Melanie Smarsh for Maize School Board

03/06/2026

I had the cutest little reading buddy this morning! Thank you to MES for the invite, it was great to be back in the building and see so many familiar faces!

01/12/2026

The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. today, Jan. 12, 2026, at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1155 W. Academy in Maize. Meetings are open to the public.

🔗 Find a link to meeting agendas and minutes, school board member information, and policies at www.usd266.com/schoolboard.

11/06/2025

Good morning!
I have a new email designated for all things Maize BOE: [email protected]
If you have questions, comments or concerns regarding our school district, please reach out to me there.

Thank you for all of the congratulations, I’ve been overwhelmed and grateful for them! I have already been in contact with the district to start training next week and meetings after that. I’m excited and eager to get to work!

11/05/2025

When I decided to run for school board, I knew it would take hard work, dedication, and a lot of heart. First and foremost, I want to thank God for giving me the strength, courage, and guidance throughout this journey.

I am deeply grateful for everyone who supported me: my friends, family, my church parish Saint Catherine of Siena and Kansans For Life.

A special thank you to Kim Gish, you believed in me and helped share my message with voters.

To everyone else who displayed a yard sign, offered encouragement, or helped spread the word, thank you!

To my husband, thank you for hanging banners, listening, encouraging me, and supporting this dream in every way possible.

To those who voted for me, I’m honored by your confidence and will work tirelessly for our district. And to those who didn’t, please know that I’m here to listen, collaborate, and represent every voice in our community.

What an incredible experience! And now, the real work begins!

11/04/2025

Let’s finish this day strong!

11/04/2025

Election Day is finally here!

I want to thank my family for their incredible support during this campaign. No matter how today ends, they know I’ll never stop supporting this district and the families in it.

I’m inspired by the campaign I ran. I stayed active and engaged, even when it felt uncomfortable. It takes a great deal of courage to step forward and want to serve in a public role, and I’m proud to have campaigned with grace and integrity.

I would be truly honored to earn your vote today! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Let’s finish this day strong!

11/03/2025

Good morning!

I had a wonderful weekend connecting with so many members of our community, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. 🍁

If you’re planning to vote today, you can do so at the Sedgwick County Courthouse from 8 AM to Noon. Otherwise, be sure to cast your ballot tomorrow between 7 AM and 7 PM at your normal polling place.

Let’s finish this campaign strong—every vote counts! 🗳️

10/31/2025

No bones about it 💀 — even the skellys are voting for me!!
Let’s make sure this Halloween isn’t scary for our schools — get out and vote! 🎃👻

Satellite offices today 10-6 and tomorrow 9-1
Polls on Tuesday 7a-7p

10/30/2025

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, a dream inspired by the incredible educators I had at Lincoln Primary. Their impact on my life and their friendship continues to this day, more than 35 years later.

Some of the most influential people in my life are teachers, and my children have been equally blessed by the guidance and care of their own. I’m also fortunate to call many teachers and paras in our district my closest friends. They are truly the heart of our schools, shaping young minds, building confidence, and making a lasting difference in the lives of our children.

To paraphrase one of my favorite quotes: A hundred years from now, it won’t matter what kind of car I drove or the house I lived in, but the world may be better because I was important in the life of a child. ❤️

10/29/2025

My “Why” this Wednesday-
These kids — they are my entire world. I would move heaven and earth for them. That’s why I chose to put myself out there and run for a seat on the Maize Board of Education.

I’ve called the Maize community home for nearly 20 years. Born and raised in Kansas, and a proud Fort Hays State graduate (Go Tigers!), I’ve seen firsthand how strong our district has become. We have an incredible team working tirelessly for our students — my kids, your kids, our teachers, and our administrators.

I want to continue that hard work and build on the progress we’ve made together. I know it won’t always be easy, but I’m committed to showing up, listening, and working for what’s best for our district.

I would be honored to earn your vote on November 4th.

10/29/2025

Thank you to everyone that stopped by tonight! WOW, it was so busy! It was great seeing so many of you and chatting. We closed the place down!

10/28/2025

Tonight is the night! Come get a piece of chocolate and chat! 🍫❤️

Last chance for a chat. Come see me on Tuesday evening!