USA|Kansas : <b>School leaders to speak out on education and the economy</b>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Topeka – On Thursday, superintendents from across the state will appear before legislators to address the impact that cuts to K-12 funding will have on programs and services for students and the workforce. Superintendents from more than 10 districts will appear before the House Education Budget Committee.

The Kansas House of Representatives Education Budget Committee will meet on Thursday, February 12 at 3:30 p.m. in 531-N at the Capitol. The following superintendents are scheduled to appear before the Committee on Thursday: Jim Lentz, Augusta USD 402; John Heim, Emporia USD 253; Jim Porter, Fredonia USD 484; Ron Walker, Geary County USD 475; Craig Neuenswander, Iola USD 257: Jill Shackelford, Kansas City USD 500; Randy Watson, McPherson USD 418; Gary George, Olathe USD 233; Gary French, Osawatomie USD 367: Beth Reust, Plainville USD 270; and Kevin Singer, Topeka USD 501. Brenda Dietrich, Auburn Washburn USD 437 and Wichita USD 259 are scheduled to appear on Monday.

The 2009 Legislative Session promises to be one of the most challenging in the history of Kansas, as we face an economic downturn of global proportions. School districts across the state are preparing for rescissions to the current fiscal year, while bracing for even deeper cuts next year.

As the Kansas economy continues to decline, educational leaders are making difficult decisions about the elimination of programs, services and personnel. The result: it negates the work districts have done to continue along the path of continuous student achievement and efforts to recruit and retain quality education professional in the classroom.

Beyond the most immediate impact in the classroom, workforce reduction in K‐12 education would result in increased unemployment in many of our communities across Kansas. K‐12 education is a major workforce in Kansas – both directly and indirectly. From the district and building level personnel to contracted vendors, these individuals support local economies in many ways, whether it be supporting local retail or contributing to the tax base. In some of our small communities, with limited employment options, these individuals and families will relocate entirely – having a devastating, long‐term impact on local communities.

“Administrators recognize that there are many competing interests for the same limited dollars,” says Cheryl Semmel, executive director for United School Administrators of Kansas, “but research shows that education policies leading to broad investments in education and training can help reduce inequality while expanding economic opportunity for communities.”

Educational leaders realize that the economic challenges before us may be unprecedented, but we remain committed to working together to uphold our commitment to the public and to the children in K‐12 classrooms across Kansas.