We remember these promises, too. Some who made them are still in office. USD 413 Superintendent James “Hardy remembers local legislators coming to school boards during the recession that started in 2008 and telling them the whole state was hurting and school districts would have to take a cut. “I remember our legislators saying ‘when things get better we will bring you back to $4,400,’” Hardy said. “Those people have all been beaten in elections because our state took a sharp turn to the right.” “Hardy said the final amount of increased funds from the Montoy decision was...
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Judge Pariente explains role of courts and merit selection
As we’ve mentioned before, we are very concerned about attempts to politicize and bully Kansas courts. They have played an essential role in school funding cases. Here’s an eloquent explanation of what’s at stake: “We judges cannot render decisions based on popularity polls, because our job is to protect everyone’s rights, including – especially – those who may be reviled or unpopular with the public. While the executive and legislative branches of government answer to the will of the people, the judicial branch must make decisions based on the law and the facts and protect all rights guaranteed...
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Leave a Comment Chanute citizens question governor on low special ed payments
The state is not keeping up with its obligation to pay special ed costs, and districts are having to pay those costs out of their general funds. This is another example of why “overall funding is up” is not an adequate response. “Chanute resident Chad Small stood up and said that he was the father of three children, one of whom has special needs. He told the governor that while funding for special education PROGRAMS hasn’t been cut in the last four years, it has still not kept up with rising costs. “‘State statue says that your office...
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Leave a Comment Moving forward
Game On community, thank you to those who voted, got your friends and family to vote, phone banked, canvassed, donated and began discussing politics in your social circles. The results are in, and we are left with leadership that does not properly prioritize public education, despite what their ads and post cards said. We know the current budget is unsustainable, and we know that cuts to education are coming, and the situation will become a lot more “real” to people as we move forward. Today, we have 4 requests for you. 1. Thank the candidates in your area...
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