MESSAGES FROM EDUCATE ANDOVER
April 5, 2019
"And in conclusion...school finance"
Topeka approved the school finance plan yesterday!
The Senate approved the plan in a 31-8 vote Thursday evening (Wagle voted YES, Masterson voted NO). Earlier in the day, the House passed it, 76-47.
How did our local representatives do?
Please thank the following legislators who voted in favor: Alcala, Amyx, Baker, Ballard, Benson, Bishop, Burroughs, Carlin, Carlson, Carmichael, Clark, Clayton, Concannon, Cox, Croft, Curtis, Dierks, Dietrich, Ellis, Eplee, Finney, Frownfelter, Gartner, Helgerson, Henderson, Hibbard, Highberger, Hineman, Hodge, Hoheisel, Holscher, Horn, Howard, Jennings, Karleskint, Kelly, Kessinger, Kuether, Long, Lusk, Lynn, Mastroni, Moore, Murnan, Neighbor, Ohaebosim, Orr, Ousley, Pannbacker, Parker, Patton, Phillips, Pittman, Probst, Proehl, Rahjes, Ralph, Resman, Ruiz, S., Samsel, Sawyer, Schreiber, Smith, A., Stogsdill, Victors, Ward, Warfield, Warren, Waymaster, Weigel, Wheeler, Whipple, Winn, Wolfe Moore, Woodard, Xu.
Are the following representatives representing you? They voted no: Arnberger, Awerkamp, Barker, Bergquist, Blex, Burris, Capps, Carpenter, B., Carpenter, W., Claeys, Collins, Corbet, Delperdang, Donohoe, Dove, Erickson, Esau, Finch, Francis, French, Garber, Hawkins, Helmer, Highland, Hoffman, Houser, Huebert, Humphries, Jacobs, Johnson, Landwehr, Mason, Owens, Rhiley, Ryckman, Seiwert, Smith, E., Straub, Sutton, Tarwater, Thimesch, Thomas, Toplikar, Vickrey, Waggoner, Wasinger, Williams.
The following did not vote: Ruiz, L., Thompson.
"And in conclusion...school finance"
Topeka approved the school finance plan yesterday!
The Senate approved the plan in a 31-8 vote Thursday evening (Wagle voted YES, Masterson voted NO). Earlier in the day, the House passed it, 76-47.
How did our local representatives do?
Please thank the following legislators who voted in favor: Alcala, Amyx, Baker, Ballard, Benson, Bishop, Burroughs, Carlin, Carlson, Carmichael, Clark, Clayton, Concannon, Cox, Croft, Curtis, Dierks, Dietrich, Ellis, Eplee, Finney, Frownfelter, Gartner, Helgerson, Henderson, Hibbard, Highberger, Hineman, Hodge, Hoheisel, Holscher, Horn, Howard, Jennings, Karleskint, Kelly, Kessinger, Kuether, Long, Lusk, Lynn, Mastroni, Moore, Murnan, Neighbor, Ohaebosim, Orr, Ousley, Pannbacker, Parker, Patton, Phillips, Pittman, Probst, Proehl, Rahjes, Ralph, Resman, Ruiz, S., Samsel, Sawyer, Schreiber, Smith, A., Stogsdill, Victors, Ward, Warfield, Warren, Waymaster, Weigel, Wheeler, Whipple, Winn, Wolfe Moore, Woodard, Xu.
Are the following representatives representing you? They voted no: Arnberger, Awerkamp, Barker, Bergquist, Blex, Burris, Capps, Carpenter, B., Carpenter, W., Claeys, Collins, Corbet, Delperdang, Donohoe, Dove, Erickson, Esau, Finch, Francis, French, Garber, Hawkins, Helmer, Highland, Hoffman, Houser, Huebert, Humphries, Jacobs, Johnson, Landwehr, Mason, Owens, Rhiley, Ryckman, Seiwert, Smith, E., Straub, Sutton, Tarwater, Thimesch, Thomas, Toplikar, Vickrey, Waggoner, Wasinger, Williams.
The following did not vote: Ruiz, L., Thompson.
April 4, 2019
ACTION ALERT: April 4, 2019
House conferees reluctantly agreed to the Senate position for school funding outlined in SB 142 and some policy items from sub for SB 16.
CALL or email your Representative to vote yes for Senate/Governor/State Board of Ed. supported funding plan in the for the K-12 educationconference committee report when leadership brings it to a vote by the full House today, 4/4/19. Be sure to cc Speaker Ryckman on emails.
If passed the report will go to the Senate for a vote to concur with conference report. With passage in the Senate and House the K-12 funding will go to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
Speaker Ron Ryckman
Phone: 785 296-2302
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
Below is a brief overview of education bills and how legislators that represent the Andover district voted in the past weeks on education related legislation.
At this point, SB 142, which includes the four-year inflation adjustment supported by the State Board of Education, Gov. Laura Kelly and the Senate stands the best chance at meeting the requirements of the Gannon decision. In addition, Andover and other Kansas students deserve schools in which adequate funding is provided so they can receive an education that prepares them to be successful adults.
Senate Bill 142 provides $90 million new dollars to public education and continues that $90 million over four years to reach the level that would have been in place if the Montoy promises had been kept and then adjusted for inflation. All the funding is added to BASE aid to benefit all students. After the phase-in, SB 142 continues the annual CPI adjustments into the future.
Senate Final Vote on SB 142 : 32 Yea, 8 Nay (3/14/19)
Sen Masterson - NO
Sen Wagle - NO
SB 142 failed to advance from the House K-12 Education Committee for debate on the House floor by a vote of 5 Yea, 7 Nay
Rep Williams (Committee Chairperson) - NO
Rep Erickson - NO
Sub for SB 16 provides no new money to schools. Instead, it puts a number of new accountability regulations in place requiring new reports of student performance and school finances of schools and the Kansas State Department of Education. Also mandated are a study of graduation requirements with the intention of allowing financial literacy and computer science courses to count as math and science credits, the creation of a new IT Commission to study technology in the schools, and a Legislative Post Audit study of unencumbered balances in school districts. This bill puts limits on the number of years a bilingual student can receive funding and removes the requirement that the Legislature reimburse schools for 92% of the excess costs of special education.
After a call of the house, several vote changes from NO to YES following contact with a House leadership) and 1 YES to NO;
Final Vote on Sub for SB 16 : 63 Yea, 61 Nay
Rep Capps - YES
Rep Erickson - YES
Rep Humphries - YES
Rep Williams - YES
The Senate voted to non-concur with Sub for SB 16 and school funding legislation goes to conference committee.
Sub for HB 2395 eliminates two years from the current school finance plan, eliminates a requirement to fund a CPI adjustment annually into the future, cuts in half the dollars going to BASE state aid (from the Senate position), and creates a new behavioral mental health weighting that will not be available to all schools.
Sub for HB 2395 passed out of the House K-12 Education Committee on 8 Yea, 4 Nay vote to send the House floor for debate.
Rep Williams (Committee Chairperson) - YES
Rep Erickson - YES
No action was taken leaving the House with no position.
SB 128 reduces the number of school safety drills from 16 to 9 per year (4 fire, 2 tornado, and 3 crisis drills)
Senate Final Vote on SB 128 : 40 Yea, 0 Nay (2/27/19)
Sen Masterson - YES
Sen Wagle - YES
House Final Vote on SB 128 : 123 Yea, 1 Nay (3/26/19)
Rep Capps - YES
Rep Erickson - YES
Rep Humphries - YES
Rep Williams - YES
Now goes to Governor Kelly’s desk for her signature.
Time is growing short for the Legislature to act on school funding in response to the Kansas Supreme Court Gannon decision.
ACTION ALERT: April 4, 2019
House conferees reluctantly agreed to the Senate position for school funding outlined in SB 142 and some policy items from sub for SB 16.
CALL or email your Representative to vote yes for Senate/Governor/State Board of Ed. supported funding plan in the for the K-12 educationconference committee report when leadership brings it to a vote by the full House today, 4/4/19. Be sure to cc Speaker Ryckman on emails.
If passed the report will go to the Senate for a vote to concur with conference report. With passage in the Senate and House the K-12 funding will go to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
Speaker Ron Ryckman
Phone: 785 296-2302
Email: [email protected]
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
Below is a brief overview of education bills and how legislators that represent the Andover district voted in the past weeks on education related legislation.
At this point, SB 142, which includes the four-year inflation adjustment supported by the State Board of Education, Gov. Laura Kelly and the Senate stands the best chance at meeting the requirements of the Gannon decision. In addition, Andover and other Kansas students deserve schools in which adequate funding is provided so they can receive an education that prepares them to be successful adults.
Senate Bill 142 provides $90 million new dollars to public education and continues that $90 million over four years to reach the level that would have been in place if the Montoy promises had been kept and then adjusted for inflation. All the funding is added to BASE aid to benefit all students. After the phase-in, SB 142 continues the annual CPI adjustments into the future.
Senate Final Vote on SB 142 : 32 Yea, 8 Nay (3/14/19)
Sen Masterson - NO
Sen Wagle - NO
SB 142 failed to advance from the House K-12 Education Committee for debate on the House floor by a vote of 5 Yea, 7 Nay
Rep Williams (Committee Chairperson) - NO
Rep Erickson - NO
Sub for SB 16 provides no new money to schools. Instead, it puts a number of new accountability regulations in place requiring new reports of student performance and school finances of schools and the Kansas State Department of Education. Also mandated are a study of graduation requirements with the intention of allowing financial literacy and computer science courses to count as math and science credits, the creation of a new IT Commission to study technology in the schools, and a Legislative Post Audit study of unencumbered balances in school districts. This bill puts limits on the number of years a bilingual student can receive funding and removes the requirement that the Legislature reimburse schools for 92% of the excess costs of special education.
After a call of the house, several vote changes from NO to YES following contact with a House leadership) and 1 YES to NO;
Final Vote on Sub for SB 16 : 63 Yea, 61 Nay
Rep Capps - YES
Rep Erickson - YES
Rep Humphries - YES
Rep Williams - YES
The Senate voted to non-concur with Sub for SB 16 and school funding legislation goes to conference committee.
Sub for HB 2395 eliminates two years from the current school finance plan, eliminates a requirement to fund a CPI adjustment annually into the future, cuts in half the dollars going to BASE state aid (from the Senate position), and creates a new behavioral mental health weighting that will not be available to all schools.
Sub for HB 2395 passed out of the House K-12 Education Committee on 8 Yea, 4 Nay vote to send the House floor for debate.
Rep Williams (Committee Chairperson) - YES
Rep Erickson - YES
No action was taken leaving the House with no position.
SB 128 reduces the number of school safety drills from 16 to 9 per year (4 fire, 2 tornado, and 3 crisis drills)
Senate Final Vote on SB 128 : 40 Yea, 0 Nay (2/27/19)
Sen Masterson - YES
Sen Wagle - YES
House Final Vote on SB 128 : 123 Yea, 1 Nay (3/26/19)
Rep Capps - YES
Rep Erickson - YES
Rep Humphries - YES
Rep Williams - YES
Now goes to Governor Kelly’s desk for her signature.
Time is growing short for the Legislature to act on school funding in response to the Kansas Supreme Court Gannon decision.
March 18, 2019
Progress on School Finance Legislation
There was progress in Topeka on school finance legislation this past last week (March 11-15).
First the Good News: The Senate advanced Senate Bill 142 which provides $90 million in additional funding on top of increases approved last year for the next three years. The intention is that this bill addresses the need for inflation adjustment called for by the Supreme Court in the school finance litigation. This bill meshes with the position of the State Board of Education, the Governor, KNEA and the state school board association. Schools for Fair Funding (the litigants in the Gannon court case) oppose it.
Now the Bad News: The House K-12 Education Budget Committee took up a very different school finance plan, HB 2395. This bill would remove previously approved funding increases in two years, attempt to deal with school bullying with private school vouchers, place limits on English as a Second Language programs, and place restrictions on school district cash balances. School advocates were not happy that the bill was introduced on Tuesday with written testimony due to the committee by Wednesday. Passage of this bill seems unlikely to pass muster with the Supreme Court.
As always, your communication with the representatives and senators whose districts cover parts of our school district is important.
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
Progress on School Finance Legislation
There was progress in Topeka on school finance legislation this past last week (March 11-15).
First the Good News: The Senate advanced Senate Bill 142 which provides $90 million in additional funding on top of increases approved last year for the next three years. The intention is that this bill addresses the need for inflation adjustment called for by the Supreme Court in the school finance litigation. This bill meshes with the position of the State Board of Education, the Governor, KNEA and the state school board association. Schools for Fair Funding (the litigants in the Gannon court case) oppose it.
Now the Bad News: The House K-12 Education Budget Committee took up a very different school finance plan, HB 2395. This bill would remove previously approved funding increases in two years, attempt to deal with school bullying with private school vouchers, place limits on English as a Second Language programs, and place restrictions on school district cash balances. School advocates were not happy that the bill was introduced on Tuesday with written testimony due to the committee by Wednesday. Passage of this bill seems unlikely to pass muster with the Supreme Court.
As always, your communication with the representatives and senators whose districts cover parts of our school district is important.
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
March 11, 2019
Latest on School Funding Progress
The Senate Select Committee on School Finance held a hearing on Senate Bill 142, designed to deal with the Gannon inflation fix. Earlier this session, the Senate committee received testimony on SB 44 containing Gov. Kelley’s proposed K-12 budget. Senate leaders separated the inflation adjustment into SB 142 and put the rest of K-12 education funding into SB 147 to be considered by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
During testimony on SB 142, the Schools for Fair Funding contended that both SB 44 and SB 152 failed to meet the plaintiffs’ interpretation of the Gannon decision Gannon decision - the state needs to provide an additional inflation factor above any new money in the out-years of the prior passed law.
SB 142 , as written, discussed, and passed out of Committee favorable for passage, would add $92 million in the fiscal year that starts July 1 and $89 million in the fiscal year after that, on top of increases enacted in 2018. It now goes to the Senate for debate and possible passage.
The 2019 KS Legislature needs to do two things in order to meet the Gannon Decision’s Constitutional Funding Obligations:
1. Avoid changes the school finance formula that has been determined to meet constitutionality in terms of equity. Alterations that attempt to direct funds from base aid into new and specific ways threatens destroying equity and nullifying progress made.
2. Provide the inflation fix in each of the out years in a way that gets Kansas to the Montoy “harbor” accounting for inflation.
Please urge your local legislators to end this cycle of litigation and support passage of an inflation fix without changes to the school finance formula.
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
Latest on School Funding Progress
The Senate Select Committee on School Finance held a hearing on Senate Bill 142, designed to deal with the Gannon inflation fix. Earlier this session, the Senate committee received testimony on SB 44 containing Gov. Kelley’s proposed K-12 budget. Senate leaders separated the inflation adjustment into SB 142 and put the rest of K-12 education funding into SB 147 to be considered by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
During testimony on SB 142, the Schools for Fair Funding contended that both SB 44 and SB 152 failed to meet the plaintiffs’ interpretation of the Gannon decision Gannon decision - the state needs to provide an additional inflation factor above any new money in the out-years of the prior passed law.
SB 142 , as written, discussed, and passed out of Committee favorable for passage, would add $92 million in the fiscal year that starts July 1 and $89 million in the fiscal year after that, on top of increases enacted in 2018. It now goes to the Senate for debate and possible passage.
The 2019 KS Legislature needs to do two things in order to meet the Gannon Decision’s Constitutional Funding Obligations:
1. Avoid changes the school finance formula that has been determined to meet constitutionality in terms of equity. Alterations that attempt to direct funds from base aid into new and specific ways threatens destroying equity and nullifying progress made.
2. Provide the inflation fix in each of the out years in a way that gets Kansas to the Montoy “harbor” accounting for inflation.
Please urge your local legislators to end this cycle of litigation and support passage of an inflation fix without changes to the school finance formula.
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
March 4, 2019
Half-way through 2019 Kansas Legislative Session, but still stuck in the past?
Can you believe we are half-way through the 2019 Kansas Legislative Session but yet we are seeing repeats of years past? Have you heard of Senate Bill 22 - The Multi-National Corporate Tax Cut Bill? This bill has passed out of the Senate and is on its way to the House. It will take an additional $190 MILLION of revenue out of our state budget (in year one alone), and it will benefit mostly multi-national corporations, the very elite, and we will yet again require our working class Kansans to support our state coffers. We have seen this play out with the Brownback tax experiment and it did not end well. Why do we think this will be the answer now?
Educate yourself. Please read the following links and be informed:
http://underthedomeks.org/turnaround-the-halfway-point-is-here/
https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article226797959.html
https://realprosperityks.com/
Contact your local legislator and make your voice heard. Why should our hard working Kansans continue to be the primary tax payers in this state when corporations get the bulk of the tax cuts?
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
Half-way through 2019 Kansas Legislative Session, but still stuck in the past?
Can you believe we are half-way through the 2019 Kansas Legislative Session but yet we are seeing repeats of years past? Have you heard of Senate Bill 22 - The Multi-National Corporate Tax Cut Bill? This bill has passed out of the Senate and is on its way to the House. It will take an additional $190 MILLION of revenue out of our state budget (in year one alone), and it will benefit mostly multi-national corporations, the very elite, and we will yet again require our working class Kansans to support our state coffers. We have seen this play out with the Brownback tax experiment and it did not end well. Why do we think this will be the answer now?
Educate yourself. Please read the following links and be informed:
http://underthedomeks.org/turnaround-the-halfway-point-is-here/
https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article226797959.html
https://realprosperityks.com/
Contact your local legislator and make your voice heard. Why should our hard working Kansans continue to be the primary tax payers in this state when corporations get the bulk of the tax cuts?
