Courtney Jane Hochman bio, USD 383 school board candidate Manhattan KS, Manhattan Kansas school board election, education advocate KS

Meet
Courtney Jane Hochman

Longtime Manhattan resident. Proud USD 383 mom. Fierce advocate for inclusive education.

Photo by Little Leapling Photography

Courtney Jane Hochman is a California-born, Kansas-made education champion. She moved to Manhattan in 2000 to attend Kansas State University, and never left. Over the past 25 years, she’s become deeply embedded in the community as a student, parent, educator, advocate, and now, a candidate for the USD 383 School Board.

She’s not running to play politics.
She’s running because she believes every child in our district deserves to feel included, supported, and set up for success.

Education & Experience

🎓 B.A. & M.S. in Education from Kansas State University
🎓 Currently finishing a PhD in Student Affairs in Higher Education
🏛️ Former staff member at Kansas State University (Developing Scholars Program, Honor & Integrity System)
🤝 Experienced working with first-gen students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and more

Has served on:

  • Kansas Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Development

  • True Colors Flint Hills Board

  • Manhattan Jewish Congregation Board

  • Wonder Workshop Board

Family Life

Courtney and her husband Dan are raising their three children in the heart of Manhattan:

Eddie (15), a freshman at Manhattan High School

Elliot (10), a 4th grader at Theodore Roosevelt

Violet (4), a preschooler at College Hill

As a parent of a special education student, Courtney has spent over a decade navigating district policies and advocating for equitable services. She’s been in the trenches—with teachers, nurses, paras, and admin—working to ensure her son and others receive the education they deserve.

“This isn’t a short-term commitment for me. My youngest is just starting preschool. I’m in it for the long haul.”

What She Believes In

🌈 Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s essential
📚 Success comes in many forms
📵 Focus matters in the classroom
👨‍👩‍👧 Families are critical to school success
💡 Equity and opportunity should drive every decision

Courtney’s ready to bring a unique, grounded, compassionate, and forward-thinking perspective to the USD 383 School Board.