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Leadership
Your Governor:
Laura Kelly (D) (0)
First term began in 2019 (two-term limit). Re-elected in 2022.
The Governor has been steadfast in her rebuff of the Republican controlled legislature’s efforts to pass meaningful bills to bring more education freedom to Kansas. With her statements of “public dollars should go to public schools” it is clear Governor Kelly is holding fast to her anti parent power stance.
STATE LEGISLATURE:
Kansas lawmakers, especially Senate President Ty Masterston, have tried very hard to pass some form of a scholarship bill that would allow for Kansan tax dollars to follow their children to the educational provider of their choosing. Let’s hope 2024 brings a change of fortune to their efforts.
Constitutional Issues
"The Kansas Constitution contains a Compelled Support Clause and a Blaine Amendment but neither has received much judicial attention. Relative to other states' variations, the scope of the Kansas Blaine Amendment is very limited; it only prevents religious sects from controlling public educational funds." (Institute for Justice)
Transparency
School report cards, called “Building Report Cards” are highlighted on the main page of Kansas’ Department of Education website, under “Popular Resources.” Data is easy to understand and visually appealing through their use of charts and colors, but it requires navigating through multiple menus and links to be able to find what you’re looking for. Report includes data on performance, teacher quality, demographics, and enrollment.
Educational options are also easily accessible under the “Teaching and Learning → Schools of Choice” section.
School board elections in Kansas align with the general election cycle, empowering parents with greater influence in their decision-making due to increased voter turnout.