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
February 25, 2019
House Bill 2233 - $500 teacher stipend
On February 18,2019, the KS House Education Committee conducted a hearing on HB 2233-$500 stipend to every teacher.
Educate Andover member Susan R. notes the following:
As a retired educator and parent of children who graduated from the Andover schools, I fully appreciate the dollars teachers contribute to their classrooms to meet the needs of their students. Unfortunately, HB 2233 sounds good but fails:
• purchases can only be made for items from an existing supply list and must be consumed in the school year they were purchased (excluding food items).
• funding ($17.350 million) must come from existing district funding as mandated by the state rather than local control of how dollars are spent by our school board.
Andover teachers will be better served by advancing SB 44/HB 2798 to complete the work began last year in response to the Gannon decision to meet Kansas Constitutional obligation in funding public education.
House Bill 2233 - $500 teacher stipend
On February 18,2019, the KS House Education Committee conducted a hearing on HB 2233-$500 stipend to every teacher.
Educate Andover member Susan R. notes the following:
As a retired educator and parent of children who graduated from the Andover schools, I fully appreciate the dollars teachers contribute to their classrooms to meet the needs of their students. Unfortunately, HB 2233 sounds good but fails:
• purchases can only be made for items from an existing supply list and must be consumed in the school year they were purchased (excluding food items).
• funding ($17.350 million) must come from existing district funding as mandated by the state rather than local control of how dollars are spent by our school board.
Andover teachers will be better served by advancing SB 44/HB 2798 to complete the work began last year in response to the Gannon decision to meet Kansas Constitutional obligation in funding public education.
February 17, 2019
Call to Action!
We are very cautious at the start of this legislative session with all the headlines coming out of Topeka. To get an idea of the hearings scheduled this week alone, see below link to KASB:
KASB Newsroom
We are very concerned of the "wind" we are hearing in Topeka that several lawmakers want to reverse the progress in education funding and continue the costly, non-productive, pointless cycle of litigation by backing out the current funding promised over the next 5 years. If this were not enough, several don't want to account for the inflation the court has identified missing from the adequacy portion of the formula. We are hearing rumors of introducing a constitutional amendment late in the session as a bargaining chip and also folks wanting to completely re-write the funding formula. Our question is why?
The State has hired experts, spent thousands of tax-payer dollar and their own experts are telling them the same result.....Kansas Schools don't have an efficiency issue, Kansas schools don't have an achievement issue, Kansas schools have a funding issue.
The Courts have found the actions of the 2018 Legislature have brought school funding back to a constitutional status except for providing funds for inflation.
This is where we need your help. Please remind our legislators that we need to move past this litigation. Each of our representatives campaigns as pro-education candidates. We need to see how they vote in Topeka. We need your support.
Thank you!
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
Call to Action!
We are very cautious at the start of this legislative session with all the headlines coming out of Topeka. To get an idea of the hearings scheduled this week alone, see below link to KASB:
KASB Newsroom
We are very concerned of the "wind" we are hearing in Topeka that several lawmakers want to reverse the progress in education funding and continue the costly, non-productive, pointless cycle of litigation by backing out the current funding promised over the next 5 years. If this were not enough, several don't want to account for the inflation the court has identified missing from the adequacy portion of the formula. We are hearing rumors of introducing a constitutional amendment late in the session as a bargaining chip and also folks wanting to completely re-write the funding formula. Our question is why?
The State has hired experts, spent thousands of tax-payer dollar and their own experts are telling them the same result.....Kansas Schools don't have an efficiency issue, Kansas schools don't have an achievement issue, Kansas schools have a funding issue.
The Courts have found the actions of the 2018 Legislature have brought school funding back to a constitutional status except for providing funds for inflation.
This is where we need your help. Please remind our legislators that we need to move past this litigation. Each of our representatives campaigns as pro-education candidates. We need to see how they vote in Topeka. We need your support.
Thank you!
Rep. Michael Capps [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-239-1176
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1440
Rep. Renee Erickson [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-217-1308
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
February 4, 2019
"Learning is not a single data point or test score and it’s more than academic"
“There are teachers in districts across our state doing the best we can to meet all students’ needs. But it’s still not enough. We need systemic reform. In order for public education to empower each student, it must be acknowledged that each student does not have a common background. Our schools are filled with different thinking styles, languages, ethnicities, nationalities, experiences, ages, strengths, needs and dreams. It’s time to embrace the multitudes in our classrooms by providing more individualized learning experiences, deeper relationships and targeted interventions made possible through smaller class sizes, opportunities for personalized professional development and leadership for teachers and a re-imagining of what type of data should drive instruction and indicate success. Learning is not a single data point or test score and it’s more than academic.”
2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year Whitney Morgan, an
English teacher and English for Speakers of Other Languages
teacher at Wyandotte High School, Kansas City USD 500.
"Learning is not a single data point or test score and it’s more than academic"
“There are teachers in districts across our state doing the best we can to meet all students’ needs. But it’s still not enough. We need systemic reform. In order for public education to empower each student, it must be acknowledged that each student does not have a common background. Our schools are filled with different thinking styles, languages, ethnicities, nationalities, experiences, ages, strengths, needs and dreams. It’s time to embrace the multitudes in our classrooms by providing more individualized learning experiences, deeper relationships and targeted interventions made possible through smaller class sizes, opportunities for personalized professional development and leadership for teachers and a re-imagining of what type of data should drive instruction and indicate success. Learning is not a single data point or test score and it’s more than academic.”
2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year Whitney Morgan, an
English teacher and English for Speakers of Other Languages
teacher at Wyandotte High School, Kansas City USD 500.
January 14, 2019
2019 Kansas Legislative Session begins today!
Happy New Year Educate Andover Readers! We hope this email finds you well-rested and ready to learn about what’s going on in Topeka as well as right here at home. Here are a couple of items going on this week:
Last week, Educate Andover supported a state-wide press conference and statement urging our state legislators to end the cycle of school-funding litigation. The press conference and statement was comprised of parent advocacy organizations from all over our state. The message was simple and called upon the legislature to consider three points:
Please refer to the attached document citing the full press statement.
2019 Kansas Legislative Session begins today!
Happy New Year Educate Andover Readers! We hope this email finds you well-rested and ready to learn about what’s going on in Topeka as well as right here at home. Here are a couple of items going on this week:
- 2019 Kansas Legislative Session begins today January 14th and will be in session through May 10, 2019.
- Gov. Laura Kelly takes office today January 14th
Last week, Educate Andover supported a state-wide press conference and statement urging our state legislators to end the cycle of school-funding litigation. The press conference and statement was comprised of parent advocacy organizations from all over our state. The message was simple and called upon the legislature to consider three points:
- To provide the funding that addresses the inflation factor noted by the court in their July 2018 ruling
- A dollar in 2018 does not have the same value as a dollar in 2023. Simple economics, right?
- To retain the current funding formula
- Of note, the Court found that the funding formula met both the adequacy and equity constitutional standards; however, the formula was not fully funded. Re-creating a new formula would only extend litigation and would be highly counter-productive
- To preserve the constitution
- We value the deliberate protections of Article VI and feel that removing articles that support the separation of powers designed by our founders is not needed.
Please refer to the attached document citing the full press statement.
education_advocates_press_statement_january_8_2019__1_.pdf | |
File Size: | 1172 kb |
File Type: |
December 7, 2018
Thankful for USD 385!
Happy Holidays from Educate Andover! While Thanksgiving has come and gone, we would like to give you an idea how thankful we are for our kids, parents, schools, teachers, volunteers, and administrators. We have so much to be proud of. Here’s a quick look into some of the celebrations in our district:
We could go on and on with all the accomplishments throughout the district. Needless to say, we are so proud of all our students, teachers, coaches, administrators, and parent volunteers. Thank you for all that you do! #AndoverProud
Educate Andover wishes you all Happy Holidays & a Happy New Year! We will resume our weekly distributions after the first of the year! Reminder the legislative session begins January 14, 2019.
Thankful for USD 385!
Happy Holidays from Educate Andover! While Thanksgiving has come and gone, we would like to give you an idea how thankful we are for our kids, parents, schools, teachers, volunteers, and administrators. We have so much to be proud of. Here’s a quick look into some of the celebrations in our district:
- Construction on the new Andover High School began late October. The new building will be located behind and to the east of the existing structure. The current gymnasiums, weight room, locker rooms, and shops will remain. The new facility will be connected to that portion of the existing building. For more details click on this link.
- 239 participants came out for the first annual AHS Turkey Trot
- Andover Central High Theatre Group completed a very successful production of “Annie”.
- Tiffany Chan of AHS was the 5A girls golf state champion and Coach Ryan Harshaw was named All-Metro Golf Coach of the Year!
- Andover Central High Softball Coaching Staff named on the 2018 High School National Coaching Staffs of the Year! Read more here.
- Andover Central High School honored those who have served in the armed forces at their annual Veteran’s Day Assemble. Thank you Jaguars for recognizing those who have served our country!
- Andover High Theatre group completed a successful production of “Once Upon a Mattress”.
- Andover Middle School Scholars Bowl placed 2nd in their first competition!
- Jacqueline Jessop, Andover Central High School Junior, was named a National Merit Semifinalist!
- Devin Gerber, Andover Central High School Junior, was named a National Merit Commended Student!
- Congrats to all AHS students making All-League Soccer: Cem Worpel, Ethan Lewis – Ist Team. Ryan Gracey, Dawson Schoning, John Lasater, Seth Rather, and Miles Armbrister – Honorable Mention
- Congrats to all AHS students making All-League Volleyball: Brynn Wilson and Maggie Creitz – Ist Team. MayaMay Brown and Sierra Norlin – 2nd Team. Caleigh Haetten and Korynn Haetten – Honorable Mention
- Congrats to Coach Avalos for District Volleyball Coach of the Year!
- Andover Clay Target Team took 4th in Conference Finals this fall!
- Congratulations to ACHS Debate team for placing 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th at the El Dorado Novice Night!
- ACMS student Noah Sickman was selected as 1 of the 32 tenors from auditions all over the state to sink in the KMEA All-State Middle Level Choir!
- Very successful ACHS Jazz concert on November 19th.
- ACHS Marching Band received 1+ rating and drumline 1 rating at the Southern Plains Festival!
- Congrats to Samara Haenggi and Jazzy Williams on their 8th place finish at State Tennis!
- ACHS Soccer wins first ever League Title and finished 2nd in League. Go Jags!
- Sunflower Elementary raised just over $34k on their Walk-a-thon! Amazing!
- ACMS students raised $1500 for the Kansas Honor Flight and had an amazing Veteran’s Day Assembly
We could go on and on with all the accomplishments throughout the district. Needless to say, we are so proud of all our students, teachers, coaches, administrators, and parent volunteers. Thank you for all that you do! #AndoverProud
Educate Andover wishes you all Happy Holidays & a Happy New Year! We will resume our weekly distributions after the first of the year! Reminder the legislative session begins January 14, 2019.
November 5, 2018
Educate Andover: Vote, Vote, Vote, Vote! Did we mention you need to vote?
Here we are.....the eve before the November 6th elections. Our message is still as important today as it was 60 days ago. We can't enforce enough how important it is for you to exercise your right as a United States citizen and vote in this election. There are a few races of which could significantly impact the direction of our state, and in turn all of our USD 385 students.
We have dedicated our weekly distributions this fall to provide you with information on candidates. Now it is your job to VOTE!
Poll hours are from 7am to 7pm. If you have questions on your polling location please refer to this link.
We would love for you to take photos of you and your "just voted" stickers and post to our Facebook Page @EducateAndover.
Educate Andover: Vote, Vote, Vote, Vote! Did we mention you need to vote?
Here we are.....the eve before the November 6th elections. Our message is still as important today as it was 60 days ago. We can't enforce enough how important it is for you to exercise your right as a United States citizen and vote in this election. There are a few races of which could significantly impact the direction of our state, and in turn all of our USD 385 students.
We have dedicated our weekly distributions this fall to provide you with information on candidates. Now it is your job to VOTE!
Poll hours are from 7am to 7pm. If you have questions on your polling location please refer to this link.
We would love for you to take photos of you and your "just voted" stickers and post to our Facebook Page @EducateAndover.
October 29, 2018
Busy Week in Andover!
Tis the season for busy schedules! So much going on in our Andover Community! Here is a little breakdown of what’s going on this week:
*AHS Groundbreaking at 4pm Today!
*Halloween Wednesday
*High school chromebooks are here and getting checked out!
*Andover Central Boys Soccer wins League!! Off to state they go! Go Jags!
*Trojan Roundup is Saturday, November 3rd. Get your tickets today! Find more info on Facebook @AndoverTrojanBoosterClub
*We are inching very close to the November 6th election! Be informed. Don’t rely on these mailers to make your decision! Check out our education voter guide.
*Early voting locations can be found at this website for Sedgwick County: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/media/40283/sceearlyvote-2018genclr.pdf
*Early voting locations can be found at this website for Butler County:
https://www.bucoks.com/civicalerts.aspx?aid=120
Busy Week in Andover!
Tis the season for busy schedules! So much going on in our Andover Community! Here is a little breakdown of what’s going on this week:
*AHS Groundbreaking at 4pm Today!
*Halloween Wednesday
*High school chromebooks are here and getting checked out!
*Andover Central Boys Soccer wins League!! Off to state they go! Go Jags!
*Trojan Roundup is Saturday, November 3rd. Get your tickets today! Find more info on Facebook @AndoverTrojanBoosterClub
*We are inching very close to the November 6th election! Be informed. Don’t rely on these mailers to make your decision! Check out our education voter guide.
*Early voting locations can be found at this website for Sedgwick County: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/media/40283/sceearlyvote-2018genclr.pdf
*Early voting locations can be found at this website for Butler County:
https://www.bucoks.com/civicalerts.aspx?aid=120
October 15, 2018
Your Vote Counts!
Exhausted with political polarization? Tired of partisan rhetoric? Think your vote doesn’t matter? Consider these recent elections that have impacted our students in Andover classrooms.
1 out of every 2 registered voters is expected to vote in the November election. Our choices will directly affect the resources available to Andover classrooms for many years to come.
The last day to register to vote is tomorrow, October 16th. Go here to register or request an advance mail ballot: https://www.ksvotes.org/
Your Vote Counts!
Exhausted with political polarization? Tired of partisan rhetoric? Think your vote doesn’t matter? Consider these recent elections that have impacted our students in Andover classrooms.
- 343 vote margin decided the state-wide Republican primary for Governor (2018)
- 147 vote margin decided our Andover State Representative (2014)
- 119 vote margin elected an Andover school board member (2017)
- 3 vote margin passed an increase in Andover’s Local Option Budget (2012)
1 out of every 2 registered voters is expected to vote in the November election. Our choices will directly affect the resources available to Andover classrooms for many years to come.
The last day to register to vote is tomorrow, October 16th. Go here to register or request an advance mail ballot: https://www.ksvotes.org/
September 17, 2018
Dollars in the Classroom – Know the Facts!
It’s election season and “dollars to the classroom” has become the mantra of those seeking to reduce funding to public schools. The front page of Gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach’s election website states: “I’ll ensure 75% of education spending is spent inside the classroom.”
This week, the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) took a deep dive into this topic. KASB represents all the locally elected, non-paid, school board members across our state who are working to make the best use of taxpayer dollars while providing the best education possible for students in their local districts.
KASB reports that 74% of Kansas school spending provides direct support for students and teachers while central office administration costs are less than 5%. Dollars that are not directly supporting students are maintaining and constructing the buildings and facilities that our communities have locally approved. The full article can be found here:
https://tallmankasb.blogspot.com/2018/09/dollars-to-classroom.html#.W5p7UDiB3q8.facebook
Dollars in the Classroom – Know the Facts!
It’s election season and “dollars to the classroom” has become the mantra of those seeking to reduce funding to public schools. The front page of Gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach’s election website states: “I’ll ensure 75% of education spending is spent inside the classroom.”
This week, the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) took a deep dive into this topic. KASB represents all the locally elected, non-paid, school board members across our state who are working to make the best use of taxpayer dollars while providing the best education possible for students in their local districts.
KASB reports that 74% of Kansas school spending provides direct support for students and teachers while central office administration costs are less than 5%. Dollars that are not directly supporting students are maintaining and constructing the buildings and facilities that our communities have locally approved. The full article can be found here:
https://tallmankasb.blogspot.com/2018/09/dollars-to-classroom.html#.W5p7UDiB3q8.facebook
September 10, 2018
Why should I vote?
"Why should I vote? “
- 343 votes separated the winner of the August 2018 Republican primary for Governor (.01%)
- The November 6 General election for Governor is expected to be just as close
- Laura Kelly (D) and Kris Kobach (R) are within 1 % point of each other based on two recent public polls: https://www.kansas.com/opinion/editorials/article217964525.html
- Greg Orman (Independent) is trailing far behind the front runners, but guarantees to divide the anti-Kobach vote.
- “Only, 26 % of registered voters will vote on Tuesday. Those 26% will decide who leads our state and nation. Don’t let others decide for you. Get in the game! Your vote matters!” Tweeted by Representative Fred Patton prior to the August Primary.
- “The starkest policy contrast between Kobach and Kelly centers on the state’s finances and education funding.” ~ Kansas City Star August 20, 2018: https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article217886655.html
- “Kobach says he supports a state constitutional amendment that would prohibit the Kansas Supreme Court from considering school finance cases based on adequacy of funding and added he doesn’t believe the Kansas Constitution requires a finding of adequacy in school funding.” https://kasb.org/0907-4/
- The Kansas Association of School Boards believes such an amendment could damage public schools and disrupt the appropriate checks and balances between co-equal branches of government that has served Kansas well.
