Every Kansan should read this article and understand that the three efforts outlined are related and part of a game plan playing out in several states. We note that the removal of Representative Rooker from the House Education Committee and the attacks on the teachers unions are both efforts to silence education advocates. “Statehouse leaders aren’t reserving judgment on education issues until the courts decide on the constitutionality of K-12 state funding. “Instead, conservative legislators and others in Topeka are signaling through their comments and actions a keen interest in curbing spending, weakening teachers unions and using public...
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Boldra concerned about rural Kansas education issues
“The Hays High School government teacher turned lawmaker [Sue Boldra] notes one of the biggest issues within this battle is education. As local school bond issues fail and some rural populations continue to shrink, Boldra said school consolidations aren’t necessarily the answer and some urban legislators just don’t understand the associated hardships. She also said she would like legislators to revisit the idea of implementing all-day kindergarten. “’We can’t ask our children to stay on the bus for long amounts of time just to go to school each day,’ Boldra said. ‘They don’t understand the concept of driving...
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Leave a Comment NE JOCO loses seats on Senate and House education committees
“When the Kansas Senate and House Education Committees convene for the first time of the new session next month, they will do so without a Republican representative from northeast Johnson County — a fact that has local public education advocates worried. “Senate President Susan Wagle and House Speaker Ray Merrick this week unveiled committee assignments for the 2015 session, and both Sen. Kay Wolf and Rep. Melissa Rooker were excluded from the Education Committees on which they had served the past two years… “Rooker made clear that serving on the Education Committee was her first choice’ and that...
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Leave a Comment Legislative leaders want school finance overhaul
Changes to the school funding formula that result in less funding for schools should be recognized as cuts regardless of what they’re called. “‘Changes in these programs could threaten equal educational opportunities across Kansas school districts and threaten the ability of local voters to enhance their local schools,’ KASB said. ‘A major reason for growth in these aid programs has been the limited funding for base state aid for Kansas classrooms.’” http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2014/dec/23/legislative-leaders-want-school-finance-overhaul/...
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