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ALEC is bad for Kansas on broadband and bad for Kansas on education

The Kansas Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Olathe’s Julia Lynn, has introduced an ALEC bill to ban cities from offering broadband services or partnering with companies to do so. Please watch this video-Chanute, KS vs. Goliath, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiVG9-Kb-U0&feature=youtu.be. USD 413 is one of the beneficiaries of Chanute’s broadband system. Then ask yourselves why Kansas legislators are working to pass legislation that would hurt Kansas communities, taking away local control and benefitting large corporations who have opted not to provide services to rural Kansas under the guise of free markets and limited government. And remember this is the same ALEC behind...
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Derby PAGE gets into the game

We recommend a new group, Derby PAGE (Parent Advocacy Group for Education). They’re also on Twitter @derbypage. They are based in Derby but also looking to link up with Mulvane. More parents are getting into the game!...
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Editorial explains differences in school funding figures

We know the reality of budget cuts in our districts, and no claims regarding KPERS funding and other increasing costs can change that. Our legislature doesn’t get to postpone fully funding schools while we wait for the promised economic gain from tax cuts. Lost educational opportunities cannot be reclaimed later. “Brownback told the superintendents that this was the best long-term decision, because if the Kansas economy can grow more, ‘we can fund things.’ But he acknowledged that for school districts, ‘your transition is hard.’ That hard transition and the base aid cuts are why the three-judge panel ruled...
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Sen. King bill would eliminate aid for school bonds

A bill by Sen. King would underfund bond aid (capital funds) to shift money to underfunded supplemental aid (operating funds). Both types of aid are equalized and designed to help poorer districts. “The Legislature hasn’t funded supplemental aid at the statutory level since the 2008-09 school year.” This article provides a helpful explanation of both types of funding.http://cjonline.com/news/2014-01-28/bill-would-eliminate-aid-new-school-bond-issues...
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