- This week, Former Republican Governor, Bill Graves, endorsed Laura Kelly. “Laura Kelly is the only Democrat I have ever endorsed. And the reason I’m doing that now is there is so much at stake in the state of Kansas. It’s going to take someone with very capable leadership skills, someone who is willing to work across the aisle and become a part of the solution to problem with education.
Educate Andover is here to focus on the education of Andover kids. Education is a non-partisan issue. Both Republican and Democrats who care and stand for our kids are who we recommend.
September 3, 2018
Voter Registration
Happy Labor Day!
Did you know that 30% of registered voters determine our elected officials who make policy that impact 100% of the residents of Kansas? Voting is our democratic right and it is important that we motivate our friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to get out to the polls and vote November 6th!
It is not too late to get registered to vote. Voter registration deadline is October 16, 2018. Early voting begins October 22nd and runs through November 5th. Please check out this link for more information on voting in Kansas. If you have interest in registering for an absentee/advanced ballot please click on your county and you will be directed to a website to complete the application form.
Sedgwick County
Butler County
Be an informed voter. Education issues will be front and center in many of the elections in Kansas. Our kids in Andover will be impacted by the election results. Please check out the following resources as you start to prepare for the November Elections!
Game On For Kansas Schools
Women For Kansas
Kansas Center for Economic Growth
Kansas Association of School Boards
August 27, 2018
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to school USD 385 and Educate Andover followers! Summer has zoomed past us and before we know it Christmas will be knocking on our door! Educate Andover reconvened last week and we are working hard to get caught up with all the great happenings across the district and our state.
One thing we have learned is the district has gained approximately 80 new students (as of Friday, August 24th)! Andover continues to grow but we are so thankful our facilities are able (or will soon be able) to accommodate future growth. Please check out the video of the elementary additions resulting from the May 2017 bond campaign. We are so blessed for our community support and look forward to all the exciting upgrades planned for all of our buildings across the district. The district does a great job of reporting progress of all bond construction projects. Please check out this link for more information!
Did you know that state funding is determined based upon the number of students in the district each year on “Count Day”? Each year the state sets a “Count Day” of which student attendance is taken and submitted to calculate state per pupil reimbursement. For example, in the 2017-2018 school year, September 20th was count day. Any student population change is not captured again in the school year. If Andover has 20 new students move in over semester break then the school is not reimbursed for those additions to student population.
On to political news, the fall will be a very busy season with the November 2018 elections approaching. Important races such as governor and local house seats will set the tone and agenda for the 2019 legislative session. Educate Andover is working to provide candidate and voting information at your fingertips in our future weekly distributions.
We are excited to get back to work for kids and families of USD 385!
May 16, 2018
Updates on school funding
The end of the school year may be approaching but there is still much going on in Topeka. Educate Andover attended an update at the Kansas NEA offices on Friday, May 11, to learn more about how the Schools will respond to the State’s efforts to meet constitutional funding per the Gannon V case. Remember, the oral arguments in the Supreme Court will be held Tuesday, May 22nd, 9:00 am in the Supreme Court Building. This session is open to the public and we encourage teachers, students, parents, and community members to attend to see our checks-and-balance system at work. You may also listen to the oral arguments live on the Supreme Court’s website.
Educate Andover will continue to follow and update the school funding issue, but a few highlights from the May 11th meeting are as follows:
- Senate Bill (SB) 423 + SB 61 + SB 19 (2nd year) as adopted will provide funding over a 5-year period of (source: Kansas State Department of Education):
- FY 19 $191,905,000
- FY 20 $109,495,000
- FY 21 $112,495,000
- FY 22 $113,795,000
- FY 23 $116,195,000
- Current inflation calculated at 2.1% = $97,692,000 per year
- The funding as allocated in SB 423 + SB 61 + SB 19 is not adjusted for inflation
- 4 studies have been enacted by the Legislature since 2002 to evaluate funding issues. All studies have resulted in the need for funding increases to meet the academic performance standards (known as the Rose Standards). Applying these cost studies to FY 19, the unmet need ranges from $1,644,789,955 to $2,154,294,772.
- The recent proposed legislation to respond to the Gannon V will not meet the constitutional test of adequacy and equity per the School’s counsel.
- If the Court finds in favor of the Schools then the Legislature will need to reconvene in an emergency session to respond to the Court. The deadline to avoid a school shutdown is June 30, 2018.
Rep. Chuck Weber [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-708-5350
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1400
Rep. Roger Elliott [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-655-2616
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
May 7, 2018
End of the Kansas Legislature 2018 session
The Kansas Legislature 2018 session came to an end May 4th with school funding, budget and tax cuts as major issues during the veto session. Educate Andover reported last week that the school funding error related to SB 423 was resolved and we now wait to see how the Court will review the bill on the basis of adequacy. Nearly $500 million of new money will be allocated to Kansas schools over the next 5 years. This past week the Legislature sent a bi-partisan budget to Gov. Colyer late Thursday (May 3rd) evening which for education includes:
- Pay an $82 million KPERS payment and provide another $112 million for KPERS over fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
- Add $5.2 million from the Children’s Initiatives Fund for early childhood programs. This includes $4.2 million for pre-kindergarten and $1 million for Parents as Teachers.
- Provide $5.3 million for school safety and security grants.
- Add $750,000 to provide funding for the Technical Education Incentive program.
- Provide $520,000 for a contract with Teach for America to recruit, train and develop teachers.
- Provide $300,000 to fund a juvenile transitional crisis center pilot program at Beloit Special Education Cooperative.
- Add $300,000 for school broadband infrastructure.
May 1, 2018
House approves School Finance “Fix” / Local Legislators are vocal during debate
The Kansas Legislative “Veto” Session began Thursday, April 26. This time was originally established so that the legislature could override any bills that the governor had vetoed. Recently, the veto session has been used to resolve major budget bills that should have been completed during the regular session. Although no new bills can be introduced during the veto session, there is always concern that new legislation is created through the amendments to budget bills.
At this time, the legislature needs to fix an approximate $67 million-dollar error discovered after the late passing of SB 423 which provides $522 million of new funding to be allocated to Kansas schools over the next 5 years. Gov. Colyer signed SB 423 into law and requested that the Legislature fix the $67 million-dollar error upon return to the veto session. SB 423 was the legislatures “best effort” approach to responding to the Kansas Supreme Court’s adequacy and equity concerns addressed in Gannon V.
On Saturday, SB 61 was introduced on the house floor to fix the error. This opened up the opportunity for debate on a plethora of amendments to the original funding bill. In the end, the “fix” passed 92 to 61 as a clean bill with no amendments.
The amendment process involved much debate in which our local legislators: Rep. Weber, Rep. Humphries and Rep Williams all participated. Please click Here to listen to Rep. Weber and Rep. Humphries on the floor of the house:
In response to Representative Weber’s remarks about the need for a new Andover High and Swimming Pool:
- Local Control. An 18-month facilities study involving more than 200 community members decided that the best use of tax payer dollars was to replace a large portion of the existing Andover High. Tax payers agreed and approved the bond issue.
- We would welcome all legislators but especially Rep. Weber and Humphries, to visit our schools and tour Andover High. At Andover High, you would see that the foundation is sinking. When it rains, mud comes into the classroom through foundation cracks. The HVAC is inefficient and the roof leaks in many locations. The building is difficult to secure in an environment where safety is a priority.
- Andover High has four swim teams which will use the new 25-meter pool (50 meter is Olympic size). The pool will also be used for the special needs population as well as curriculum and instruction. Andover’s growing swim teams share the YMCA pool with the Y swim teams as well as swim teams from Rose Hill.
- A special thank you to Rep. Crum and Trimmer for a rebuttal to Rep. Weber and bringing corrections to statements made on the House floor.
Apparently, they are unaware that:
- Andover is a relatively “poor” district in regards to our property tax base. 1 mill raised in the Andover school district generates less dollars than 1 mill does in most other districts because our district consists primarily of residential property.
- This equalization aid allows Andover students the same opportunities afforded to students in other “wealthier” property tax school districts.
Rep. Chuck Weber [email protected] 785-296-7473 or 316-708-5350
Rep. Susan Humphries [email protected] 785-296-7699 or 316-706-4870
Rep. Kristey Williams [email protected] 785-296-3971 or 316-775-1400
Rep. Roger Elliott [email protected] 785-296-7476 or 316-655-2616
Sen. Susan Wagle [email protected] 785-296-2419 or 316-685-1004
Sen. Ty Masterson [email protected] 785-296-7388 or 316-733-7229
April 23, 2018
Gemini II Project
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced Tuesday, April 17, that Andover Public Schools is one of 19 school districts from across the state selected to take part in Gemini II: The Space Walk Begins, which is the next round of the Kansans Can School Redesign Project. In support of Kansas’ vision for education, KSDE launched the Kansans Can School Redesign Project in August 2017. Twenty-nine Kansas school districts applied for the project. Seven districts — each one representing one of the Mercury 7 astronauts — were selected. Remaining applicants had the opportunity to participate in the Gemini I Project.
“We are excited to be selected as part of the Gemini II project,” said Brett White, superintendent of Andover Public Schools. “Our educators are proud to be at the forefront of school excellence, and we look forward to helping shape education in Kansas for generations to come.”
Andover schools participating in Gemini II are Cottonwood Elementary, Martin Elementary, Meadowlark Elementary and Andover Central Middle School.
Like any good teacher, we want to explore this more and find out what this means for kids in USD 385. We have been hearing about Kansans Can but the Kansas Department of Education website is very clear as to what this vision is for our state.
Kansas Vision for Education
Kansans are demanding higher standards in academic skills, as well as employability and citizenship skills, and the need to move away from a “one-size-fits-all” system that relies exclusively on state assessments. This new vision for education calls for a more student-focused system that provides support and resources for individual success and will require everyone to work together to make it a reality. Together, Kansans Can.
Vision
Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.
Outcomes to be measured
- Social-emotional growth measured locally
- Kindergarten readiness
- Individual Plan of Study based on career interest
- High school graduation
- Postsecondary success
A successful Kansas high school graduate has the academic preparation, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills and civic engagement to be successful in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification or in the workforce, without the need for remediation.”
As part of the project, USD 385 agrees to redesign at least one elementary and one secondary school around the five outcomes, the five elements identified as defining a successful high school graduate, and what Kansans said they want schools to provide students. They also had to have approval by their local school board with a public vote, faculty support with a vote of 80 percent, and support from KNEA or other professional organization.
April 16, 2018
Outstanding news in USD 385!
SHARE THE GOOD NEWS! The past few weeks have been very busy and focused on school finance and other bills in Topeka; however, let’s take a few moments to share the outstanding things going on in USD 385 country!
- Doug Carr, Andover Central High School Athletic Director, has been recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator.
- Andover High School debater Isaiah Eaton was featured this week in the Christian Science Monitor
- ACHS Jazz Bands Sweep Winter Park Ski-Music Festival receiving 1st place in their category of 4A schools and ACHS Varsity Jazz Band won the Grand Champion Trophy for Jazz Bands!
- Turf installation has been completed at both AHS and ACHS Softball and Baseball Fields! Thank you Andover Community for making this a reality by passing the Bond issue in May 2017!
- Carolyn Tran, sophomore at AHS, received the Aspirations in Computing Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology!
- Janet Glaser, tennis coach at ACHS, named 2017 Girls Tennis Coach by Kansas Tennis Coaches Association!
- Jeremiah Rather, 7th grader at AMS, winner of this year’s Butler County Spelling Bee!
- Lukie Kirkland, safety training supervisor for Durham School Services, honored with the 2017 President’s Award from Durham’s parent company, National Express!
- Evan Byers and Sydney Sagehorn of ACHS, and Julia Graves and Kyle Hsiao of AHS, named to the inaugural class of Young Achievers by the Wichita Business Journal!
- Todd Flory, WES 4th grade teacher, was recognized as an Emporia State University Master Teacher. Mr. Flory was one of seven teachers to receive this award in the state!
- Jennifer Williams and Anna Mitchell were named as the district Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees! Ms. Williams teaches 3rd grade at RMES and Ms. Mitchell teaches Language Arts at AMS.
April 11, 2018
Weekly School Funding Discussion Recap
Nothing like winding down the regular 2018 Legislative Session without much drama and suspense around school funding.
Actually, that is to put it nicely. These discussions around school funding were more like a knock-down drag out fight.
Sen. Wagle and Senate Leadership suggested threatening those who voted in favor of school funding with loss of committee chairmanships (Wichita Eagle Article April 6, 2018). Others like Rep. Weber, considered proposing an amendment that would only allow additional school funding bill if the constitutional amendment (HCR 5029) passed out of the House. Even with all of these games, at 12:24am on Sunday, April 8th, the Senate voted 21-19 to approve SB 423 – which passed earlier in the afternoon in the House with minimum required affirmative votes 63-56. This measure will add an additional $522 million in funding to Kansas schools over a 5 year period. What does this mean? Is this enough to pass the test of the Supreme Court on adequacy? What about the constitutional amendment bill HCR 5029?
Lots of questions to consider however first we must say thank you – thank you – thank you! Last week we issued a Call to Action Alert requesting all notify their representatives in Topeka requesting they NOT support a constitutional amendment. Educate Andover issued testimony and submitted to the House Judiciary Committee supporting a NO vote on the constitutional amendment bill (HCR 5029). Unfortunately, the bill has made it out of the House committee and is tabled to address after the April Legislative break. If the State Supreme Court does not find SB 423 sufficient to meet the adequacy concerns in our state, then we have heard through Legislative discussion that this constitutional amendment bill will resurface. If this amendment would pass both Legislative Chambers then it will go to a public vote. This amendment would take away the checks and balances in our government and allow only the Legislative Branch of government to determine what is “suitable” funding for our Kansas schools. With the history our Legislature has viewed educational funding, this could be a detriment to our schools. Educate Andover will continue to support a NO vote on a constitutional amendment.
Many news media organizations have published articles regarding the adequacy test of the $522 million allocated in SB 423. We would encourage those that are interested in reading further to visit KASB’s website, follow the Wichita Eagle, or the Topeka Capital Journal.
Educate Andover would like to thank Rep. Elliott for voting YES on SB 423. Rep. Humphries and Weber voted NO. Sen. Wagle and Masterson voted NO. Rep. Williams did not participate in the vote.
April 2, 2018
Call to Action - HCR 5029
Just as the weather changes by the hour at times, so does the news coming out of Topeka. We were all prepared to communicate the latest bills surrounding school security, but last Thursday the Committee on House Taxation (of which local Representative Kristey Williams sits on) filed a proposed constitutional amendment. HCR 5029 says the Legislature shall determine “the total amount of funding that constitutes suitable provision for finance of the educational interests of the state” and that no court will have the power to change that. KASB stated Friday, “The amendment is being pushed by those upset with the Kansas Supreme Court ruling in the Gannon school finance case that the Legislature has failed to adequately and equitably fund schools.” There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, currently scheduled for 3:30pm, and Wednesday has been set aside for discussion and possible action. The legislature will break April 6th until April 26th when the veto session will begin.
This is a call to action! Please contact your legislators ASAP and request they VOTE NO on HCR 5029. The constitution protects ALL KANSANS:
Low enrollment schools are guaranteed equal educational opportunity.
Less wealthy urban kids are guaranteed that the more wealthy schools do not get an advantage.
Property taxpayers are guaranteed that they will not pay more simply because of the wealth of the district where their property is located.
Western Kansans are guaranteed that their schools can continue to exist and not be reliant upon the whim of more populous area legislators.
All kids are guaranteed equal access to an adequate education.
Our local representatives include:
House District 99 - Rep. Susan Humphries
Phone: 785-296-7699, E-mail: [email protected]
House District 87 - Rep. Roger Elliott
Phone: 785-296-7476, E-mail: [email protected]
House District 85 - Rep. Chuck Weber
Phone: 785-296-7473, E-mail: [email protected]
House District 77 - Rep. Kristey Williams
Phone: 785-296-3971, E-mail: [email protected]
Please email or phone them ASAP!
March 26, 2018
Plan B - Amending the State Constitution
Legislators respond to Study:
The Kansas Legislature has responded to the release of the Texas A&M education cost study which concluded that Kansas schools need at least $451 Million dollars and up to $2 billion dollars more each school year.
Statewide, many legislators support adding more dollars for schools and have a favorable opinion of the report. Legislative leadership does not support more school dollars and is now downplaying the report – the same report that they commissioned:
“I think it was very academic and I think everybody’s in agreement: It pointed to no policy that we could actually implement, nor did they have any implementation recommendations.” “So, I’m not happy with the study because I don’t think it brings any value to the process...” - Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning as quoted in The Wichita Eagle.
So, moving on to plan B:
Legislative leadership is now seeking to rewrite Article Six of the Kansas Constitution which protects Kansas public education. According the Wichita Eagle, “Senate President Susan Wagle said a constitutional amendment is necessary. She has also called the study’s recommendations unaffordable.”
The same article in the Eagle states: “A new corporation has hired three lobbyists to push for a constitutional amendment on Kansas schools after a study recommended lawmakers spend up to $2 billion more on schools”
Since 1992, the legislature has tried to amend Article Six 34 times – but no proposed amendment has been able to garner the two thirds majority required in both houses to advance the amendment to a public vote.
