The following was originally published in the Osage County Herald-Chronicle on October 13, 2016, and the Topeka Capital-Journal, on October 9, 2016:

I am a former public school teacher and a Republican. On Nov. 8, I will vote for Sen. Anthony Hensley.

As a classroom teacher for 41 years, Hensley knows what it takes to provide a top quality education for all Kansas children. As our state senator, he fought to restore funding cuts to schools and he opposed Gov. Sam Brownback’s temporary block grant system. He knew it would have detrimental effects on all school districts, especially rural districts like mine.

Without adequate funding, kids are being forced to learn in larger classes with less instruction and fewer supplies. In addition, quality teachers are harder to retain and recruit.

Sen. Anthony Hensley is the right person with the right priorities and the right experience to protect our children’s futures.

HEIDI VANDEVORD, Scranton

Find the original letter, here.