So, the “extraordinary need fund,” paid for by school districts, became a state tax, with the state keeping $2.9 million of the $12.3 million raised. “It was fair to wonder in November whether school districts might ever see the $2.9 million remaining of the total $12.3 million in the ‘extraordinary needs fund,’ which the Legislature created (at districts’ expense) to provide additional aid to those experiencing unforeseen hardships from the transition to block grants. Wichita’s USD 259, for example, was charged $1.1 million, requested $980,000 back to help handle its refugee influx and was awarded just $366,000 from...
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JOCO Educators correct Melcher teacher salary data
Sharing a Facebook post from our friends at Johnson County Educators THE TRUTH ABOUT JOHNSON COUNTY TEACHER SALARIES Last week we shared news articles quoting comments made by Sen. Jeff Melcher of Leawood concerning teacher pay. Melcher is quoted saying, “It’s actually a pretty good living. I look at the two districts that I represent, and the average compensations are pretty spectacular in comparison to a lot of other vocations.” The day after he made these comments, Sen. Melcher further commented in an Education Committee meeting that the average teacher salary in the Shawnee Mission School District is...
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Leave a Comment New evidence that funding matters
“The new evidence of long-term gains from better K-12 funding suggests that restoring state funding cuts can benefit not just students but states’ economic prospects. At a time when the nation is trying to produce workers with the skills to master new technologies and adapt to the complexities of a global economy, underfunding basic education undermines a crucial building block for future prosperity.” http://www.cbpp.org/blog/money-matters-for-k-12-education...
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Leave a Comment Districts: block grants even more unconstitutional
“However, the districts vigorously attacked the argument that the block grant legislation was well reasoned. ‘It was hastily put together, released on a Friday evening, scheduled for hearing on a Monday morning, and forced through the House via a two hour final-action vote (only after a state plane was deployed in an attempt to find a ‘yes’ voter),’ according to the brief. “The state has also claimed that increased funding plays little role in educational outcomes. Again, the district’s brief sharply disagrees. ‘The State’s actions have significantly slowed – and in some cases stopped or reversed – a...
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