March 19, 2018
Results of Funding Study
While most Kansas school students are enjoying Spring Break, work in the Kansas legislature is heating up.
If you recall, Kansas legislative leadership hired Professor Lori Taylor of Texas A&M to conduct a study to determine the appropriate level of funding for public schools in Kansas. That report is now out.
What does it say? The report concludes that the State of Kansas needs to spend at least $400 million more dollars each year just to maintain current student outcomes in reading and math. If the State seeks to improve student outcomes, the additional amount could range from $1.7 billion to more than $2.0 billion. (All scenarios seek to increase the State’s high school graduation rate to 95% - a target set by Governor Brownback early this session.)
Why should Kansans Care? This report gives the legislature one important piece of information as they set a budget for the next fiscal year and respond to the recent Gannon decision which determined that Kansas schools are not adequately nor equitably funded.
What’s the timeline? Briefs in the Gannon case are due April 30 – this deadline gives the legislature little time to create a budget since they are scheduled to adjourn from the regular session on April 6 and then return on April 26th.
What else is on the horizon? In mid-April, the Legislature will receive Consensus Revenue Estimates which will forecast of how much tax revenue the state will receive in 2018 and 2019. That estimate will indicate how much the state can add to K-12 education without needing to either raise taxes of make cuts in other state programs.
Enjoy the spring weather – but stay informed to the actions of your legislators in Topeka!
March 12, 2018
Hurry Up Or You’ll Be Late For the Bus!!
When it comes to the school bus, that’s the most we usually think about it. Are the kids ready for their ride to school?
But the school bus has been on the minds of our legislators in Topeka these past weeks. And as you might assume, money is part of the discussion.
State transportation funding does not cover the costs of providing that “Big Yellow Fellow” that picks up our students. Two pieces of legislation under consideration would add to the busing resources Andover receives.
HB 2561 and HB 2697 would work to help by increasing the funding for transportation and put into law the decades long practice of providing additional funds for high-density enrollment districts like Andover.
Many of our students live on hazardous routes that would be dangerous for walkers. Some of these areas are on high-speed highways, and others are along busy four-lane streets with heavy traffic. We therefore provide transportation even though those students may live within the 2.5-mile limit for required busing.
Superintendent Brett White provided testimony to the Legislature supporting both bills. Additionally, he strongly discouraged the proposal that high-density districts like ours should be asked to repay funds received over the past decades under the long accepted funding equation.
Send an e-mail to our Legislators asking their support for HB 2561 and HB 2697. That will help keep our busses running and our district can use more money inside the classrooms.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
March 5, 2018
What To Do? What To Do?
Item: School funding, inflation adjusted, has fallen about $600 million since 2009 when funding to settle the Montoy school finance case was nearly fully phased in.
Item: Kansas school funding is approximately $600 million below the average percentage of total Kansas personal income spent on K-12 education since 1990.
Item: Kansas is approximately $600 million below the average of peer states that have better overall student achievement results.
Item: The state Supreme Court has ruled that Kansas schools are inadequately and inequitably funded.
The Legislature is now charged with finding a solution and it doesn’t have much time.
The House Taxation Committee has scheduled two days of hearings (Tuesday and Wednesday) on a bill (HB 2740) that would nearly double the statewide 20 mil levy over the next three years.
Such a change would likely raise an additional $220 million in 2019, over $400 million in 2020, and nearly $600 million in 2021. These amounts could be slightly higher as statewide valuation increases. Estimates are that $600 million could be required to meet school funding adequacy as required by the state Constitution.
It might surprise you to know that the statewide mil levy was set at 32 in 1992 and rose to 35. It was later dropped to the current 20.
However, the property tax is usually considered the least popular tax source, so opposition is expected.
What do you think? How should our schools be funded? At what level? Using what resources? Your legislators are waiting to hear your opinion.
Data provided by Kansas Association of School Boards
February 26, 2018
While We Wait . . . .
The Legislature’s paid consultant has been to town to describe her methods, but her report detailing what she thinks is the appropriate amount of spending on our schools won’t arrive till next month.
So let’s do a quick review of how we got here. This comes from a report of the Kansas Center for Economic Growth:
ITEM: The Brownback Experiment of Supply Side Economics Failed
The 2012 tax cuts (mostly on high-income people and businesses) was supposed to deliver that “shot in the arm of adrenaline” to the Kansas economy. It didn’t. Our economic growth lagged both neighboring states and the country. Do you remember five years of budget shortfalls? Cuts to services? Three credit downgrades? Those sweeps from highway and retirement funds?
ITEM: Spending Cuts to the Bone.
There is an argument that the tax cuts didn’t work because lawmakers failed to cut spending. Only they did. Between fiscal years 2012 and 2016 General Fund spending rose only 0.3% without adjusting for inflation. It fell 5.5% after adjusting for inflation and population growth.
ITEM: Businesses Didn’t Behave As Supply Side Economics Predicted
The net annual number of new businesses formed in Kansas (2012 – 2016) never reached the levels of the three years before the Great Recession. The rush of pass-through businesses moving across the state line to take advantage of our tax loophole was more a trickle.
The 2017 Legislature began the process of moving the state toward recovery from this failed experiment. May the 2018 Legislature continue that process!
February 19, 2018
Your Assignment for This Week
The wheels are beginning to turn in Topeka this Legislative session, and now is the time we must pay close attention.
Professor Lori Taylor of Texas A & M has been hired by the Legislature to conduct a study to determine appropriate funding levels for our public schools. She is due to make presentations to legislators and to school administrators this Friday and Saturday. Those meetings are open to the public. Ask us if you would like further information on time and place.
Why does this presentation matter to Andover families?
- It comes on the heels of an analysis by the KS Association of School Boards that Kansas schools have been underfunded by $867 MILLION since 2009. The shortfalls are in special education, local option budget aid, capital outlay aid, professional development, and even the school lunch budget.
- And one of the legislators involved in hiring Prof. Taylor said, “We’re focused on finding experts who can help show the [Supreme] court that funding is adequate.” That doesn’t sound like the Legislature was looking for a disinterested researcher, but an advocate for limited spending on schools.
John Heim of KASB: “By changing assumptions and desired outcomes, the total dollars necessary to fund a system can be changed dramatically. It is essential that we learn about the principles behind the new study that is being conducted. “
Be aware and involved this week and throughout the legislative session!
February 12, 2018
District Happenings
It should come as no surprise to you that lots is going on in Andover’s schools. And Educate Andover is delighted at all the good news.
A quick glance at www.usd385.org will show you that:
- Ryan Harshaw, the AHS golf coach, has been named the 2017 Coach’s Association, Midwest Golf Coach of the Year! Congratulations, Coach!
- An AMS 7th grader, Jeremiah Rather, won first place at the Butler County Spelling Bee on February 2. More congratulations!
- Lots of construction action is happening as a result of the bond issue passed by USD 385 residents. Concrete slabs have been poured at Prairie Creek and Wheatland. Footings are in for the addition at Sunflower. And earthwork is complete for the road and building pad at Cottonwood. We thank this community for making all these projects come to life.
- Over 150 7th and 8th grade students at ACMS entered the Jaguar Science Spectacular on January 19. The students worked on finding the answer to a question they developed using the scientific method. The entries were judged with the winners advancing to the 2018 Wichita Regional Science & Engineering Fair on February 16.
- After hearing and seeing lots of violence in the news, a fifth grade class at Prairie Creek Elementary is hoping to bring kindness to the lives of others. The Kindness Project, organized by teacher Shanda Seibel has one main goal: Spreading kindness as Little Helpers, Big Heroes. “When we saw all the violence on TV and the Internet we asked (our teacher) how we could change what’s going on in the world,” student Justus Dockstadar said. “She said we could always try to change by showing kindness and it could be big or small. So we began to develop the Kindness Project.” The class asks others to use the hashtag #TheRoadToKindness each time a good deed is done. We want to “fill up social media with kindness and love,” said student Lilly Spurlock.
February 5, 2018
Legislator Meet-ups
From time to time during the Legislative session our legislators host gatherings to share information and seek the opinions of their constituents. Roger Elliott, who represents part of the Andover school district, held such a meeting on January 27th. Several from the Educate Andover group were able to attend.
- Elliott reported on the issue of Dale Dennis and the attempt by several Senators to have him suspended. Dennis, a 50 year employee of the KS Department of Education, and considered the state’s most knowledgeable person on school finance, has received the support of hundreds of school administrators and 65 state legislators from both sides of the aisle. For more background on this dustup, see tallmankasb.blogspot.com (the February 2 edition).
- A second topic was the Legislature’s need to respond to the Supreme Court’s call for an adequate and equitable school finance plan. Options discussed have included offering a constitutional amendment, creating a formula with a 3 – 5 year implementation timeline, and an increase in the school mill levy rate.
Tax Collections
For the eighth straight month, tax collections in the state surpassed expectations. January’s revenue was $165 million higher than expected. But experts warn that part of the increase may be due to early tax payments caused by the change in federal tax law.
Ahead this Week
There will be hearings in Topeka this week on authorizing school districts to provide firearm safety education, on changes to the requirements to provide suicide awareness and prevention programming to staff, and on the requirement that districts publish bullying policies on their websites.
January 29, 2018
New Money for Kansas Schools?
The Supreme Court has told the Legislature that our schools are underfunded. The Governor has proposed an additional $600 million to be added to Kansas’ schools over five years.
So if such additional money were to be added to school budgets, how would it be spent? The KS Association of School Boards asked. Kansas school districts answered. The following is based on a three year phase in, rather than five.
$85 million each year would be used to improve programs and services for students, such things as help for lower achieving students, early childhood and special education, hiring more teachers to lower class size, adding career and guidance counselors and social workers, and supporting technology and curriculum materials. That would amount to $255 million over the three year phase in.
The next $85 million each year would be used just to keep up with inflation. And there goes another $255 million after three years.
Finally the last of this increase would be used to improve teacher salaries. The Governor stated that his goal is to have the highest teacher salary of our surrounding states. We currently lag the highest, Nebraska, by $4,354 per year. It gets worse if you expand out to the region.
How would you improve offerings in Andover’s schools? Do your legislators know how you feel about the needs in our schools?
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
January 22, 2018
How your Kansas tax return can benefit USD 385
A New Thing Under the Sun!
With the 2018 Legislature still gearing up, we’re sharing an underreported bit of news from last year’s Kansas tax bill.
Your Kansas tax return this year will have a check-off box with which you may assign all or a portion of your Kansas tax refund to a specific school district. (To find it, see page two of the return, line 42).
If you are reading this message, we assume you would want to send any refund you specify to USD 385 – that would be Andover! However the taxpayer can specify any school district.
Proceeds from this refund bonanza may be used for special projects, classroom or playground equipment, or other district needs.
Any taxpayer may use this refund designation: parents, grandparents, school supporters, community boosters. So spread the word!!
January 16, 2018
Opening of the 2018 Legislative Session
Aannndd They’re Off!!
The 2018 Legislative session opened last week with ceremony, the Governor’s State of the State address, and responses to it.
Let’s start with the Governor’s comments on school funding. He proposed a $600 million increase in K-12 funding spread over five years. That’s pretty darn close to the amount the plaintiffs in the Gannon case have said is necessary for passing Constitutional muster. Missing from his speech was a mechanism for funding that increase.
And now on to the responses to the Governor:
Republican leaders were pretty much universally unhappy with his proposal, noting that such a plan would require a tax increase.
The Education Commissioner, Randy Watson, said that Brownback’s plans are a “positive sign” and are in sync with where Kansas education should be headed.
Leading Democratic legislators were in agreement with the Governor’s call for legislators to work together and making school finance a top priority.
On average teacher salaries, the Governor urged moving Kansas to the highest in the region. Watson said that Kansas’ current ranking of 42nd in the nation “is unacceptable.”
How do you feel? Should teacher salaries move up in the ranking? Should class size be decreased or increased? Should Kansas invest more in its schools? Less?
These representatives will be making decisions about your schools. Let them know what you believe about Andover schools!
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
January 8, 2018
K-12 school funding
K – 12 School Funding Is Not Taking a Larger Share of KS Budget
You’ve heard the concerns (and complaints in some quarters) that K – 12 funding is taking an ever-larger share of the state budget and squeezing out support for other state programs. Actually, analysis of state spending shows that school funding’s share of the Kansas budget has changed little since 1994.
State aid to school districts in 1994 was 48.2% of the state general fund. Under the approved budget for 2019, state aid will be 49.7%. The average over the past 25 years has been 49.9%. (Data is from the KS Legislative Research Department.)
In other words, general fund school district aid has increased at almost the same rate as overall state general fund spending, including increased funding as a result of school finance lawsuits. (These figures do not include bond and interest aid or the 20-mil statewide levy.)
The share of the budget going to K– 12 had been declining since 2011 until the current year when funding was increased to address the Gannon decision.
And now a reminder from last week: The Legislature convenes next week! Do you know who represents our school district? Here’s a helpful list.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
January 2, 2018
One More New Year’s Resolution!
The 2018 Legislative session convenes in a few short days. Educate Andover suggests your final resolution for the New Year:
I will know my legislators!
Much that’s important for our schools will be decided in Topeka in the next few months. Let your voice be heard! Let our legislators know how much Andover cares about the quality of our schools and the well-being of our children!
These fine folks represent all parts of our school district. They want to represent the priorities of our families. They need our input.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
Want to know your very own Senator? If you live in Sedgwick County, Susan Wagle is your Senator. In Butler County, it’s Ty Masterson.
To identify your own Representative log on to www.openstates.org .
Then resolve to make some phone calls or send some letters or e-mails as the session moves forward. We’ll keep you posted as school issues develop.
December 18, 2017
How is Andover using new budget money?
So what’s going on with the new money added to school budgets by the 2017 Legislature?
Part of it has gone to providing support to students. Randy Watson, State Education Commissioner, reports that Kansas schools have hired approximately 150 – 200 more counselors, social workers, and school psychologists.
In addition, Watson said that more than 800 at-risk students are being served in pre-school. That is a 10% increase over last year.
The school districts’ initiatives coincide with the State Board’s vision of meeting the needs of each student by:
- Increasing kindergarten readiness
- Increasing high school graduation rates
- Helping students grow emotionally and socially
And the Andover connection?
- Our district added three counselor positions. Their focus will be on career and college preparation.
- Andover added 12 additional pre-K spots for at-risk children. That created a new pre-K section and added a half-time teacher.
- Five additional elementary teachers were added to allow for enrollment increases.
- The school district moved to primarily all-day kindergarten, adding 1.5 teachers. It also eliminated the all-day K fees that had been charged to parents.
December 11, 2017
Special Committee on a Comprehensive Response to the School Finance Decision
We know the Legislature is not in session, but . . .
An important meeting took place last Monday in Topeka. It was the “Special Committee on a Comprehensive Response to the School Finance Decision.” Wow! That’s a mouthful!
This committee is charged with:
1) analyzing the recent Gannon decision which declared that school funding in Kansas is neither adequate nor equitable;
2) identifying the responses available to the Legislature; and
3) exploring ways to reduce the perpetual cycle of conflict over school funding.
No decisions were made last Monday; future meetings of the committee will be December 18 and 19.
While the committee did not discuss a constitutional amendment to forestall future litigation, various members of the Legislature have proposed such amendments ranging from deleting the constitutional requirement for “suitable finance” of public education to a recent proposal that would end the Supreme Court’s ability to close the schools should the Legislature refuse to meet its constitutional requirements.
Educate Andover is opposed to adding an amendment to our Constitution that would reduce the Court’s ability to weigh in on public education. Our schools are a major responsibility of the state of Kansas. Our children’s future depends on all three branches working together to ensure that they all get the education they need for a successful future.
December 4, 2017
Candidate for Governor Visits Andover USD 385
Dr. Jim Barnett, Republican candidate for governor, visited our district on Thursday, November 30 to discuss his views on education and public schools.
Dr. Barnett is a former member of the Emporia Board of Education and the Kansas Senate, now practicing medicine in Topeka.
His A B C’s of education:
Advancing Early Childhood Development: Too many young children are harmed by hunger, abuse, neglect, and lack of appropriate developmental stimulation. Kansas must identify these children early before they are harmed for life and offer early childhood education to them and education opportunities to their parents as well.
Be Out Of Court: We must find a way to fund adequate and equitable education to all the children of Kansas and end the ongoing court challenges. Barnett believes that if the Legislature devotes $600 million spread over three years, then the Court would agree the state is in compliance with its own constitution. In addition, Kansas, through the state Board of Education, must establish measureable standards for student success.
Careers: Business and schools working together equals ‘Enterprising Education.’ Business leaders can work with districts to create programs for students that will lead to employment. Post-secondary success does not have to mean college graduation. There is a good space for technical education.
Other areas of focus for Dr. Barnett are health policy, economic development, developing Kansas’s tourism, and keeping young professionals in the state.
Educate Andover welcomes additional candidates for governor and other offices to visit the district. We look forward to getting acquainted and exploring their views on educating Andover’s children.
November 13, 2017
BOE Results & Contract Updates
Congratulations to New and Returning BOE Members!
Elected to four year terms on Tuesday were, Bob Baier, Carly Haynes and Josh Wells. We look forward to your leadership of USD 385.
Andover Board and Teachers Reach Contract Agreement
A new contract has been reached for the current year that raises the total of salary and benefits 5.49% over the previous year. That is about one per cent more than the average package raise for districts across the state.
This is a good step in improving Andover district salaries and benefits; however, if Andover teacher salaries are adjusted for inflation, we (and the rest of the state’s school districts) are still behind where we were 10 years ago. With the new agreement we have added about 3.5% to the starting salary since fiscal year 2010. Inflation during the same period is over 11% (per the CPI).
