“And I would bet the vast majority of people who live in Blue Valley think their legislators are strong proponents of public schools. That’s probably because few actually follow the voting patterns in Topeka. “There is a total disconnect between the majority of citizens and those who represent them. “The massive changes that are whipsawing Kansans — — are occurring while the uninformed wonder how in the world this all could have happened. “Perhaps things have gotten so bad, alas, the majority may decide to finally tune in.” Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/steve-rose/article25006756.html?fb_action_ids=926795197363711&fb_action_types=og.comments&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B991831214170044%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.comments%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D...
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School funding facts from the Garden City superintendent
I was very disappointed to hear of Governor Brownback’s comments on Tuesday which singled out Garden City Public Schools for requesting “extraordinary needs” funds from the State Finance Council in May. Governor Brownback asserts that a budget crisis exists in Garden City. Governor Brownback’s actions including a mid-year reduction of over $375,000 in state aid to Garden City during the 2014-15 school-year and the conversion of a 23 year-old school finance system to a block grant funding system which unfairly locks in funding at current levels and doesn’t account for changes in enrollment or student demographics are creating...
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Leave a Comment Education funding remains a concern
“Brownback repeatedly touted K-12 education during the news conference, but would not definitively say that cuts to K-12 education would be off the table. “’I didn’t hear a specific answer,’ said Scott Rothschild, spokesman for the Kansas Association of School Boards. ‘Our position is we need a sustainable, reliable source of tax revenue, and we’ll see if this does it or not.’ “’Schools have been on high alert for years. There’s all this talk about was our funding increased or was it decreased. Schools are dealing with severe funding challenges,’ Rothschild said. ‘Our funding is not keeping up...
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Leave a Comment Game On thanks legislators and journalists
We would like to take a moment to thank those legislators who stood strong against tremendous pressure. We understand the difference between those who say they support public education and those who truly do, and we know how difficult it can be to do the right thing. We would also like to thank the journalists and photo journalists who make it possible to follow what’s happening in Topeka when we can’t be there. Your long hours over these past few weeks are appreciated. Your tweets, reports, stories and images are invaluable. Thank you!...
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