“I have prided myself in being an effective administrator, but the current political environment in Kansas makes it nearly impossible to lead a school district. The challenges are unlike any challenges I have experienced in my 35 year career. Never before have I experienced educators in Kansas reduced to so little and so undervalued by legislators and the governor. “It is my sincere hope for the children and their families of Topeka Public Schools, including my grandchildren, and the local community will continue to support Topeka Public Schools teachers and staff as they work hard for our students...
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Court stays ruling that could strip court funding
Here’s the latest on the Kansas legislature’s attack on the Kansas Supreme Court. We are among those who believe this particular law was retaliation for the court’s school funding decisions. Read where things stand as of September 3rd here: http://m.ljworld.com/news/2015/sep/03/court-stays-ruling-could-strip-state-judicial-bran/?templates=mobile...
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Leave a Comment Interim committee to study school funding
“Under Merrick’s proposal, the interim committee will study the Rose Standards, which focus on preparing students for life outside of school — from personal and civic life to careers and mental and physical well-being. The panel will also study the ‘best funding mechanism by formula or other criteria to ensure adequate Kansas taxpayer dollars are invested in the classroom.’ “The definition of what comprises a suitable education also will be studied, as well as outcomes to ensure students are well-prepared for future endeavors and uniform accounting across all districts to allow best practices to be replicated.” Read more...
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Leave a Comment All budget dollars support classroom
Well said, Emporia Superintendent Theresa Davidson. We, too, share the goal of efficient and effective school spending but we are tired of the misuse of the terms “classroom” and “administrative” spending which are loosely defined, exclude/include many types of spending people think of as “classroom” spending and fail to acknowledge the important functions of the different types of spending. “Indeed, the heart of our work in education is all about students and teachers in the classroom. Who can argue the challenge from state policymakers and politicians to ‘put more money into the classroom’? Nothing is more important than...
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