Topeka ? Gov. Mark Parkinson has appointed members, including several from Lawrence, to two panels aimed at improving education in Kansas.

“Providing Kansas with access to quality education opportunities from start to finish is critical to ensuring a strong and prosperous future for both our citizens and the state,” Parkinson said.

From Lawrence, Eva Horn, a professor of special education at Kansas University, and Mary Baskett, executive director for the Kansas Head Start Association, were named to the Early Childhood Advisory Council.

In addition, state Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, and Keil Eggers, of Lawrence, have been named to the Commission on Graduation and Dropout Prevention and Recovery.