Pic credit: USD 409/Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A “well-deserved recognition” is how Atchison Public Schools describes an award given to one of its staff members for early childhood leadership.

Stefanie Bourne, the district’s special education programs and systems specialist, received the 2026 Whelan Leadership for Learning Award as a member of the Early Childhood Leadership Cadre.

A release from Atchison’s USD 409 says the group brings together leaders from early childhood programs across Northeast Kansas to share expertise and strengthen learning opportunities for young children and families. The award recognizes the group’s leadership, collaboration and work to sustain high quality programs.

Before joining Atchison Public Schools, Bourne was principal of the Earl Lawson Early Education Center in Leavenworth, where she represented the district on the Cadre.