Topeka ? Education Commissioner Bob Corkins and State Board of Education member Connie Morris, a Republican from St. Francis, will take a two-day tour of western Kansas next week.

In a prepared statement released by the Kansas Department of Education on Monday, Corkins, of Lawrence, said he looked forward to the Nov. 14-15 trip and learning as much as possible about western Kansas.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for people to get to know the commissioner and for him to experience life in our communities,” Morris said.

Morris is a member of the 6-4 majority that last month hired Corkins, a former conservative lobbyist, for the $140,000 per year job.

Morris and Corkins will visit 12 cities in Morris’ district, which takes up about 40 percent of the state’s area. They plan on informal meetings at public schools and community meeting spots. The public is invited to attend.

A spokeswoman for Corkins said the commissioner would be glad to travel and appear with any of the board members if asked.