Based on contracted average salaries for the most recent year available (’16-’17), the new contract places Andover:
12th in teacher compensation in comparison to the 286 districts in the state
13th in principal compensation
12th in superintendent compensation
Educate Andover appreciates the successful completion of these negotiations. Strong teacher compensation will yield benefits for Andover students.
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/EducateAndover/
November 6, 2017
Tomorrow is Election Day!
It’s our chance to choose the leaders of our school district. If you haven’t voted in advance, please go to the polls between 6 am and 7 pm. Your vote counts!
The candidates:
District 1, Position 4: Josh Wells (Incumbent)
District 2, Position 2: Lee Butler; Carly Haynes (Incumbent)
District 3, Position 6: Bob Baier (to fill an unexpired term)
Noteworthy
State budget experts last week increased the state’s revenue forecast by $230 million. That could make it easier for the Legislature to address the Supreme Court’s ruling that the current school finance system is both inadequate and inequitable.
Bond projects: Work on the baseball and softball turf fields is beginning. Bids for the classroom additions to the five elementary schools are due in the near future. Staff and architects are touring new area schools to plan for the best learning environments for our students.
District ACT Scores: The composite score for the district is 23.9. Over the past five years that score has increased from the low 23’s to 23.9. Impressive! And well above the state average of 21.7. Congratulations to Andover students and staff!
October 30, 2017
BOE voting information
A broken record? Yes, that’s us!
We’ve been alerting you to the November 7 school board election, and we’re back with yet more information. We want your vote for Andover’s board members to be as easy as possible. So . . . .
If you still want to get an advance mail ballot:
For Sedgwick County residents, you’ll need to go to the Court House (510 N. Main) as it’s too late to mail in a request and they don’t take phone requests.
For Butler County residents, call 316-322-4229, and provide your date of birth and address. One call will work for both you and your spouse.
If you wish to vote early in person:
Sedgwick County residents: You may vote at any of the early voting sites in Wichita. The closest one is Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E 13th N.
Thursday, November 2 – noon to 7 pm
Friday, November 3 – noon to 7 pm
Saturday, November 4 – 9 am to 4 pm
Butler County residents: Early voting is at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 123 N. Andover Rd.
Thursday, November 2 - noon to 7 pm
Friday, November 3 – noon to 7 pm
Saturday, November 4 – 9 am to 4 pm
Want to vote the traditional way? The polls will be open on November 7 from 6 am to 7 pm. You will go to your usual polling place.
In other news about our schools (yes, there is more news than the election!), Senate Majority Jim Denning said Thursday that an interim committee will start work on addressing the Kansas Supreme Court ruling that found the school finance system inadequate and inequitable. That is good news. Perhaps the Legislative leaders see the importance of moving forward early. The stakes are high! Watch this space – we’ll keep you informed.
October 23, 2017
Attract, Support, Compensate, Empower
Randy Watson, Kansas Secretary of Education, predicts that “we are two years away from the biggest teacher shortage we’ve ever had. That is based on the size of the current junior class” and declining number of students preparing to be teachers.
This at a time when we need skilled, dedicated teachers more than ever to be preparing our students for a challenging future!
Members of the State Board of Education met this week with U. S. Rep Kevin Yoder and told him that teachers need more money and respect. Too often, they told him federal officials have created a tone that doesn’t present public education in a positive light.
Educate Andover believes we must attract, support, compensate and empower Andover and all Kansas teachers. The phrase "pay me now or pay me later" comes to mind.
Reminder: County election officers are now mailing out absentee ballots for the November 7 city and school board elections. Request yours by calling 316.322.4229 in Butler County or 316.660.7100 in Sedgwick County.
Catch Educate Andover during the week on Facebook.
Still need to study the backgrounds and opinions of Andover school board candidates? Here’s the link:
https://andoverlegislativecouncil.weebly.com/11717-andover-school-board-election-candidate-questionnaires.html
October 17, 2017
BOE Election - November 7
Andover Board of Education Election – November 7
Remember when we said that the last day to register to vote in November’s election is October 17? That day is today! If you need to register, go to www.sos.ks.gov, click on Register to Vote, and follow the instructions.
Did you know that you could vote at home just by requesting an Advance Ballot? It sure saves the hassle of making time to drive to the polls and standing in line! To request a ballot, if you are in Butler County the number to call is 316.322.4229. In Sedgwick County call 316.660.7100.
To review, these are the candidates:
Bob Baier – District 3
Lee Butler – District 2
Carly Haynes – Incumbent, District 2
Josh Wells – Incumbent, District 1
Educate Andover hosted a get-acquainted meeting for these candidates last week. We also asked each of them a number of questions about Board service, which they answered in writing. You may read all their responses by going to our web site:
https://andoverlegislativecouncil.weebly.com/11717-andover-school-board-election-candidate-questionnaires.html
Please get informed on all these candidates. Those elected will be making decisions that will shape the future of our district and impact our children’s educational experiences for the next four years.
Remember – You will vote for a candidate in all three districts!
September 6, 2017
Good news for all-day K parents
We love to share good news when we see it! And today we see it.
The Andover school district will receive approximately $700,000 of new state money to cover all-day kindergarten this year!
So the Andover School District has sent refund checks out to those parents who signed up for that program.
Until now, all-day K was fee based because the state school finance system only supported half-day K. Thus families who wanted their kindergarteners in school all day had to pay for that extra half day of learning themselves.
The 2017 Legislature created a new school finance formula that, among other things, created state support for all-day K. So all those families who had paid for the extra half day of kindergarten in Andover have had those dollars returned to them.
Educate Andover thanks the Legislature for this advance in the education of Kansas’ children. Special thanks go to Roger Elliott (R) who represents the 87th district in our area. He was the only one of our six area representatives who voted for the new school formula
Good news for all-day K parents
We love to share good news when we see it! And today we see it.
The Andover school district will receive approximately $700,000 of new state money to cover all-day kindergarten this year!
So the Andover School District has sent refund checks out to those parents who signed up for that program.
Until now, all-day K was fee based because the state school finance system only supported half-day K. Thus families who wanted their kindergarteners in school all day had to pay for that extra half day of learning themselves.
The 2017 Legislature created a new school finance formula that, among other things, created state support for all-day K. So all those families who had paid for the extra half day of kindergarten in Andover have had those dollars returned to them.
Educate Andover thanks the Legislature for this advance in the education of Kansas’ children. Special thanks go to Roger Elliott (R) who represents the 87th district in our area. He was the only one of our six area representatives who voted for the new school formula
August 28, 2017
Average Teacher Salary vs. Inflation
We hate to start your week with discouraging news, but the truth is that teachers’ salaries in Kansas are in a bad place.
According to reports from the Kansas State Department of Education, the average Kansas teacher salary lost ground against inflation over the past 13 years.
For the past school year, the average teacher salary was lower than in 2004 when adjusted for inflation, and almost $4,500 less than the high point in 2010.
Yes, we hear the question: didn’t the Legislature fix that situation with the $200 million increase in the last session? It would take $175M of that JUST to bring teacher salaries up to the 2010 level. And that would not include any salary increase for principals, custodians, cooks, paras and others. Not to mention that school districts need to replace some of the nearly 2,000 employees cut since 2009 AND add support for students struggling academically.
Here’s the graph for those graphically inclined:
Your continued support for your child’s teacher, your school, your school district, and all of Kansas’ schools is crucial for putting Kansas education back on track!
August 21, 2017
Teacher Shortage in Kansas
KSN News reports that the state of Kansas is now in need of over 1,500 teachers.
Let that sink in: the relatively small state we live in is short over 1,500 teachers as the school year begins!
What will that mean for class size in schools across the state? What will the academic preparation be of staff teaching the fundamentals of reading, math and science to our children?
Dave Kirkbride, the South Central Uniserve Director of the Kansas National Education Association, says that the cause is the underfunding of public schools over the past years. Teachers who are underpaid and under-appreciated are less likely to stay in Kansas; some even leave the profession altogether.
The state of Missouri has tried to capitalize on this situation by putting up billboards inviting Kansas teachers to apply for positions in their schools.
Brett White, Superintendent of Andover’s school district, tells of working to hire teachers at a recruiting fair at Kansas State University next to a recruiter from Alaska. She had been sent here knowing that Kansas school funding was in crisis and was prepared to offer signing bonuses to hire graduating teachers!
Russell Miller, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for Andover, sees recruiters from Oregon, Alaska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas when he is out hiring. They come to Kansas with contracts (and sometimes signing bonuses) in hand.
The boost to public education funding authorized by the Legislature is a start in correcting a deteriorating situation that has gone on far too long.
Be sure the teachers in your child’s life know you care about them, that you appreciate their dedication to that most important profession: teaching.
August 14, 2017
Sharing the Good News!
There’s a lot going on in school communities across the state, including our own. Our superintendent Brett White, school board member Melinda Fritze, and Educate Andover member and former teacher Susan Reusser recently attended an advocacy meeting prepared by the state school board association.
We’re pretty sure that you know that the decisions made in the last legislative session bode well for Kansas’ schools, but do your friends and neighbors know that:
They are made possible by the partial tax reinstatement agreed to by the Legislature. Please note that income taxes are still not as high as they were before the tax cuts of 2012. That’s why calling it “the largest tax increase in history” is erroneous.
So share the good news! If we had a ladder we’d shout it from the rooftop. But we’ll just count on you to tell your friends that the news is good for Andover’s students, staff, and schools.
August 7, 2017
August To Do List
To Do List for August
State Reps. Russ Jennings of Lakin, Bradley Ralph of Dodge City, and John Wheeler of Garden City were part of a GOP-Democratic coalition that approved increased funding for schools and reversed much of the Governor’s tax changes which had led to severe revenue shortfalls.
Wheeler, a freshman legislator, said while the process in Topeka can be frustrating, “This year our Legislature worked very well.”
Jennings said he expects those who supported the tax changes will be hit with negative campaign tactics next year. “We’re up to the challenge,” he said. “We do it because we care about our state.”
Now it’s up to us, friends, to talk to our neighbors, our business associates, and our legislators about our support for these much-needed changes. The $290 million added to school funding over two years will be the first time in years that state funding will have surpassed inflation.
Here are your Andover area legislators:
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected] (the only area legislator to support new school funds and to cut back the Brownback tax breaks)
We’ll leave it up to you to list your neighbors and business associates.
July 31, 2017
Return on School Investment
While we’re waiting for a decision by the Kansas Supreme Court on the question of whether the Legislature’s actions are constitutional, let’s take a look at whether Kansas taxpayers are getting a good return on their investment in our schools.
Our state ranks 15th in the country in the percentage of adults with a four-year degree, but ranks just 31st in total funding per pupil, at $12,055.
Kansas’ pupil funding rank has been steadily falling since it peaked at #24 of the 50 states in 2008. The recession and the 2012 income tax cuts both contributed to this decline. Other states have been increasing their spending compared to inflation, while Kansas has fallen behind.
Are you aware that adjusted for inflation, Kansas spending per pupil is still well below 2009 levels?
As a result:
Almost 2000 school jobs have been eliminated since 2009
Those cuts have contributed to the state’s sluggish economic growth
It’s been harder to retain teachers as salaries have fallen behind costs
All this occurred while student enrollment increased by 4.3%.
While the funding increase authorized by the 2017 Legislature will help, it will not get us to the level necessary for the world-class education that Kansas and Andover students need and deserve.
A new school year begins soon. We contact our legislators during the session, but this is also a great time to share about the importance of investing in our schools, both now and throughout the school year. You can contact them at:
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
(Data provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards)
Average Teacher Salary vs. Inflation
We hate to start your week with discouraging news, but the truth is that teachers’ salaries in Kansas are in a bad place.
According to reports from the Kansas State Department of Education, the average Kansas teacher salary lost ground against inflation over the past 13 years.
For the past school year, the average teacher salary was lower than in 2004 when adjusted for inflation, and almost $4,500 less than the high point in 2010.
Yes, we hear the question: didn’t the Legislature fix that situation with the $200 million increase in the last session? It would take $175M of that JUST to bring teacher salaries up to the 2010 level. And that would not include any salary increase for principals, custodians, cooks, paras and others. Not to mention that school districts need to replace some of the nearly 2,000 employees cut since 2009 AND add support for students struggling academically.
Here’s the graph for those graphically inclined:
Your continued support for your child’s teacher, your school, your school district, and all of Kansas’ schools is crucial for putting Kansas education back on track!
August 21, 2017
Teacher Shortage in Kansas
KSN News reports that the state of Kansas is now in need of over 1,500 teachers.
Let that sink in: the relatively small state we live in is short over 1,500 teachers as the school year begins!
What will that mean for class size in schools across the state? What will the academic preparation be of staff teaching the fundamentals of reading, math and science to our children?
Dave Kirkbride, the South Central Uniserve Director of the Kansas National Education Association, says that the cause is the underfunding of public schools over the past years. Teachers who are underpaid and under-appreciated are less likely to stay in Kansas; some even leave the profession altogether.
The state of Missouri has tried to capitalize on this situation by putting up billboards inviting Kansas teachers to apply for positions in their schools.
Brett White, Superintendent of Andover’s school district, tells of working to hire teachers at a recruiting fair at Kansas State University next to a recruiter from Alaska. She had been sent here knowing that Kansas school funding was in crisis and was prepared to offer signing bonuses to hire graduating teachers!
Russell Miller, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources for Andover, sees recruiters from Oregon, Alaska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas when he is out hiring. They come to Kansas with contracts (and sometimes signing bonuses) in hand.
The boost to public education funding authorized by the Legislature is a start in correcting a deteriorating situation that has gone on far too long.
Be sure the teachers in your child’s life know you care about them, that you appreciate their dedication to that most important profession: teaching.
August 14, 2017
Sharing the Good News!
There’s a lot going on in school communities across the state, including our own. Our superintendent Brett White, school board member Melinda Fritze, and Educate Andover member and former teacher Susan Reusser recently attended an advocacy meeting prepared by the state school board association.
We’re pretty sure that you know that the decisions made in the last legislative session bode well for Kansas’ schools, but do your friends and neighbors know that:
- All day kindergarten will now be available across the state, and Andover’s fees will be cut?
- Additional funds for pre-kindergarten services have been provided?
- Counseling positions can be added back?
- There is potential for staff salary increases (pending the Supreme Court decision)?
They are made possible by the partial tax reinstatement agreed to by the Legislature. Please note that income taxes are still not as high as they were before the tax cuts of 2012. That’s why calling it “the largest tax increase in history” is erroneous.
So share the good news! If we had a ladder we’d shout it from the rooftop. But we’ll just count on you to tell your friends that the news is good for Andover’s students, staff, and schools.
August 7, 2017
August To Do List
To Do List for August
- Enroll the kids in school
- Buy school supplies
- Get school physicals
- Contact your legislator
State Reps. Russ Jennings of Lakin, Bradley Ralph of Dodge City, and John Wheeler of Garden City were part of a GOP-Democratic coalition that approved increased funding for schools and reversed much of the Governor’s tax changes which had led to severe revenue shortfalls.
Wheeler, a freshman legislator, said while the process in Topeka can be frustrating, “This year our Legislature worked very well.”
Jennings said he expects those who supported the tax changes will be hit with negative campaign tactics next year. “We’re up to the challenge,” he said. “We do it because we care about our state.”
Now it’s up to us, friends, to talk to our neighbors, our business associates, and our legislators about our support for these much-needed changes. The $290 million added to school funding over two years will be the first time in years that state funding will have surpassed inflation.
Here are your Andover area legislators:
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected] (the only area legislator to support new school funds and to cut back the Brownback tax breaks)
We’ll leave it up to you to list your neighbors and business associates.
July 31, 2017
Return on School Investment
While we’re waiting for a decision by the Kansas Supreme Court on the question of whether the Legislature’s actions are constitutional, let’s take a look at whether Kansas taxpayers are getting a good return on their investment in our schools.
Our state ranks 15th in the country in the percentage of adults with a four-year degree, but ranks just 31st in total funding per pupil, at $12,055.
Kansas’ pupil funding rank has been steadily falling since it peaked at #24 of the 50 states in 2008. The recession and the 2012 income tax cuts both contributed to this decline. Other states have been increasing their spending compared to inflation, while Kansas has fallen behind.
Are you aware that adjusted for inflation, Kansas spending per pupil is still well below 2009 levels?
As a result:
Almost 2000 school jobs have been eliminated since 2009
Those cuts have contributed to the state’s sluggish economic growth
It’s been harder to retain teachers as salaries have fallen behind costs
All this occurred while student enrollment increased by 4.3%.
While the funding increase authorized by the 2017 Legislature will help, it will not get us to the level necessary for the world-class education that Kansas and Andover students need and deserve.
A new school year begins soon. We contact our legislators during the session, but this is also a great time to share about the importance of investing in our schools, both now and throughout the school year. You can contact them at:
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
(Data provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards)
July 10, 2017
Campaign Card Fact Checking
Well, THAT didn’t take long! We are sixteen months out before the election of 2018 and the campaign cards are filling our mailboxes already.
Cards praising the anti-tax positions of Reps. Susan Humphries and Chuck Weber arrived this week. Of course, no mention was made of the extreme financial status of the state, the bond downgrades, the road funds transferred, the borrowing from other state funds to cover four long years of revenue shortfalls. Or the increase in the state’s sales tax two years ago to make up for the ill-advised cuts to the income tax.
No mention was made of the block grants for school funding that froze school district monies for two years while expenses rose and student enrollment grew.
