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And the wait goes on...
Twelve days into the 90-day 2012 legislative session and still no bill has been produced outlining Governor Brownback's plan for reforming Kansas' school finance formula. Legislators and lobbyists alike are expressing increasing frustration that such a major reform - one that has been touted and rolled out by the governor's office for months - has yet to be introduced in bill form. It is unclear, as well, whether the governor plans to have the bill introduced in the House, Senate, or both.
The pressure to get the actual bill in print becomes even more imminent if it is introduced in a committee that is not exempted from the "turnaround" rule, such as House or Senate Education. This rule requires that a bill must be considered by its chamber of origin by turnaround, which falls on February 24th this year. Even without the turnaround deadline, such a major reform - especially considering it will fall in with consideration of other major reforms, such as taxes and Medicaid - takes considerable time to amply review, hold hearings, and debate.
Just to provide a bit of entertainment, imagine the title of this article being sung to Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On." And the wait does go on.
Innovative K-12 programs take center stage next week
USA|Kansas is coordinating with a number of school districts to highlight various innovative programs and partnerships before legislative committees on Tuesday, January 24th. Presentations by the following will be provided to the House Education, Senate Education, and House Education Budget committees (not all will speak at every committee):
- Randy Watson, Superintendent, McPherson USD 418
Citizenship, College and Career Ready (C3)/Federal Waiver - Natise Vogt, Principal, Newton USD 373
Walton Rural Life Center (charter school) - Donna Deeds, Executive Director, Blue Valley USD 229
Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) - Mary Jo Taylor, Superintendent, and Natalie Clark, Stafford USD 349
Stafford Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Program (SEED) - Julie Ford, Superintendent, Topeka USD 501
Robotics program/Partnership with Stormont Vail Health Center - John Wyrick, Superintendent, Erie USD 101
Erie High Charter School-project based learning initiatives; engineering/construction - Cynthia Lane, Superintendent, KCK USD 500
Innovative Programs and Services for Students - Don Wells, Executive Director, Kansas School Superintendents Association
Small Schools' Initiatives - Mike Mathes, Superintendent, Seaman USD 345 (written only)
Washburn Tech - Seaman Home Construction Partnership
These presentations are occurring against the backdrop of School Choice Week and attacks by groups such as the Kansas Policy Institute and Americans for Prosperity against public education in our state and nation. It is hoped that hearing some of the innovations and partnerships being developed will provide some needed balance to the attacks against our public schools.
While most acknowledge more continually needs to be done to better prepare our students for success in adulthood, our message next week is that more is being done and student outcomes are demonstrating increasing success, often times against incredible odds.
Those who would like to have their districts' innovations highlighted in future legislative venues are encouraged to contact USA|Kansas' executive director, Cheryl Semmel, by calling (785) 232-6566 or emailing csemmel@usakansas.org.
Hearings of interest: Week of January 23, 2012
Monday, Jan 23
9:00 a.m., House Appropriations, Room 346-S
- KPERS Commission Minority Report: by Rep. Ed Trimmer (to download the KPERS Commission FInal Report, click here)
10:30 a.m., Senate Ways & Means, Room 548-S
Hearing on:
- SB 259 - KPERS; employment after retirement for certain school employees (extends the sunset from 2012 to 2015)
Tuesday, Jan 24
9:00 a.m., House Education, Docking Room 784
Presentation:
- Innovative Programs & Services in Kansas Schools (USA|Kansas)
1:30 p.m., Senate Education, Room 152-S
Presentation:
- Innovative Programs & Services in Kansas Schools (USA|Kansas)
3:30 p.m., House Education Budget, Room 159-S
Presentation:
- Innovative Programs & Services in Kansas Schools (USA|Kansas)
3:30 p.m., House Taxation, Docking Room 783
Hearing on:
- HB 2212 - Mill levee adjustments; resolutions, publication requirements
Wednesday, Jan 25
9:00 a.m., House Education, Docking Room 784
- Update on Governor's proposed school finance plan & Career-Tech Ed plan, by Landon Fulmer
1:30 p.m., Senate Education, Room 152-S
- Update on: Governor's education formula and Career-Tech Education, by Landon Fulmer
3:30 p.m., House Education Budget, Room 159-S
- Education Budget Overview, by Reagan Cussimanio
Thursday, Jan 26
10:30 a.m., Senate Ways & Means, Room 548-S
Presentation:
- K-12 Education & Technical Education, by Landon Fulmer
12:00 p.m., Legislative Post Audit, Room 144-S
Presentation:
- Completed audit report on Kan-Ed
1:30 p.m., Senate Education, Room 152-S
- Comparison of present funding of Tech Ed & proposed changes including:K-12 and Board of Regents
3:30 p.m., House Education Budget, Room 159-S
- Presentation of Governor's School Finance plan & Career-Tech Ed plan, by Landon Fulmer
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