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Game On reaches 6,000 Facebook likes

On March 9, 2015 Game On celebrated its 6,000th Facebook “like”. Here’s the Facebook post we did: Game On community, we thank you for all your likes, shares and comments and for stepping up your efforts in advocating for our children’s education. Speaking in my own voice now as the usual administrator of this page, I’m a Kansas mom of three, and it’s my birthday tomorrow. Getting to 6,000 likes would be a great present! We’re almost there! Can you grant me my wish and ask a friend or two to like our page and “get in the...
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Game On opposes block grant bill

The House Appropriations hearing on the block grant bill was held earlier today. There were only 3 proponents (all with a free-market, low-tax ideology that appears to trump all other concerns): the Kansas Policy Institute, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce (which should not be confused with local area chambers) and Kansans for Liberty. KASB, Kansas PTA, Game On and multiple districts are among those opposing the bill. Here’s part of our testimony: We oppose House Bill 2403 on multiple grounds. This bill does not help Kansas schools meet the needs of Kansas students better than the current formula....
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Concern over block grant bill in House Appropriations

The block grant bill was heard in the House Appropriations Committee on March 9 and will be heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee March 10.  Contact House Appropriations members here: Ron.Ryckman@house.ks.gov, Sharon.Schwartz@house.ks.gov, Jerry.Henry@house.ks.gov, Barbara.Ballard@house.ks.gov, John.Barker@house.ks.gov, Sydney.Carlin@house.ks.gov, Will.Carpenter@house.ks.gov, JRClaeys@house.ks.gov, Gail.Finney@house.ks.gov, Amanda.Grosserode@house.ks.gov, Ron.Highland@house.ks.gov, Don.Hill@house.ks.gov, Kyle.Hoffman@house.ks.gov, Mark.Hutton@house.ks.gov, Mark.Kahrs@house.ks.gov, Marvin.Kleeb@house.ks.gov, Jerry.Lunn@house.ks.gov, Charles.Macheers@house.ks.gov, Virgil.Peck@house.ks.gov, Richard.Proehl@house.ks.gov, Gene.Suellentrop@house.ks.gov, Troy.Waymaster@house.ks.gov, Kathy.WolfeMoore@house.ks.gov “‘The problem is the block grants aren’t connected to what it actually costs to educate students,’ says KCK Chief of Staff David Smith. “The block grants also provide no extra money for districts whose students need special services, such as learning English. That’s a...
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Financial crisis impacts Pratt schools

Thank you, Superintendent Suzan Patton, for informing your community. In addition, the 2009-10 major cuts in staffing, student contact days, and frugal spending set the table for the prosperous turnaround. While cash was not free flowing, the district was able to add a part-time nurse’s aid, a College and Career Counselor, and a Kindergarten Transitions classroom. All three positions directly impacted K-12 students. However, since our current budget was built in July, a pall has been cast over Kansas’ finances. Currently, $64,000 has been cut out of our general fund state aid. The general fund pays for all...
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