Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- 3. State Program and State Board Overview
- B. State Board
Provide a description of the State Board, including—
- B. State Board
- 3. State Program and State Board Overview
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 3. B. ii. Board Activities
Provide a description of the activities that will assist State Board members and staff in carrying out State Board functions effectively.
Current Narrative:
The KWSB ensures Kansas’ entire workforce system, covering many programs in multiple departments and agencies, meets employers’ needs for skilled workers and meets workers’ needs for career and economic advancement. The KWSB convenes State, regional and local workforce system partners to enhance the capacity and performance of the workforce system; align and improve the outcomes and effectiveness of public workforce investments and thereby promote economic growth. The board engages workforce system representatives including businesses, education, economic development, labor and other stakeholders to achieve the strategic and operational vision and goals of the State Plan as well as the purpose of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA).
The KWSB serves as a review board and change agent empowered with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Governor and to state agencies to align workforce development with the needs of economic development in the state.
The KWSB plays an important role in bringing citizen involvement and engagement to the state’s workforce development efforts and in providing strategic leadership for workforce development and local/regional leaders throughout the state. The KWSB’s strength is less in its statutorily-defined decision-making authority and more as a forum for policymakers, informed citizens and stakeholders to influence public policy for the improvement of the State’s workforce. The structure and operations of the KWSB and committees and the active engagement of members are the keys to success.
The primary State Board function is the emphasis on collaboration and regional planning.
The Board is tasked with enhancing partnerships to ensure statewide alignment linking employers and workers, job seeking individuals.
As the state workforce development board, the KWSB is expected to provide strategic leadership for a wide range of employment and training programs beginning with those under WIOA.
Provide workforce activities that:
- Increase access to and opportunities for:
o Employment
o Education
o Training, and
o Supportive services
o Success in the labor market, particularly for individuals with barriers
- Increase:
o Prosperity of workers and employers
o Economic growth of communities
o Global competitiveness
- Increase, through state and local workforce systems
o Employment
o Retention
o Participant earnings
o Postsecondary credential attainment
- Outcomes:
o Improvement in workforce quality
o Reduce welfare dependency
o Increased economic self-sufficiency
o Meet employer skill requirements
- Enhanced productivity and competitiveness