We are grateful that a majority of state legislators saw fit to begin the process of moving Kansas back to fiscal sanity. We are grateful that both houses voted to override the governor’s veto of the new tax bill.
Neither Rep. Humphries nor Rep. Weber joined in the override effort. Nor did Rep. Williams nor Senators Wagle and Masterson.
Andover children will be better served this year and in the years ahead without their help.
However Rep. Roger Elliott joined the bipartisan effort to put Kansas, its schools, roads and other services back on the road to solid footing.
Educate Andover thanks Roger for his helpful role this session.
You can expect to receive these postcards from now till November 2018. Please do your own fact-checking before you vote.
Campaign Card Fact Checking
Well, THAT didn’t take long! We are sixteen months out before the election of 2018 and the campaign cards are filling our mailboxes already.
Cards praising the anti-tax positions of Reps. Susan Humphries and Chuck Weber arrived this week. Of course, no mention was made of the extreme financial status of the state, the bond downgrades, the road funds transferred, the borrowing from other state funds to cover four long years of revenue shortfalls. Or the increase in the state’s sales tax two years ago to make up for the ill-advised cuts to the income tax.
No mention was made of the block grants for school funding that froze school district monies for two years while expenses rose and student enrollment grew.
We are grateful that a majority of state legislators saw fit to begin the process of moving Kansas back to fiscal sanity. We are grateful that both houses voted to override the governor’s veto of the new tax bill.
Neither Rep. Humphries nor Rep. Weber joined in the override effort. Nor did Rep. Williams nor Senators Wagle and Masterson.
Andover children will be better served this year and in the years ahead without their help.
However Rep. Roger Elliott joined the bipartisan effort to put Kansas, its schools, roads and other services back on the road to solid footing.
Educate Andover thanks Roger for his helpful role this session.
You can expect to receive these postcards from now till November 2018. Please do your own fact-checking before you vote.
July 3, 2017
Historical district funding
Perhaps you were surprised (as we were) at this statement in last week’s message:
“Kansas’ funding level for schools has fallen behind other states; it has dropped to the lowest level compared to Kansans’ personal income in three decades!”
Here’s some back up for that surprising statistic. From 1975 to 2010, total school district funding in Kansas averaged 4.54% of state personal income. Based on the Consensus Revenue Estimate of state income growth, Kansas’s personal income will be $146.6 billion in 2017 and $152.3 billion in 2018.
If we were to apply the historic 4.45% funding to these two years, it would mean an increase to schools of $590 million this year and a further $300 million increase for next year. That makes the nearly $200 million increase for this year and another $100 million for 2018 seem less than remarkable.
The state and school district lawyers’ briefs were due to the Supreme Court on Friday. The case will be argued on July 18. Will the Court give the Legislature’s school appropriation the green light? Will our school funding ever return to normal (pre-2009) levels? Will Kansas’s students have the opportunities they deserve for a world-class education in our schools?
June 26, 2017
“Why just throw more money at the schools?”
I’ve heard the question! Without doubt you’ve heard it too.
“Why just throw more money at the schools?”
Let’s try to answer the question with help from the Kansas Association of School Boards:
The states with the highest levels of personal income and best K – 12 student outcomes are states that provide higher funding per pupil for K – 12 education.
Those states hire more teachers, support staff (and yes, administrators) per pupil to provide better services and more individualized instruction. And they offer competitive salaries to attract and keep talented educators.
Since the Great Recession and the 2012 tax cuts, Kansas funding for K – 12 education has lagged behind most states.
Friends, Kansas has been unilaterally disarming in the battle for economic growth: education levels and employment skills. Not only has our funding level has fallen behind other states; it has dropped to the lowest level compared to Kansans’ personal income in three decades!
We are spending less of our income to educate our children today than past generations, at a time when education matters more!
The tax increase and school finance bill passed this month will help turn these harmful trends around. More funding will be available to help more students graduate and be better prepared for college and employment in high skill, higher paying jobs.
Thank you to the Legislature for realizing that funding education is not just expenditure. It is also an investment – in our children, in our future, in a competitive state economy.
June 19, 2017
Are we there yet?
The kids in the back seat ask, “Are we there yet?”
And as parents, we usually have to say, “Not yet!”
So why, when the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of the tax bill, when the session is all finished except for the formal closing day, when the Governor has signed the new school finance formula, are we not yet there?
The new formula and funding must receive the approval of the Supreme Court that Kansas is adequately funding our schools. That process begins with an attorney conference call this morning to set up a schedule for the Court’s work. There is real concern that the modest funding increase passed by the Legislature won’t meet the constitutional requirement for adequate financial provision for schools.
Here is why we care: the U. S. Census Report on Public Education Finance shows that Kansas’ per pupil ranking for total education dropped again in 2015 (the latest year data is available).
Kansas total revenue per pupil (including all federal, state, and local funding) was $12,055 in 2015, ranking 31st in the nation. This after ranking:
23rd in 2008 and 2009
25th in 2010
27th in 2011, 2012, and 2013
29th in 2014
Friends, that trend is going in the wrong direction!!
“The latest data continues an alarming trend,” said KASB Associate Director Mark Tallman. “And there are warning signs Kansas student achievement is also slipping compared to other states.”
So stay tuned. Stay involved. Be prepared to communicate if the Legislature has to return for more work this summer. Our kids are worth it!
June 12, 2017
Thanks to Representative Elliott & next steps in Topeka
And THAT’S the way to get things done, folks!!
When the governor promised to veto the school-funding bill in the early hours of Tuesday and had done so a few hours later, we could almost hear the moans of parents, teachers and administrators around the state. But wait! This time was different.
By evening the Senate had voted to override that veto by the barest of minimums (without the support of either Senator Wagle or Masterson). And a few hours later, the House joined the Senate with a slightly larger margin. A big Andover ‘Thank you” to Representative Roger Elliott who voted to override. We are sorry that Representatives Humphries, Weber and Williams did not support the veto override.
Are we done yet? No, the Supreme Court must approve the new formula and funding scheme. Troubling to us is the addition of individual donations (with the carrot of state tax credits) to private school tuition. Have we reached the goal of adequate funding? No, but we are moving in the right direction.
Now Kansas can begin to repair the damage of five years of underfunding state needs and moving funds dedicated to other purposes into the general fund to patch budget holes.
What is the outcome for Andover’s schools? Officials estimate that an additional $1.9 million will be added for the coming year.
What made the difference this year? Some would say that having more legislators in Topeka with an understanding of schools and their funding had an impact. With public schools a major issue in the 2016 elections, fifty current and former school board members, teachers, and administrators ran for the Legislature. And 29 of them were elected, including our own Roger Elliott, former USD 385 board member!
But there is room for more legislators dedicated to the value of public education in Kansas! If you have an itch for public service, give thought to running in 2018. Your community needs you.
June 6, 2017
Override Veto of CCR for SB30
Kansas came SO close last night!
Lawmakers joined together to pass comprehensive tax reform and move the ball closer to assuring that schools open in the fall.
Then the governor vowed to veto CCR for Senate Bill 30. NO!!! Not when we are almost to the finish line! This bill is not ideal, the funding is not generous, there will be tax dollars going to private schools. But it addressed many of the needs of our classrooms.
Please take action to end this failed tax experiment. We need to only deliver one simple message to our legislators: Override the Veto of CCR for SB 30!!
Some votes will have to change. Legislators will be moved to change if they hear from you.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
June 5, 2017
Weekly Call to Action
The Kansas legislature continues to linger through its 2017 session – painfully slow and with no progress on either taxation, school funding, or balancing the state budget. In reviewing Senator Lynn Rogers email update this past week, his comments included the following: “…problem with this session is with the leadership, or more specifically, the lack of expertise. We are rudderless. More days are spent gaveling in, an address/prayer from the Chaplain and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance than actual legislative debate. The Senate cannot debate important bills because leadership sets the calendar, choosing which bills will come to the floor.”
The message to our Educate Andover constituents is that our work as education advocates is not over. We encourage you to continue contacting your local legislators and asking them to work hard for the students, parents, teachers, and staff of USD 385. While this session is nearing a record number of days, this is not something we as Kansans should be proud of. Our lawmakers cannot seem to work together and are becoming polarized with actions that are driven by political means versus solving the real issues at hand. June 30 is fast approaching and the latest funding proposals do not address the adequacy issue that the court ruled on in March. Please see the latest update from KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards) https://kasb.org/nb0603/
Please stay tuned daily for updates on the progress in Topeka on Facebook, Twitter, and our website. The issues at hand affect all Kansans and we need make our voices heard.
House members that represent the Andover public school District:
Susan Humphries
Roger Elliott
Kristey Williams
Chuck Weber
Senate members that represent the Andover Public school District:
Susan Wagle
Ty Masterson
Contact information for the above representatives can be found at:
http://andoverlegislativecouncil.weebly.com/contact-info-for-usd385-legislators.html
May 30, 2017
Results of HB 2410
Well, THAT was disappointing!!
For several months the idea circulated in the Legislature that funding for Kansas schools could be increased by $750 million over five years. But the bill that passed on Thursday in the House (Sub HB 2410) phases in an increase of about $280 million over the next two years to be followed by increases of no more than the cost of living index.
There is fairly unanimous praise for the funding formula developed by the Legislature. Without doubt it is a big improvement over the block grants instituted two years ago.
But schools spend dollars, not a formula. And a tax bill to fund even this level of school spending is far from certain.
The state has until June 30 to demonstrate to the Kansas Supreme Court that it has adequately funded the public schools of Kansas. This level of funding makes approval questionable.
Dr. Justin Henry, USD 265 Superintendent and president of Schools for Fair Funding, said, “The current version of the school finance bills being discussed in the Legislature seem to fall significantly short of providing the adequate resources needed to educate all Kansas students.”
There is still time to be in touch with our area representatives to share your support for our schools. They need to know that Andover residents value a strong school system, both locally and across the state. Of the four representatives from Andover, Williams, Weber and Elliott voted for Sub HB 2410. Humphries voted against it.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 22, 2017
Resources for Legislative Updates Throughout the Week
This time in the legislative year, things begin to move fast and then faster. We don’t want to stuff your inbox with messages multiple times per week, so we think you might like to have some resources at hand for staying up to date yourself.
If you are on Facebook, search for Mark Tallman. He works for the Kansas Association of School Boards and updates regularly, often on Facebook Live. Mark Desetti of the Kansas National Education Association is another good resource on school statehouse issues.
For almost-real-time updates, on Twitter you can follow either of the above (@tallman_mark and @desettiks) or Jonathan Shorman, the statehouse reporter for the Eagle (@jonshorman).
The state teachers’ association has a handy app for your phone (search for KNEA) that has lots of education information including a bill tracker.
And of course, Educate Andover has a Facebook page with frequent updates on legislative issues.
We know that your voice will be heard through an e-mail or phone call or letter. You needn’t know bill numbers or technical information to share your opinion. Just let your legislators know that you are concerned about the future of public education in our community.
Andover didn’t become one of the finest districts in the state because the patrons didn’t care – it happened because we do care about our schools, our teachers, our children! We have been willing to invest in excellence.
We need our representatives to make that investment too! It will require changes in the state’s tax laws. We are willing to pay those taxes. We think you are too.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 16, 2015
Bond passed/HB 2410 Finance Plan
Hooray! A big thank you to all Andover patrons who studied, planned for, worked for, and voted for the two bond questions on the ballot last week! That’s the Andover spirit we know we have for our schools.
And now it’s back to work in Topeka. The House K-12 Education committee passed without recommendation a finance plan (HB 2410) for Kansas’ schools on Monday. Based on all the information coming from the committee over the past few weeks, you were probably expecting a funding increase of $750 million to be spread over five years.
Well, you would be wrong in that expectation! The committee passed to the House a plan that would increase funding by $185 million next year, an additional $100 million the following year, and increases after that no more than the Midwest Consumer Price Index.
The plan went from $750 million over five years to $285 million over two years. That is far short of the amount requested by the KS Department of Education, the school board association and teachers’ groups. There is significant concern that if this plan makes it through the Legislature the Supreme Court won’t approve it.
It’s finals time both in our schools and in the Legislature. Our legislators know we passed our bond questions. Now let them know we need an adequate funding plan for our children.
They need to know that we are willing to pay taxes for the children of our community. It is these schools that are preparing our kids for a bright future.
They need to know that we want them to represent the interests of their patrons who value our excellent schools.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 8, 2017
Bond Election is tomorrow!
Friends of Andover schools have two major assignments this week (it’s finals season after all).
Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 9) is the bond election with two questions on the ballot for new, improved, safer facilities for our students. We have described them previously, and you can find information about them at www.invest385.com or by going the district web site, www.usd385.org .
Have you voted yet? Are you prepared to vote tomorrow? Are there friends and neighbors you can call to remind them of the importance of this issue? That is assignment number 1.
Assignment number 2 is the question of school finance and a fairer tax system being debated in Topeka. It’s very easy to contact our area legislators and let them know of your concern for the adequate funding of our schools.
Here are a few thoughts you can write about:
We need sufficient funding to keep Andover schools among the best in the state
Our staff deserve better pay and benefits for the great work they do
State taxes must apply fairly to all and be adequate to the needs of the state
Students with learning challenges must not be left behind
Our legislators are happy to hear from constituents. They may or may not reply due to time constraints, but your voice needs to be heard. Your e-mail can go to the addresses below.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 1, 2017
Andover’s Career and Professional Studies Center
If you’ve ever wanted to be present at the start of something new and innovative, here’s your chance.
Question 2 on the May 9 bond election will enable the creation of Andover’s Career and Professional Studies Center. Andover’s students will have the opportunity to be immersed in workplace experiences in high skill/high demand fields. The vision for the center is to be modeled after the WSU Innovation Campus.
Fortunate will be the Andover students who can explore career options in this center provided by a community that believes in their future.
Call your county’s election office to learn how to vote in advance or for your May 9 polling place.
In Butler County – Call 316.322.4239.
In Sedgwick County - Call 660.7100.
For more information on the bond questions go to www.invest385.com.
April 24, 2017
Advance Voting on Bond Election
Join Educate Andover in supporting Question 1 and Question 2 on the May 9 ballot.
There is an easy way to get that voting done which requires little of your valuable time – advance voting!
You may request an advance ballot and do your voting by mail, but the time is running short for making your request. To vote by mail, request a ballot with a simple phone call:
In Butler County – Call 316.322.4239.
In Sedgwick County - Call 660.7100.
To insure that there is time for your ballot to be mailed to you, make your request no later than May 1.
Andover schools will be safer, stronger, and be able to offer more to our students with the new construction and renovation planned in these two questions.
For more information about the projects go to www.invest385.com.
Educate Andover: Informational Bond Election Meeting Tonight!
April 17, 2017
Tonight’s the night!
The last informational meeting by Andover school personnel about the proposed May 9 bond election will be tonight, April 17 at 7:00pm at Andover High School.
Get the information to make an informed vote.
Get your questions answered.
Raise any concerns you have.
The bond questions were prepared after extensive study by parents and patrons to assess current and future needs. This district and its schools can’t just rest on its laurels – excellence requires constant goal setting and forward thinking.
The plan will improve our school buildings, enable well-ordered growth, solidify USD 385’s financial position, and create a master plan for the future.
Remember, Proposition 1 will yield $168.8 million with NO bond mill rate increase. And Proposition 2 will yield $19.8 million with a 2.3 mill increase.
For more information go to www.invest385.com
Register to vote by this Tuesday, April 18. You may request an advance ballot until May 1. Vote either in advance or at your polling place on May 9.
Support Andover’s great schools with a “YES” vote.
April 10, 2017
Invest 385 - Bond Election May 9th
Educate Andover: Invest 385 - Bond Election May 9th
We Interrupt This Legislative Session for Some Local News!!
It’s not that nothing happened in Topeka this week, but the regular session ended on Friday without a tax package or a new school finance formula. The session returns on May 1.
But locally, Andover USD 385 is gearing up for a bond election on May 9 and Educate Andover cares about the outcome. Here is a short summary:
Question One – a $168.8 million bond issue that will result in NO mil levy increase
Storm shelters for six schools
Secure entrances and renovations to eight schools
A new Meadowlark school (new site)
A new AHS (same site) keeping the existing gyms
Additional preschool programs
Upgrades to district athletic facilities
District tennis facility
Remodel existing Meadowlark for district office, support services, eCademy
NO tax increase for Question One.
Question Two - $19.8 million bond issue causing a 2.3 mil tax increase
Build a district pool for curriculum and swimming and diving teams
Artificial turf for varsity softball and baseball fields
Build new career and professional studies center to give our high school students a chance to be immersed in high-skill, high-demand workplace experiences.
A 2.3 mil tax increase on a $100,000 home for the second proposition would be $26.45 per year.
Are you registered to vote? The registration deadline is April 18! You may request an advance ballot until May 1. Election Day is May 9!
This is just a summary of bond information. For additional details check www.usd385.org or www.invest385.com
Here’s a simple way to check your voter registration, get your voter registration or apply for an advance ballot: http://www.usd385.org/138692_2
Support Andover’s great schools with your YES vote.
April 3, 2017
Poll results from the Kansas Center for Economic Growth
The Andover community believes in our schools and supports a return to adequate funding. And now a new poll makes it clear that we are not alone.
A statewide poll commissioned by the Kansas Center for Economic Growth reveals that:
85% of Kansans are concerned that Kansas isn’t spending enough on public education.
And 73% believe the governor’s tax policies have hurt the Kansas economy.
