This does not bode well for education funding. “Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s fiscal policies were dealt an apparent blow Friday when the Kansas Department of Revenue reported state tax receipts came in $23 million short of projections in October and $46.5 million short for the first four months of the fiscal year.” http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2014/oct/31/kansas-tax-collections-fall-23m-short-october/...
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Superintendent recalls promises to restore funding
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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Leave a Comment 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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