Blog

Kansas teachers among lowest paid in nation

In case you’ve recently been told that teacher salaries rather than unrealistic tax cuts are to blame for budget shortfalls in Kansas schools. Our teachers work incredibly hard every day, but unfortunately, our state ranks among the worst for teachers’ average wages. And declining revenues will make it increasingly more difficult for Kansas to make much needed investments in K-12 and remain competitive. 1926 ...
Read more Leave a Comment

Florida legislature giving $91 million to charter schools

Last week Senate President (and former ALEC national Chair and current ALEC national Board of Directors member) Susan Wagle promised to push for the expansion of charters that is a core part of the ALEC agenda/Florida Reform model. Also last week the Florida legislature agreed to give $91 million to charter schools for facilities. How would funding 2 separate school systems with separate facilities help Kansas children when our legislature is already underfunding the public schools we have? And keep in mind that while true public school facilities remain public property, charter school facilities become the property of...
Read more Leave a Comment

Kansas made deeper cuts to K-12 education in recent years than almost any other state

This is not where we want to be on this list. Kansas made deeper cuts to K-12 education in recent years than almost any other state. This has serious implications for educational quality, economic growth and local property taxes. Local school districts have seen state aid drop by 13.2% since 2008 (the fiscal year just prior to the recession) after adjusting for inflation. In dollar terms, Kansas cut more than all but seven states over that time. Can Kansas really afford a tax plan that continues the divestment in our schools?...
Read more Leave a Comment