Suzanne Perez
News ReporterSuzanne Perez is a longtime journalist covering education and general news for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. Before coming to KMUW, she worked at The Wichita Eagle, where she covered schools and a variety of other topics.
Suzanne grew up in North Carolina and earned a bachelor's degree in English from North Carolina State University. She moved to Wichita in 1990 and has two children. When not reporting, Suzanne enjoys reading, walking her dog, and obsessing over every new leaf on her houseplants.
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Before the pandemic, 28% of students were below grade level in math. After the pandemic, that number shot to about 34%. In language arts, the falling-behind number went from 27% to just over 30%. -
In today's book review, Suzanne Perez looks at a new short story collection that delves into issues of race and racism.
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Kris Stephens, general manager of Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita, Kansas, joins us to talk about book-buying and gifting during the upcoming holiday season. She brings a few of her favorite titles. And she gives us the whatnot on supply chain issues.
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Book challenges are up about 60% over the past year. Free speech advocates say many books are being challenged by parents and community members under the guise that they’re promoting critical race theory.
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The list of books includes several well-known novels, including “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.
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Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a new middle-grade novel from the author of "Wonder."
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A slate of conservative challengers fell just shy of securing a majority on the Wichita school board on Tuesday.
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People running for local office in Kansas find themselves in increasingly partisan-like contests settled by an ever more polarized electorate.
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In today's book review, Suzanne Perez looks at a new novel that spans outer space and the human mind.
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Schools across Kansas can't find enough substitute teachers in the midst of a lingering pandemic and national labor shortage. That could have long-term consequences for students.
