“The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter shortly after the state Department of Education distributed it. The letter was signed by House Speaker Ray Merrick, of Stilwell; Senate President Susan Wagle, of Wichita, and the chairmen of the Legislature’s two budget committees, Sen. Ty Masterson, of Andover, and Rep. Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe. “‘Specifically, please provide five ways that your school district has increased efficiencies especially those that have led to better outcomes in the classroom over the past three years,’ the letter said.” Read more here: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2015/aug/19/kansas-schools-seeking-more-aid-asked-data/...
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Wichita seeks funding for refugee students
We’re sharing this story to highlight the unique situations of different districts in Kansas. When people talk about hiring “administrative” staff, or districts wanting more funding than in years past, or cash balances, there are specifics we might not know about unless we’re personally familiar with the district. We’ve repeatedly found that higher funding needs and cash balances are explained by unusual student populations, districts serving as centers for the provision of certain services, or districts saving for future expenditures rather than borrowing. “Wichita, the state’s largest district, pointed to a growing number of refugee students as the...
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Leave a Comment Dozens of districts seek emergency aid
“The school districts will make their case to the State Finance Council, which is charged with dispersing up to $12.29 million in emergency aid this fiscal year for schools with extraordinary needs. “That is less than the total applications pending before the council, which add up to $15.07 million. “The single largest request comes from USD 500, which is seeking $2.02 million based on an estimated 500-student jump in enrollment… “Kansas’ emergency aid fund for schools is new. The Legislature created it this spring when it cut more than $50 million in equalization aid statewide. “Equalization aid is...
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Leave a Comment Private schools get funds without accountability
“Betty Arnold, president of the Wichita Unified School District 259 school board, says she has concerns private schools aren’t playing on a level playing field, because many don’t have to publish academic outcomes such as aggregated standardized test scores and graduation rates. “’The lack of accountability is always a huge concern,’ Arnold said. “Many times, she said, her district has seen children arrive from private schools where they fell behind. “’It’s almost as if they’ve lost a year,’ she said, but because only the public schools are held accountable, they “are the ones that get the black eye.'”...
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