Topeka ? Kansas House Speaker Ray Merrick has replaced the leaders of two key committees and filled vacancies in two other chairmanships.

Merrick spokeswoman Rachel Whitten confirmed Thursday that Rep. Ron Ryckman Jr. of Olathe will be chairman of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee.

Ryckman replaces Rep. Gene Suellentrop of Wichita.

Merrick appointed Rep. Ron Highland of Wamego as Education Committee chairman. He replaces Rep. Kasha Kelley of Arkansas City.

Whitten declined to discuss the reasons behind the changes.

Merrick appointed Rep. Marvin Kleeb of Overland Park as Taxation Committee chairman and John Barker of Abilene as Judiciary Committee chairman. The previous chairmen did not seek re-election this year.

Merrick is a Stilwell Republican. All of the new chairmen are Republicans, in keeping the GOP’s 97-to-28 majority in the House.