“The legislative decision to punish the courts in this and other ways is all about politics, and particularly recent Supreme Court decisions about school funding, the death penalty and other matters that have proved unpopular at the Statehouse. Lawmakers no doubt hope the intimidation factor will work to their benefit on other cases, too, including the ongoing school funding fight. “Because judges aren’t free to scream bloody murder about this latest bill, other Kansans must speak up on behalf of adequately funded, independent courts.” Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/opinion/editorials/article21612249.html...
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Bill to move local elections to fall of odd years is “step one”
In case anyone thinks we’re being paranoid when we say that the elections bill passed yesterday is step one in moving elections so that eventually they are combined with state and federal elections: “Secretary of State Kris Kobach said the bill was ‘a good first step’ to eventually moving local elections to even-numbered years so that they coincide with state and national elections. He said this would increase turnout even more significantly.” (See http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2015/may/21/kansas-house-approves-variety-election-changes/). Rep. Huebert used the same language when he spoke during the House debate yesterday....
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Leave a Comment Bill to move local elections passes House
“The change has been largely opposed by local elected officials and school boards across the state. “’When did we stop listening to local governments? When did we start deciding that we know best?’ asked Rep. Ed Trimmer, D-Winfield. “Lynn Rogers, a member of the Wichita school board, contended in Wichita that the date change was “not being done to increase voter participation. It’s being done for control. Plain and simple.” “’If they were really concerned about voter turnout, they would change August primaries,’ Rogers said.” Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article21585624.html...
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Leave a Comment School board member supports increasing school funding
“So why wouldn’t we expect the world of public education to mirror this increasing complexity? In pre-K through higher ed, we’ve had to add new teaching and staff positions to accommodate these new and redefined disciplines. Ongoing professional development is also required to keep up with our changing understanding of the world and how students learn. And as education staff grow in number and expertise, one would also expect a small level of growth in administration to handle the associated increase in management responsibilities. “However, a recent report (“Long-Term Growth in Instructional and Student Support Employees”) by the...
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