It’s time to fight for public education, USD 257 Superintendent Stacey Fager told board members at Monday’s meeting.
He asked the board to set aside time at the next meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 to discuss a resolution to show support for public education as a response to pending legislation at the state level. Lawmakers have proposed a shift in taxpayer dollars to private and home schools, among other ideas.
Fager also shared a letter from G.A. Buie, director of United School Administrators of Kansas about his concerns over the pending legislation.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this year in public education and in the bills that are so detrimental to us as public educators,” Fager said.
“And I’m sorry I have to talk about this in a public meeting, but if I’m not advocating for our schools, how can I expect anyone else to? I see this as extremely important for our existence going forward.”
Fager said he frequently communicates with Sen. Caryn Tyson and Rep. Fred Gardner, whose districts represent Allen County. He and board President Jennifer Taylor encouraged everyone to reach out to their local legislators to discuss the issue.
“The more people they hear from, the better,” Taylor said.
FAGER included a bit of a history lesson in his statement, going back to education reform in the early 1800s when Horace Mann spearheaded efforts to ensure every child received basic education funded by local taxes.
“That gives everyone an equal opportunity for success no matter what type of socio-economic status you come from,” Fager said.
“Today, we’re starting to see a shift back to where we were in the early 1800s.”
He also read Buie’s entire letter, which outlined frustration with some legislators and attempts to limit testimony, as well as special interest groups advocating for the changes.
“(They) are pushing a false narrative that public schools are not providing an appropriate education for our Kansas children. They grab test data from public schools and provide limited truth narratives without first-hand experience or knowledge,” Buie wrote.
“It’s time to call or write your local legislator and hold them accountable for supporting public services with reasonable taxes.”
Fager also said he was concerned some lawmakers would use a process called “log rolling,” where legislators bundle unpopular bills with those that have broad support. He is concerned Republican lawmakers might tie harmful education proposals into bills for funding education, which would make it harder for Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, to veto a bill that includes those undesirable proposals.
“Our patrons are very supportive of public education. They showed that by passing a bond issue here in 2019,” Fager said.
