But structural changes have proven a tough sell, as the state’s public education advocates have argued that Kansas’ current system has produced good results at low costs and is not in need of an overhaul so much as a vote of confidence in the form of increased funding to make up for recent cuts.

“I think we’ve gotten the attention of the school groups,” [House Speaker] Merrick said. “They can get mobilized, and they have.”

And it isn’t just the usual groups like the Kansas National Education Association teachers union. Heather Ousley, a mother from Merriam, mobilized herself last week, walking 60 miles in three days to voice her displeasure with the current legislative direction in person.

http://cjonline.com/news/2013-03-24/speaker-education-reform-proposals-will-be-back