Duane Goossen, former state budget director for both Democratic and Republican governors, said “Kansans want commonsense leadership that will balance the budget, restore funding to Kansas schools, and end this era of fiscal crisis for good.”
As the legislative session moves toward crunch time, school funding and tax revision go hand in hand. Tell Andover’s legislators we want a tax plan that will allow for proper funding of state services and a school finance system that is sufficient and constitutional.
Andover schools are among the best in the state and can’t be run in 2018 on the 2013 budget.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
March 27, 2017
House Bill 2410
One of the Legislature’s primary jobs this term is to create a new school finance formula (they put schools on block grant funding for the past two years). That job takes on even more urgency due to the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision two weeks ago that the schools in Kansas are constitutionally underfunded.
There is now a proposal on the table (House bill 2410). It looks somewhat similar to the old formula. The surprise is that the bill would increase funding to Kansas schools by $75 million.
Given that estimates for reaching funding adequacy have ranged from $500 - $800 million, that seems to be a very low opening bid.
The state school board association (KASB) states: “To keep up with inflation since 2009, when school funding was cut, would require a nearly $800 million increase over two years to prepare each student for success.”
The bill would also significantly expand students eligible for programs providing state tax credits to go to private schools, or even home schools. And furthermore, creates 'winner and losers' where some school districts will see an increase while others will continue to lose funding. The goal should be increased funding for ALL districts and developing a formula that meets the adequacy requirement.
Take a look at House bill 2410; read the news reports; decide your position. Then write your representatives and share your views. They can’t know how we feel if we don’t tell them.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
March 15, 2017
Recession Bill
Educate Andover tries to send out one notice each week. During the Legislative session that is not always possible as matters move fast. This is one of those weeks.
Thursday the Senate may take up a “rescission bill,” shorthand for “What can we cut to get out of this fiscal year in the black?”
The Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved a bill that does not include cuts to schools. But rumors have it that an amendment on the floor on Thursday could include a 2% school funding cut.
2%?? No big deal, you say? That is 2% of the whole year’s funding that would have to come out of the three and a half months left in the fiscal year. And most of the rest of our spending is already obligated by contracts with staff members and vendors.
Sen. Masterson was quoted in today’s Eagle as supporting spending reductions to schools. “Two per cent outside the classroom would seem reasonable. . .“
Sen. Wagle is reported to be preparing an amendment calling for an across the board spending cut, the amount unknown at this time.
What can you do? Write to your Senator. Tell them school cuts at this late date are unacceptable.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Remember, “What happens in Topeka doesn’t stay in Topeka.” It comes directly to Andover in the form of growing class sizes; field trips lost; bus, lab, and activity fees increased and more.
March 13, 2017
Recap and Call to Action
The Kansas Legislature seemed to catch its breath this week after:
The Supreme Court decision last week calling for additional funding for public schools that would bring spending up to constitutional standards and
The Senate’s failure to override the Governor’s veto of a tax bill that would have raised significant resources to fill our deep fiscal hole.
The Kansas Center for Economic Growth avows that unless there are hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts (at least half of which would come to schools), we face a structural gap of $1.4 Billion over the next two years. We can fix this crisis now, or we can continue to face the same crisis again.
The unavoidable reality must be faced. We have cut taxes far too deeply.
The Save Kansas Coalition said this: “What the legislators who voted to override the Governor’s veto understood was this – It’s better to repeal the LLC and S Corp exemption on pass through income and add 330,000 people back as taxpayers, plus add a small income tax increase (still below the 2012 rates) instead of relying on more highway fund sweeps, sales tax increases, business fee hikes, selling off state assets, and other gimmicks proposed by the Governor.”
What can you do?
Stand behind your sole Andover area elected official (Roger Elliott [email protected]) who was willing to take a difficult vote to move Kansas forward out of this mess we are in.
Invite your other area elected officials to join him in voting for a reasonable, if imperfect, plan that would provide long-term stability to Kansas.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Tell your friends and neighbors that “what happens in Topeka doesn’t stay in Topeka.” It comes directly to Andover in the form of growing class sizes; field trips lost; bus, lab, and activity fees increased and more.
February 27, 2017
Recap of House Bill 2178 last week
Last week school issues in Topeka started with a BANG and ended with a whimper.
House Bill 2178 would have gone a long way toward solving the deep fiscal mess in Kansas. Both the House and Senate passed it. YEAH! Then Governor Brownback vetoed it. BOO! The House was able to override the veto, but the Senate came up short. RATS!
Thank you to Andover area representative Roger Elliott ([email protected]) who voted for the bill and to override the veto too.
But:
Voting No - Chuck Weber ([email protected])
Voting No - Kristey Williams ([email protected])
Voting No - Susan Humphries ([email protected] )
Voting No - Susan Wagle ([email protected] )
Voting No - Ty Masterson ([email protected] )
These No votes signal support for further budget cuts that will lead to cuts for our schools. These legislators did not run last fall on an agenda to cut school funding. But if sufficient revenue is not passed, that will be the next order of business.
Does it seem that class sizes have increased in the past few years? They have. If our funding is reduced class size will increase again.
Are you getting tired of ever-increasing fees for bus service, lab classes and other parts of your child’s public education?
Six years ago we had summer school sessions for at-risk kids so they could start the new school year ready to go. Not now.
Andover’s students and teachers make this one of the top performing districts in the state and yet it is the 6th most efficient district based on per/pupil spending.
Let your legislators know that you value your schools and the dollars needed to run them efficiently.
To locate your state legislator: www.openstates.org You’ll be glad you called or e-mailed.
February 20, 2017
Kansas Tax Revenue & School Finance Formula
Kansas Tax Revenue
With years of budget crises in the past and still ongoing, the Kansas Legislature passed a tax bill that would reverse most of the Governor’s tax cuts of 2012. The Governor has said he will not sign it.
The state faces close to a nearly $1 billion revenue shortfall over the next 18 months.
The new bill as passed would repeal the exemption on non-wage business income (also called the LLC loophole) that many new legislators campaigned on ending.
It would also restore income tax rates with a three-bracket system of 2.7%, 5.25%, and 5.45%. This would rebuild our state’s traditional “three-legged stool” of property tax, sales tax, and income tax.
This change will eliminate the need for deep cuts to school funding, forestall closing out the Children’s Initiative Fund, and reduce the need for further borrowing from the KPERS and KDOT funds.
Educate Andover encourages you to write the Governor and urge him to sign this bill into law. By phone: 877.579.6757; E-mail form can be found by searching for Governor of Kansas in your browser.
And give a thank you to Roger Elliott, our representative from the 87th district, who voted in favor of HB 2178. E-mail: [email protected]
School Finance Formula
A priority of the Andover school district and Educate Andover this Legislative session is the creation of a new school finance formula. That would bring to an end the block grant funding of the past two years, which gave no allowance for increases in student enrollment or operating costs.
The House K-12 Budget Committee held a hearing on HB 2270 last week, which would create such a formula similar to the old one in use from 1992 until 2015.
It would start the base aid amount at $4,253 per pupil, an increase of about $400 over the previous amount. That would be increased over three years to $4,895 per student after which it would be tied to the Midwest Consumer Price Index in future years.
February 16, 2017
BOE Recap of Legislative Points
Points that Superintendent Rasmussen and Business Manager Kneisel shared with Andover’s Board of Education at their meeting this month.
If Kansas doesn’t address the state’s revenue issue and develop and fully fund a new school funding formula, Andover will not be able to sustain the level of excellence our community expects.
We have been able to maintain high levels of excellence because we are very efficient (the 6th most efficient district based on per pupil spending: 2015-16 data), have outstanding employees, talented students, and supportive parents.
Andover provides a tremendous return on investment. We are one of the highest achieving districts in the state.
The district continues to focus on what it can control: student learning, high expectations for all and careful, conservative budgeting.
It is important that our area legislators understand that failing to balance the budget and adequately fund our schools harms Andover and all of our communities.
To learn who your legislators are, please go to www.openstates.org , enter your address and your legislators names’ and contact information will pop up.
February 13, 2017
Takeaways from state representative meetings
Educate Andover is following several serious issues which could impact our students in Andover. We have met with our representatives twice in the past few weeks. The following are some of the topics and agenda items discussed:
State Budget for Fiscal 2017:
The state has a deficit of $300 million for this fiscal year. The legislature needs to find a way to balance the budget by June 30.
K-12 funding makes up ½ of the state budget, so legislators are looking to public schools to make up part of this difference.
A 5% cut to public education would mean an immediate loss of $1.2 million dollars to Andover schools.
Andover Schools have this money available in their contingency account - but it is one time money and would give the district no financial reserves for the next school year.
Education Funding Formula:
Schools have been operating under a 2-year block grant with the promise of a new school funding formula for the 2017-18 school year.
Schools are concerned that their budgets may be cut this year without a new funding formula in place for next year.
Supreme Court expected to rule on the adequacy portion of the “Gannon” school funding lawsuit at any time. It is difficult to work on the formula until the ruling is out.
Budgets and state tax policy for future years:
Projected state budget deficits continue to be significant for future years
Legislature looking at options to correct
LLC “loophole” accounts for less than a 1/3 of revenue decline
2/3 of revenue decline is a result of lower marginal tax rates
State has balanced past budgets by use of “one time” monies which are no longer available
January 23, 2017
The 2017 Kansas Legislative Session commenced January 9, 2017.
State budgets and revenue shortfalls will be top on the agenda and will have lasting effects on our kids, community, and public schools. Educate Andover is a non-partisan group of parents, grandparents, and community members dedicated to educating the public on issues facing Kansas public schools. Our goal is to provide pertinent information to our school stakeholders regarding the decisions that are being made at a state and local level that may have effect on Andover's ability to provide the best education to our children.
Historical district funding
Perhaps you were surprised (as we were) at this statement in last week’s message:
“Kansas’ funding level for schools has fallen behind other states; it has dropped to the lowest level compared to Kansans’ personal income in three decades!”
Here’s some back up for that surprising statistic. From 1975 to 2010, total school district funding in Kansas averaged 4.54% of state personal income. Based on the Consensus Revenue Estimate of state income growth, Kansas’s personal income will be $146.6 billion in 2017 and $152.3 billion in 2018.
If we were to apply the historic 4.45% funding to these two years, it would mean an increase to schools of $590 million this year and a further $300 million increase for next year. That makes the nearly $200 million increase for this year and another $100 million for 2018 seem less than remarkable.
The state and school district lawyers’ briefs were due to the Supreme Court on Friday. The case will be argued on July 18. Will the Court give the Legislature’s school appropriation the green light? Will our school funding ever return to normal (pre-2009) levels? Will Kansas’s students have the opportunities they deserve for a world-class education in our schools?
June 26, 2017
“Why just throw more money at the schools?”
I’ve heard the question! Without doubt you’ve heard it too.
“Why just throw more money at the schools?”
Let’s try to answer the question with help from the Kansas Association of School Boards:
The states with the highest levels of personal income and best K – 12 student outcomes are states that provide higher funding per pupil for K – 12 education.
Those states hire more teachers, support staff (and yes, administrators) per pupil to provide better services and more individualized instruction. And they offer competitive salaries to attract and keep talented educators.
Since the Great Recession and the 2012 tax cuts, Kansas funding for K – 12 education has lagged behind most states.
Friends, Kansas has been unilaterally disarming in the battle for economic growth: education levels and employment skills. Not only has our funding level has fallen behind other states; it has dropped to the lowest level compared to Kansans’ personal income in three decades!
We are spending less of our income to educate our children today than past generations, at a time when education matters more!
The tax increase and school finance bill passed this month will help turn these harmful trends around. More funding will be available to help more students graduate and be better prepared for college and employment in high skill, higher paying jobs.
Thank you to the Legislature for realizing that funding education is not just expenditure. It is also an investment – in our children, in our future, in a competitive state economy.
June 19, 2017
Are we there yet?
The kids in the back seat ask, “Are we there yet?”
And as parents, we usually have to say, “Not yet!”
So why, when the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of the tax bill, when the session is all finished except for the formal closing day, when the Governor has signed the new school finance formula, are we not yet there?
The new formula and funding must receive the approval of the Supreme Court that Kansas is adequately funding our schools. That process begins with an attorney conference call this morning to set up a schedule for the Court’s work. There is real concern that the modest funding increase passed by the Legislature won’t meet the constitutional requirement for adequate financial provision for schools.
Here is why we care: the U. S. Census Report on Public Education Finance shows that Kansas’ per pupil ranking for total education dropped again in 2015 (the latest year data is available).
Kansas total revenue per pupil (including all federal, state, and local funding) was $12,055 in 2015, ranking 31st in the nation. This after ranking:
23rd in 2008 and 2009
25th in 2010
27th in 2011, 2012, and 2013
29th in 2014
Friends, that trend is going in the wrong direction!!
“The latest data continues an alarming trend,” said KASB Associate Director Mark Tallman. “And there are warning signs Kansas student achievement is also slipping compared to other states.”
So stay tuned. Stay involved. Be prepared to communicate if the Legislature has to return for more work this summer. Our kids are worth it!
June 12, 2017
Thanks to Representative Elliott & next steps in Topeka
And THAT’S the way to get things done, folks!!
When the governor promised to veto the school-funding bill in the early hours of Tuesday and had done so a few hours later, we could almost hear the moans of parents, teachers and administrators around the state. But wait! This time was different.
By evening the Senate had voted to override that veto by the barest of minimums (without the support of either Senator Wagle or Masterson). And a few hours later, the House joined the Senate with a slightly larger margin. A big Andover ‘Thank you” to Representative Roger Elliott who voted to override. We are sorry that Representatives Humphries, Weber and Williams did not support the veto override.
Are we done yet? No, the Supreme Court must approve the new formula and funding scheme. Troubling to us is the addition of individual donations (with the carrot of state tax credits) to private school tuition. Have we reached the goal of adequate funding? No, but we are moving in the right direction.
Now Kansas can begin to repair the damage of five years of underfunding state needs and moving funds dedicated to other purposes into the general fund to patch budget holes.
What is the outcome for Andover’s schools? Officials estimate that an additional $1.9 million will be added for the coming year.
What made the difference this year? Some would say that having more legislators in Topeka with an understanding of schools and their funding had an impact. With public schools a major issue in the 2016 elections, fifty current and former school board members, teachers, and administrators ran for the Legislature. And 29 of them were elected, including our own Roger Elliott, former USD 385 board member!
But there is room for more legislators dedicated to the value of public education in Kansas! If you have an itch for public service, give thought to running in 2018. Your community needs you.
June 6, 2017
Override Veto of CCR for SB30
Kansas came SO close last night!
Lawmakers joined together to pass comprehensive tax reform and move the ball closer to assuring that schools open in the fall.
Then the governor vowed to veto CCR for Senate Bill 30. NO!!! Not when we are almost to the finish line! This bill is not ideal, the funding is not generous, there will be tax dollars going to private schools. But it addressed many of the needs of our classrooms.
Please take action to end this failed tax experiment. We need to only deliver one simple message to our legislators: Override the Veto of CCR for SB 30!!
Some votes will have to change. Legislators will be moved to change if they hear from you.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
June 5, 2017
Weekly Call to Action
The Kansas legislature continues to linger through its 2017 session – painfully slow and with no progress on either taxation, school funding, or balancing the state budget. In reviewing Senator Lynn Rogers email update this past week, his comments included the following: “…problem with this session is with the leadership, or more specifically, the lack of expertise. We are rudderless. More days are spent gaveling in, an address/prayer from the Chaplain and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance than actual legislative debate. The Senate cannot debate important bills because leadership sets the calendar, choosing which bills will come to the floor.”
The message to our Educate Andover constituents is that our work as education advocates is not over. We encourage you to continue contacting your local legislators and asking them to work hard for the students, parents, teachers, and staff of USD 385. While this session is nearing a record number of days, this is not something we as Kansans should be proud of. Our lawmakers cannot seem to work together and are becoming polarized with actions that are driven by political means versus solving the real issues at hand. June 30 is fast approaching and the latest funding proposals do not address the adequacy issue that the court ruled on in March. Please see the latest update from KASB (Kansas Association of School Boards) https://kasb.org/nb0603/
Please stay tuned daily for updates on the progress in Topeka on Facebook, Twitter, and our website. The issues at hand affect all Kansans and we need make our voices heard.
House members that represent the Andover public school District:
Susan Humphries
Roger Elliott
Kristey Williams
Chuck Weber
Senate members that represent the Andover Public school District:
Susan Wagle
Ty Masterson
Contact information for the above representatives can be found at:
http://andoverlegislativecouncil.weebly.com/contact-info-for-usd385-legislators.html
May 30, 2017
Results of HB 2410
Well, THAT was disappointing!!
For several months the idea circulated in the Legislature that funding for Kansas schools could be increased by $750 million over five years. But the bill that passed on Thursday in the House (Sub HB 2410) phases in an increase of about $280 million over the next two years to be followed by increases of no more than the cost of living index.
There is fairly unanimous praise for the funding formula developed by the Legislature. Without doubt it is a big improvement over the block grants instituted two years ago.
But schools spend dollars, not a formula. And a tax bill to fund even this level of school spending is far from certain.
The state has until June 30 to demonstrate to the Kansas Supreme Court that it has adequately funded the public schools of Kansas. This level of funding makes approval questionable.
Dr. Justin Henry, USD 265 Superintendent and president of Schools for Fair Funding, said, “The current version of the school finance bills being discussed in the Legislature seem to fall significantly short of providing the adequate resources needed to educate all Kansas students.”
