Shirley Palmer, District 4
Biography
Rep. Shirley Palmer has served in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2007. She represents the 4th House District, which includes all of Linn County and most of Bourbon County.
Shirley resides in Fort Scott with her husband of 45 years, Ron. They have two grown sons, Brian and Gary, as well as two grandchildren, John David and Elizabeth. Shirley received undergraduate and Master's degrees in education, as well as an Education Specialist degree, all from Pittsburg State University. She retired in 2005 after nearly 40 years educating Kansas schoolchildren. After retirement, she went on to serve as the National President of Pittsburg State University Alumni Association and has been honored with the Pittsburg State University Outstanding Alumni Award. The Topeka Capital Journal named Shirley as one of seven Kansans of the Year in 1993.
Shirley serves on the House Committees on Education and Veterans, Military and Homeland Security, as well as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. In 2007, Shirley also served on the House Advisory Committee on Math and Science Education, which developed a vision for education in Kansas that includes a long-term commitment to math, science and innovation.
Throughout her first term in the Legislature, Shirley has worked tirelessly on behalf of public education, a field she has been actively involved with for more than 40 years. Her experience ranges from the elementary school level as a teacher to the post secondary level as a member of the State Board of Regents. Among her many honors and awards, she was named Kansas Teacher of the Year in 1982 and was inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame in 2002.
In addition to her work in education, Shirley has also been instrumental in efforts to rebuild the economy of Southeast Kansas communities that were damaged by 2007 flooding. Palmer has supported legislation to assist business restoration, reduce taxes and provide affordable housing in impacted areas.
