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Options for complying with Gannon decision

This article contains some information specific to SMSD. (Local patrons, please read.) It also contains information about the Gannon decision and block grants. “I have watched with fascination as elected officials and other members of the administration threaten a showdown with the court. I disagree with the rhetoric that calls the decision judicial activism. The court is charged with determining if legislation we pass meets the constitutional standard whenever those affected by our laws bring suit. We have had years of litigation in Gannon and at each level, the court has consistently ruled against the state. The legislature...
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KASB opposes tax credit scholarship bill with big price tag

“A bill to expand state tax credits to pay for students to attend private schools could result in more than $115 million annually in tax credits by 2026, according to a KASB estimate… “KASB opposes this bill because the state budget is already in bad shape and public education is underfunded; private schools may be selective in who they enroll; there is no testing, accreditation or budget information required of the schools receiving students; and students in states with similar programs perform no better than Kansas students and usually worse.” Read more here: http://kasb.org/wcm/_NB/16/NB0225a.aspx#.Vs9TN1rBJ68.facebook...
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Wichita superintendent explains education, economic development and challenges

Our focus is on both academic rigor and social-emotional supports that schools must wrap around every child in order to support their success. Words such as immoral and unethical have been used by critics of public education to cast doubt on the integrity of our expenditures. The reality is that 88 percent of Wichita’s operating budget is spent right where it should be – in schools and in classrooms, to directly benefit students. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article62998667.html#storylink=cpy...
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Possible responses to Gannon decision outlined

Potential responses to the Kansas Supreme Court’s recent school funding ruling include defying the court, rewriting the state’s financing formula or making changes without spending more state dollars, an official in Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration said Saturday. State budget director Shawn Sullivan didn’t rule any option in or out, and said he couldn’t predict what will happen, as both Brownback and the Legislature face the court’s June deadline to comply with its ruling. Sullivan, along with Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, spoke to a town hall meeting here about the state budget. They faced skeptical questioning from those concerned...
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