VYE-ahr), a member of a Salina-area school board, are seeking the Democratic nomination. The winner will face former state Rep. Deena Horst, a Salina Republican.

In the 8th District in Wichita, Kathy Busch, a retired assistant superintendent, is trying to unseat incumbent Walt Chappell in the Republican primary, with no Democratic candidate on the ballot.