House Speaker Ryckman recently had an op ed in multiple newspapers across the state. Game On was joined by Stand Up Blue Valley, Educate First Shawnee Mission, Olathe Public Education Network and Educate Andover in submitting a response that explains why we think Rep. Ryckman got wrong. “The real question isn’t how do we avoid making promises we can’t keep, it’s how do we keep the promises we need to make for the sake of Kansas children?” Read more here: https://www.hayspost.com/…/opinion-ryckmans-complaints-on-…/ Originally posted to Facebook on 04/18/2019....
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Crowley CT Editorial asks: Kids or Corporations
We were disappointed when Rep. Trimmer narrowly lost re-election in November. He explains the problems with area legislators supporting SB 22 in this piece. “When each one of our current legislators tell you, for example, we can’t afford education, Medicaid expansion, better mental health programs, or better public safety, and yet they vote to reduce state revenues by $260 million a year to benefit large corporations, they are telling you what their real priorities are. “It was also clear that all four legislators were in lock step and ready to repeat the mistakes of the Brownback era. If you...
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Leave a Comment KC Star Article re: Gannon History
Read this piece for interesting perspective. Some, including Rep. Ryckman, have recently claimed the Gannon case was filed because the legislature couldn’t keep the promises made in Montoy because of the recession. Jeff Gannon explains what we saw happening as well. “But by 2010 the state was going through what Gannon saw as an ideological shift. Public education funding was at a historic low, and newly-elected Republican Sam Brownback was promising to slash spending and cut taxes.” Read more here: https://www.kansascity.com/…/politic…/article229412084.html… Originally posted to Facebook on 04/22/2019....
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Leave a Comment KCUR Article on the State of Kansas School Buildings
School funding is difficult and complex, and different communities face different challenges. Be conscious of districts that can’t pass bond issues when you hear about rising “unencumbered” balances. Sometimes districts are saving for capital projects. “Although most states help pay for some construction costs, almost half, including Kansas, pay less than 10 percent. “That means that, for the most part, districts in those states are at the mercy of voters to finance capital projects, such as building new schools and making major renovations to existing ones. “Affluent communities with a strong tax base can borrow money and pass bond...
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