There is still time to be in touch with our area representatives to share your support for our schools. They need to know that Andover residents value a strong school system, both locally and across the state. Of the four representatives from Andover, Williams, Weber and Elliott voted for Sub HB 2410. Humphries voted against it.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 22, 2017
Resources for Legislative Updates Throughout the Week
This time in the legislative year, things begin to move fast and then faster. We don’t want to stuff your inbox with messages multiple times per week, so we think you might like to have some resources at hand for staying up to date yourself.
If you are on Facebook, search for Mark Tallman. He works for the Kansas Association of School Boards and updates regularly, often on Facebook Live. Mark Desetti of the Kansas National Education Association is another good resource on school statehouse issues.
For almost-real-time updates, on Twitter you can follow either of the above (@tallman_mark and @desettiks) or Jonathan Shorman, the statehouse reporter for the Eagle (@jonshorman).
The state teachers’ association has a handy app for your phone (search for KNEA) that has lots of education information including a bill tracker.
And of course, Educate Andover has a Facebook page with frequent updates on legislative issues.
We know that your voice will be heard through an e-mail or phone call or letter. You needn’t know bill numbers or technical information to share your opinion. Just let your legislators know that you are concerned about the future of public education in our community.
Andover didn’t become one of the finest districts in the state because the patrons didn’t care – it happened because we do care about our schools, our teachers, our children! We have been willing to invest in excellence.
We need our representatives to make that investment too! It will require changes in the state’s tax laws. We are willing to pay those taxes. We think you are too.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 16, 2015
Bond passed/HB 2410 Finance Plan
Hooray! A big thank you to all Andover patrons who studied, planned for, worked for, and voted for the two bond questions on the ballot last week! That’s the Andover spirit we know we have for our schools.
And now it’s back to work in Topeka. The House K-12 Education committee passed without recommendation a finance plan (HB 2410) for Kansas’ schools on Monday. Based on all the information coming from the committee over the past few weeks, you were probably expecting a funding increase of $750 million to be spread over five years.
Well, you would be wrong in that expectation! The committee passed to the House a plan that would increase funding by $185 million next year, an additional $100 million the following year, and increases after that no more than the Midwest Consumer Price Index.
The plan went from $750 million over five years to $285 million over two years. That is far short of the amount requested by the KS Department of Education, the school board association and teachers’ groups. There is significant concern that if this plan makes it through the Legislature the Supreme Court won’t approve it.
It’s finals time both in our schools and in the Legislature. Our legislators know we passed our bond questions. Now let them know we need an adequate funding plan for our children.
They need to know that we are willing to pay taxes for the children of our community. It is these schools that are preparing our kids for a bright future.
They need to know that we want them to represent the interests of their patrons who value our excellent schools.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 8, 2017
Bond Election is tomorrow!
Friends of Andover schools have two major assignments this week (it’s finals season after all).
Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 9) is the bond election with two questions on the ballot for new, improved, safer facilities for our students. We have described them previously, and you can find information about them at www.invest385.com or by going the district web site, www.usd385.org .
Have you voted yet? Are you prepared to vote tomorrow? Are there friends and neighbors you can call to remind them of the importance of this issue? That is assignment number 1.
Assignment number 2 is the question of school finance and a fairer tax system being debated in Topeka. It’s very easy to contact our area legislators and let them know of your concern for the adequate funding of our schools.
Here are a few thoughts you can write about:
We need sufficient funding to keep Andover schools among the best in the state
Our staff deserve better pay and benefits for the great work they do
State taxes must apply fairly to all and be adequate to the needs of the state
Students with learning challenges must not be left behind
Our legislators are happy to hear from constituents. They may or may not reply due to time constraints, but your voice needs to be heard. Your e-mail can go to the addresses below.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
May 1, 2017
Andover’s Career and Professional Studies Center
If you’ve ever wanted to be present at the start of something new and innovative, here’s your chance.
Question 2 on the May 9 bond election will enable the creation of Andover’s Career and Professional Studies Center. Andover’s students will have the opportunity to be immersed in workplace experiences in high skill/high demand fields. The vision for the center is to be modeled after the WSU Innovation Campus.
Fortunate will be the Andover students who can explore career options in this center provided by a community that believes in their future.
Call your county’s election office to learn how to vote in advance or for your May 9 polling place.
In Butler County – Call 316.322.4239.
In Sedgwick County - Call 660.7100.
For more information on the bond questions go to www.invest385.com.
April 24, 2017
Advance Voting on Bond Election
Join Educate Andover in supporting Question 1 and Question 2 on the May 9 ballot.
There is an easy way to get that voting done which requires little of your valuable time – advance voting!
You may request an advance ballot and do your voting by mail, but the time is running short for making your request. To vote by mail, request a ballot with a simple phone call:
In Butler County – Call 316.322.4239.
In Sedgwick County - Call 660.7100.
To insure that there is time for your ballot to be mailed to you, make your request no later than May 1.
Andover schools will be safer, stronger, and be able to offer more to our students with the new construction and renovation planned in these two questions.
For more information about the projects go to www.invest385.com.
Educate Andover: Informational Bond Election Meeting Tonight!
April 17, 2017
Tonight’s the night!
The last informational meeting by Andover school personnel about the proposed May 9 bond election will be tonight, April 17 at 7:00pm at Andover High School.
Get the information to make an informed vote.
Get your questions answered.
Raise any concerns you have.
The bond questions were prepared after extensive study by parents and patrons to assess current and future needs. This district and its schools can’t just rest on its laurels – excellence requires constant goal setting and forward thinking.
The plan will improve our school buildings, enable well-ordered growth, solidify USD 385’s financial position, and create a master plan for the future.
Remember, Proposition 1 will yield $168.8 million with NO bond mill rate increase. And Proposition 2 will yield $19.8 million with a 2.3 mill increase.
For more information go to www.invest385.com
Register to vote by this Tuesday, April 18. You may request an advance ballot until May 1. Vote either in advance or at your polling place on May 9.
Support Andover’s great schools with a “YES” vote.
April 10, 2017
Invest 385 - Bond Election May 9th
Educate Andover: Invest 385 - Bond Election May 9th
We Interrupt This Legislative Session for Some Local News!!
It’s not that nothing happened in Topeka this week, but the regular session ended on Friday without a tax package or a new school finance formula. The session returns on May 1.
But locally, Andover USD 385 is gearing up for a bond election on May 9 and Educate Andover cares about the outcome. Here is a short summary:
Question One – a $168.8 million bond issue that will result in NO mil levy increase
Storm shelters for six schools
Secure entrances and renovations to eight schools
A new Meadowlark school (new site)
A new AHS (same site) keeping the existing gyms
Additional preschool programs
Upgrades to district athletic facilities
District tennis facility
Remodel existing Meadowlark for district office, support services, eCademy
NO tax increase for Question One.
Question Two - $19.8 million bond issue causing a 2.3 mil tax increase
Build a district pool for curriculum and swimming and diving teams
Artificial turf for varsity softball and baseball fields
Build new career and professional studies center to give our high school students a chance to be immersed in high-skill, high-demand workplace experiences.
A 2.3 mil tax increase on a $100,000 home for the second proposition would be $26.45 per year.
Are you registered to vote? The registration deadline is April 18! You may request an advance ballot until May 1. Election Day is May 9!
This is just a summary of bond information. For additional details check www.usd385.org or www.invest385.com
Here’s a simple way to check your voter registration, get your voter registration or apply for an advance ballot: http://www.usd385.org/138692_2
Support Andover’s great schools with your YES vote.
April 3, 2017
Poll results from the Kansas Center for Economic Growth
The Andover community believes in our schools and supports a return to adequate funding. And now a new poll makes it clear that we are not alone.
A statewide poll commissioned by the Kansas Center for Economic Growth reveals that:
85% of Kansans are concerned that Kansas isn’t spending enough on public education.
And 73% believe the governor’s tax policies have hurt the Kansas economy.
Duane Goossen, former state budget director for both Democratic and Republican governors, said “Kansans want commonsense leadership that will balance the budget, restore funding to Kansas schools, and end this era of fiscal crisis for good.”
As the legislative session moves toward crunch time, school funding and tax revision go hand in hand. Tell Andover’s legislators we want a tax plan that will allow for proper funding of state services and a school finance system that is sufficient and constitutional.
Andover schools are among the best in the state and can’t be run in 2018 on the 2013 budget.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
March 27, 2017
House Bill 2410
One of the Legislature’s primary jobs this term is to create a new school finance formula (they put schools on block grant funding for the past two years). That job takes on even more urgency due to the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision two weeks ago that the schools in Kansas are constitutionally underfunded.
There is now a proposal on the table (House bill 2410). It looks somewhat similar to the old formula. The surprise is that the bill would increase funding to Kansas schools by $75 million.
Given that estimates for reaching funding adequacy have ranged from $500 - $800 million, that seems to be a very low opening bid.
The state school board association (KASB) states: “To keep up with inflation since 2009, when school funding was cut, would require a nearly $800 million increase over two years to prepare each student for success.”
The bill would also significantly expand students eligible for programs providing state tax credits to go to private schools, or even home schools. And furthermore, creates 'winner and losers' where some school districts will see an increase while others will continue to lose funding. The goal should be increased funding for ALL districts and developing a formula that meets the adequacy requirement.
Take a look at House bill 2410; read the news reports; decide your position. Then write your representatives and share your views. They can’t know how we feel if we don’t tell them.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Roger Elliott [email protected]
March 15, 2017
Recession Bill
Educate Andover tries to send out one notice each week. During the Legislative session that is not always possible as matters move fast. This is one of those weeks.
Thursday the Senate may take up a “rescission bill,” shorthand for “What can we cut to get out of this fiscal year in the black?”
The Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved a bill that does not include cuts to schools. But rumors have it that an amendment on the floor on Thursday could include a 2% school funding cut.
2%?? No big deal, you say? That is 2% of the whole year’s funding that would have to come out of the three and a half months left in the fiscal year. And most of the rest of our spending is already obligated by contracts with staff members and vendors.
Sen. Masterson was quoted in today’s Eagle as supporting spending reductions to schools. “Two per cent outside the classroom would seem reasonable. . .“
Sen. Wagle is reported to be preparing an amendment calling for an across the board spending cut, the amount unknown at this time.
What can you do? Write to your Senator. Tell them school cuts at this late date are unacceptable.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Remember, “What happens in Topeka doesn’t stay in Topeka.” It comes directly to Andover in the form of growing class sizes; field trips lost; bus, lab, and activity fees increased and more.
March 13, 2017
Recap and Call to Action
The Kansas Legislature seemed to catch its breath this week after:
The Supreme Court decision last week calling for additional funding for public schools that would bring spending up to constitutional standards and
The Senate’s failure to override the Governor’s veto of a tax bill that would have raised significant resources to fill our deep fiscal hole.
The Kansas Center for Economic Growth avows that unless there are hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts (at least half of which would come to schools), we face a structural gap of $1.4 Billion over the next two years. We can fix this crisis now, or we can continue to face the same crisis again.
The unavoidable reality must be faced. We have cut taxes far too deeply.
The Save Kansas Coalition said this: “What the legislators who voted to override the Governor’s veto understood was this – It’s better to repeal the LLC and S Corp exemption on pass through income and add 330,000 people back as taxpayers, plus add a small income tax increase (still below the 2012 rates) instead of relying on more highway fund sweeps, sales tax increases, business fee hikes, selling off state assets, and other gimmicks proposed by the Governor.”
What can you do?
Stand behind your sole Andover area elected official (Roger Elliott [email protected]) who was willing to take a difficult vote to move Kansas forward out of this mess we are in.
Invite your other area elected officials to join him in voting for a reasonable, if imperfect, plan that would provide long-term stability to Kansas.
Susan Wagle [email protected]
Ty Masterson [email protected]
Kristey Williams [email protected]
Chuck Weber [email protected]
Susan Humphries [email protected]
Tell your friends and neighbors that “what happens in Topeka doesn’t stay in Topeka.” It comes directly to Andover in the form of growing class sizes; field trips lost; bus, lab, and activity fees increased and more.
February 27, 2017
Recap of House Bill 2178 last week
Last week school issues in Topeka started with a BANG and ended with a whimper.
House Bill 2178 would have gone a long way toward solving the deep fiscal mess in Kansas. Both the House and Senate passed it. YEAH! Then Governor Brownback vetoed it. BOO! The House was able to override the veto, but the Senate came up short. RATS!
Thank you to Andover area representative Roger Elliott ([email protected]) who voted for the bill and to override the veto too.
But:
Voting No - Chuck Weber ([email protected])
Voting No - Kristey Williams ([email protected])
Voting No - Susan Humphries ([email protected] )
Voting No - Susan Wagle ([email protected] )
Voting No - Ty Masterson ([email protected] )
These No votes signal support for further budget cuts that will lead to cuts for our schools. These legislators did not run last fall on an agenda to cut school funding. But if sufficient revenue is not passed, that will be the next order of business.
Does it seem that class sizes have increased in the past few years? They have. If our funding is reduced class size will increase again.
Are you getting tired of ever-increasing fees for bus service, lab classes and other parts of your child’s public education?
Six years ago we had summer school sessions for at-risk kids so they could start the new school year ready to go. Not now.
Andover’s students and teachers make this one of the top performing districts in the state and yet it is the 6th most efficient district based on per/pupil spending.
Let your legislators know that you value your schools and the dollars needed to run them efficiently.
To locate your state legislator: www.openstates.org You’ll be glad you called or e-mailed.
February 20, 2017
Kansas Tax Revenue & School Finance Formula
Kansas Tax Revenue
With years of budget crises in the past and still ongoing, the Kansas Legislature passed a tax bill that would reverse most of the Governor’s tax cuts of 2012. The Governor has said he will not sign it.
The state faces close to a nearly $1 billion revenue shortfall over the next 18 months.
The new bill as passed would repeal the exemption on non-wage business income (also called the LLC loophole) that many new legislators campaigned on ending.
It would also restore income tax rates with a three-bracket system of 2.7%, 5.25%, and 5.45%. This would rebuild our state’s traditional “three-legged stool” of property tax, sales tax, and income tax.
This change will eliminate the need for deep cuts to school funding, forestall closing out the Children’s Initiative Fund, and reduce the need for further borrowing from the KPERS and KDOT funds.
Educate Andover encourages you to write the Governor and urge him to sign this bill into law. By phone: 877.579.6757; E-mail form can be found by searching for Governor of Kansas in your browser.
And give a thank you to Roger Elliott, our representative from the 87th district, who voted in favor of HB 2178. E-mail: [email protected]
School Finance Formula
A priority of the Andover school district and Educate Andover this Legislative session is the creation of a new school finance formula. That would bring to an end the block grant funding of the past two years, which gave no allowance for increases in student enrollment or operating costs.
The House K-12 Budget Committee held a hearing on HB 2270 last week, which would create such a formula similar to the old one in use from 1992 until 2015.
It would start the base aid amount at $4,253 per pupil, an increase of about $400 over the previous amount. That would be increased over three years to $4,895 per student after which it would be tied to the Midwest Consumer Price Index in future years.
February 16, 2017
BOE Recap of Legislative Points
Points that Superintendent Rasmussen and Business Manager Kneisel shared with Andover’s Board of Education at their meeting this month.
If Kansas doesn’t address the state’s revenue issue and develop and fully fund a new school funding formula, Andover will not be able to sustain the level of excellence our community expects.
We have been able to maintain high levels of excellence because we are very efficient (the 6th most efficient district based on per pupil spending: 2015-16 data), have outstanding employees, talented students, and supportive parents.
Andover provides a tremendous return on investment. We are one of the highest achieving districts in the state.
The district continues to focus on what it can control: student learning, high expectations for all and careful, conservative budgeting.
It is important that our area legislators understand that failing to balance the budget and adequately fund our schools harms Andover and all of our communities.
To learn who your legislators are, please go to www.openstates.org , enter your address and your legislators names’ and contact information will pop up.
February 13, 2017
Takeaways from state representative meetings
Educate Andover is following several serious issues which could impact our students in Andover. We have met with our representatives twice in the past few weeks. The following are some of the topics and agenda items discussed:
State Budget for Fiscal 2017:
The state has a deficit of $300 million for this fiscal year. The legislature needs to find a way to balance the budget by June 30.
K-12 funding makes up ½ of the state budget, so legislators are looking to public schools to make up part of this difference.
A 5% cut to public education would mean an immediate loss of $1.2 million dollars to Andover schools.
Andover Schools have this money available in their contingency account - but it is one time money and would give the district no financial reserves for the next school year.
Education Funding Formula:
Schools have been operating under a 2-year block grant with the promise of a new school funding formula for the 2017-18 school year.
Schools are concerned that their budgets may be cut this year without a new funding formula in place for next year.
Supreme Court expected to rule on the adequacy portion of the “Gannon” school funding lawsuit at any time. It is difficult to work on the formula until the ruling is out.
Budgets and state tax policy for future years:
Projected state budget deficits continue to be significant for future years
Legislature looking at options to correct
LLC “loophole” accounts for less than a 1/3 of revenue decline
2/3 of revenue decline is a result of lower marginal tax rates
State has balanced past budgets by use of “one time” monies which are no longer available
January 23, 2017
The 2017 Kansas Legislative Session commenced January 9, 2017.
State budgets and revenue shortfalls will be top on the agenda and will have lasting effects on our kids, community, and public schools. Educate Andover is a non-partisan group of parents, grandparents, and community members dedicated to educating the public on issues facing Kansas public schools. Our goal is to provide pertinent information to our school stakeholders regarding the decisions that are being made at a state and local level that may have effect on Andover's ability to provide the best education to our children.