We were extremely disappointed in the draft report of the K-12 Student Success Committee. Here’s another example of what was wrong with it and why we are left with the impression that they are failing to listen to the people who actually understand public education funding. “The tabled first draft of the K-12 Student Success Interim Study Committee’s report called federal education funding a ‘burden’ and ‘cost driver’ because it can obligate the state to do data collection, testing and record keeping. The report suggested Kansas ‘study the receiving of federal funds to determine the cost-benefit ratio.’ Especially...
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ALEC a strong influence in KS legislature
We are very familiar with ALEC education “reform” legislation in Kansas, including the corporate tax credit “scholarship” program passed on 2014 and expanded in 2015. “If a bill is passed that concerns you, you have the right to ask your legislator if that was an ALEC bill. Locally, Rep. Ron Highland (District 51 and Chair of the House Education Committee) and Rep. Peggy Mast (Dist. 76 and House Speaker Pro Tem) are members, while Rep. Don Hill (Dist. 60) and Sen. Jeff Longbine (Dist. 17) are not. “ALEC members in the Legislature hold important leadership positions: Senate President...
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Leave a Comment Elections matter for public education, and home values
Thank you for speaking up, Chad Taylor. “I have one suggestion that is simple, but not easy. To protect and improve our home values in Prairie Village, we must protect and improve our local schools. For me, this is not a political issue, although it has been painted as one. By politicizing the school funding issue, we are all distracted with picking sides instead of focusing on the real issues at hand… “I would encourage everyone reading this to visit jocoelection.org to mark your calendars for the upcoming elections. And then to participate in these elections. It is...
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Leave a Comment View new public education advocacy video
Well done, Zach and Norine! My son, Zach, and I created a short video* to promote public education in Kansas — because we believe that an educated populace drives the economy, promotes democracy, and provides opportunities for everyone. And, it is in jeopardy. Kansans can be proud of what they have accomplished with the support of a solid public education, and our current students continue that tradition. If you also believe in public education for Kansas please: 1. Share this video on your Facebook page so that we can spread the word throughout Kansas, and 2. Write your...
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