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Legislative Shell Game is NOT the Kansas Way

KNEA President Christy Levings and KNEA Vice President Blake West called a news conference at the half-way point in the 2005 Legislative session to challenge State Legislators to do their duty and follow the ruling of the Kansas Supreme Court to improve school funding.

"Legislators remind me of creative kids who look busy and are doing everything they can to get out of their homework assignment," Levings said. "We're on a fast track to nowhere."

Levings referred to the current proposals for school finance generated by the Legislature. The plans submitted by the House and the Senate each call for school funding increases to be generated from existing revenues, at least in the first year, while future revenue streams have not been identified. In addition, the proposed increases fall well below the amount referenced in the court's decision, which was based on a 2002 consultant's study commissioned by the Legislature.

"It appears most legislators are more concerned about impacting the next election rather than doing what is practical, wise and just for our kids, classrooms and communities," said Levings. "All plans thus far involve robbing Peter to pay Paul. The current shell game being played is irresponsible to our families and dishonest to schools."

West and Levings answered questions regarding the positive impact increasing school funding has on the Kansas economy and the current proposals. They noted current proposals won't pass a Supreme Court litmus test because they are grossly inadequate and have no funding source - they are empty promises.

"And frankly, teachers don't understand why legislators are not following the rules," Levings said. "Our students are expected to complete their work…we are expected to complete our work. Why aren't lawmakers working to complete this important work?"

KNEA contends a successful, workable proposal that maintains and improves the state-of-the-art education currently enjoyed in Kansas must include these components:

• A multi-year plan that provides long-term, stable funding would be a responsible strategy.
• A base aid per pupil amount equal to that listed in the 2002 Augenblick & Meyer study, adjusted to today's numbers.
• Fully fund all-day Kindergarten.
• Full funding for services and assistance for pre-school, at-risk and bi-lingual students.
• Full funding for special education.
• Proper funding for health care for all employees.
• Teacher Professional Development, including induction and mentoring.
• Safe and secure environment - including transportation services which address the needs of students and families today.

Levings and West noted that schools have been on a starvation diet for years. "Schools need more money. This generation of Kansas children cannot wait for better days."

Legislative inaction is hurting the teaching and learning environment in Kansas classrooms. KNEA encourages legislators to raise revenues to establish a stable funding system that truly addresses the cost of educating Kansas children.

"Kansans are willing to pay their dues to support schools," Levings said. "That is one of the few areas where there is absolute evidence of the return on investment, both in the short and long term."

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