Kansas NEA 2005
Representative Assembly
Governor gives state lawmakers "incomplete" on school funding.
Delegates set goals for the Kansas NEA.
School finance was a hot topic at the Kansas NEA Representative Assembly (RA) April 15-17 in Topeka. The nearly 700 delegates from across Kansas who attended received a surprise visit by Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
The Governor gave legislators an "incomplete" on their work to fund Kansas public schools. In addressing the recent ruling by the Kansas Supreme Court, she said the school funding bill put forth by the 2005 Legislature "is a phony education measure because it is not funded." The Governor suggested delegates encourage their legislators to "do the work they were elected to do - fund public schools on an ongoing basis. If the Legislature can put together a 10-year plan dedicated to funding highways then, for heaven sakes, they can put together a plan for schools," she said.
Delegates unanimously passed a new business item directing KNEA to communicate with the State Board of Education in support of the established process for developing curriculum standards and endorsing the work of standards writing committees. Aimed specifically at the new hearings on science education standards, delegates objected to “the politically motivated attempt” to introduce the teaching of subjects not grounded in the process of science. They said the process of the new hearings circumvents work completed by the Science Standards Writing Committee. During discussion teachers said: let content experts and education professionals develop the curriculum standards. Respect the professional expertise of these people. Honor Kansas practitioners and their work. The new business item was amended to include all curriculum area standards.
For the second time delegates broke up into small groups to talk about the direction and future activities of KNEA in the area of quality public schools, strengthening the teaching profession and improving the well-being of members. In "community conversations" delegates discussed health insurance, school funding, teacher salaries and membership.
 Delegates took a moment to honor retiring Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Andy Tompkins, for his exemplary service to the teaching profession and to Kansas public schools. Tompkins thanked KNEA members for their extraordinary work during challenging times. He said he looked forward to joining the KNEA membership ranks when he starts teaching this summer at the University of Kansas.
 The delegates who attend the RA are elected from local associations and they set policy and guidelines for the KNEA. The delegates addressed a myriad of issues that impact Kansas public schools by considering new business items, which involve actions on the part of KNEA, and resolutions, which are statements of belief. The event was kicked off with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, sang by the Wyandotte Singers and directed by Marilyn Miller.
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The delegates also honored
 Dr. Donia Gobar - KNEA Human and Civil Rights Award. A native of Afghanistan now living and teaching in Pittsburg, she is a special needs teacher at the Cherokee Village Alternative School. The focus of Dr. Gobar's work as an educator, published writer and poet, artist, physician and global speaker has been awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity. Her latest published work is "The Invisibles." As the daughter of a human rights activist who espoused democratic ideals for his country, Dr. Gobar teaches about ethnicity, poverty, disability and that learning differences can be building blocks, and not barriers, to success. Dr. Gobar was presented the plaque by the chair of the KNEA Human and Civil Rights Commission, Annie Tietz.
 Gary Wilkerson - The KNEA Excellence in Teaching Award. Mr. Wilkerson is a kindergarten teacher at Tanglewood Elementary School in Derby and a member of the 2005 Kansas Teacher of the Year team. He is KNEA's nomination for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes excellence in teaching and advocacy for the profession and includes a $25,000 grant. The finalists are chosen based on their outstanding instructional expertise, creativity and innovation, attention to diversity and individual student needs, learning styles, and leadership experiences. Here he receives the award from KNEA President, Christy Levings.
 Marjorie Webb - Bob Wootton Political Achievement Award. A retired NEA Shawnee Mission teacher, Ms. Web was honored for her long career and service to KPERS and for her work to better the retirement of all public employees.
Olathe Superintendent Dr. Ron Wimmer - KNEA Friend of Education. Dr. Wimmer was nominated by the Olathe NEA for his outstanding service and contributions to students.
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