MainStream Coalition and Game On for Kansas Schools will hold a public forum titled
"Kansas Public Schools Update: Join the Fight for a Suitable Education"

7pm, Thursday, April 12, 2018
Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, OPKS 66204

Speakers:

Representative Melissa Rooker
David Smith, Kansas City Public Schools
Judith Deedy, Game On for Kansas Schools
Moderator: Liz Meitl, MainStream Coalition Board Member

Once again, we find ourselves in a fight to preserve the high standards of our public schools for Kansas students. 

Public education advocates understand the fiscal hole we find our state in, but we also understand the critical importance of providing an adequate education to every Kansas child. That is a monumental task, but it is one that cannot be abandoned. We understand our legislators find themselves in a difficult situation, and we are open to creative solutions, but trying to undo their constitutional obligations to Kansas children is not a solution.

Kansas Legislature, recently, received the report it paid for on the cost to adequately finance public schools in the state. This study found it would take between $400 million and $2.1 billion. Reactions to the findings varied from acceptance of the challenge to lowering our education standards.

One such attempt is the proposed constitutional amendment HCR 5029. While the language of the amendment maintains that the state’s goal is a “suitable” education, it no longer guarantees it, instead leaving it up to the Legislature to “determine” what constitutes a suitable education. Meanwhile, the Legislature still owes the Kansas Supreme Court a public education finance plan that meets its requirements by April 30.