Legislative hearings heating up
As the Legislature draws nearer to the first turnaround on February 22nd, the legislative hearings schedule has quickly intensified. First turnaround refers to that point in the session when bills, except those residing in an exempted committee, must receive action in their chamber of origin, either the Senate or the House. Ways and Means, Appropriations, Federal and State Affairs, and House Taxation are the primary committees which do not fall under the turnaround rule.
Members should take careful note of the hearings scheduled for next week, especially as so many have to do with changes in the area of school finance.
Following are highlights of two education-related hearings held this past week, which are among USA|Kansas’ 2010 Legislative Priorities:
SB 362—Contract renewal deadline for teachers and administrators
One of USA|Kansas’ chief policy priorities for the 2010 session is to extend the current May 1st contract renewal notification deadline, so that administrators and boards may have the benefit of the most current legislative appropriations as possible, before making teacher/administrator staffing decisions for the next year. SB 362 was introduced this session by Sen. John Vratil (R-Leawood), who is vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Cheryl Semmel, executive director and Seaman USD 345 superintendent, Mike Mathes, appeared on behalf of USA|Kansas, in support of the legislation. KASB, Wichita USD 259, Olathe USD233, Blue Valley USD 229, Plainville USD 270, Buhler USD 313, Newton USD 373, Smoky Valley USD 400 and Schools for Quality Education were among others adding their support to extending the deadline. KNEA was the only organization appearing in opposition to the bill.
One of the concerns shared by committee members and those appearing on the bill relates to just which appropriations bill would be tied to the deadline. It was suggested in a meeting of concerned parties following the hearing that simply extending the deadline to June 1 might be the best solution to this issue.
SB 358 & SB 359—Catastrophic aid
Hearings on the issue of changing the calculation of special education catastrophic aid began this last week. Due to the number of those wishing to appear on the bill, however, opponents of the bills will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 8th.
Bruce Givens, Derby USD 260, provided testimony on behalf of the Special Education Directors Association and USA|Kansas, in support of the changes outlined in these bills. Rob Balster, Seaman USD 345, also provided testimony for USA|Kansas and highlighted that problems with calculating special education excess costs was at the heart of debate on the issue of catastrophic aid. Numerous other special education directors and districts also provided testimony in support of these bills, including: Kansas City USD 500, Wichita 259, Hays USD 489, Special Services Coop of Wamego, Three-Lakes Special Education Coop, Cowley County Special Services Coop, the North Central Kansas Special Education Coop and the Northwest Kansas Education Coop.
On Monday, three school districts—Blue Valley USD 229, Shawnee Mission USD 512, and Olathe USD 233—are scheduled to testify against the two catastrophic aid bills.
Committees of interest for the week of February 8, 2010
Monday, February 8
Noon, Legislative Post Audit Committee, Room 144-S
Presentation by LPA—Report:
- Reviewing the Potential Cost Savings from Reorganization of Kansas School Districts
1:30 pm, Senate Education Committee, Room 152-S
Continued Hearings on:
- SB 358 & 359—Catastrophic state aid changes (opponents)
Hearing on:
- SB 383—Building construction plans; approval by State Board of Education
3:30 pm, House Education Budget Committee, Room 159-S
Hearings on:
- HB 2591—School districts not required to pay staff for inclement weather days
- HB 2607—School finance; eliminating certain weightings and adding that money to BSAPP
Tuesday, February 9
9:00 am, House Education Committee, Docking Room 711
Hearings on:
- HB 2595—Students residing outside of a district allowed to attend
- HB 2539—School finance; supplemental state aid; litigation
Wednesday, February 10
9:00 am, House Education Committee, Docking Room 711
Hearing on:
- HB 2601—Applying a linear transition to high density at-risk weighting
1:30 pm, Senate Education Committee, Room 152-S
Presentation by KSDE:
- Common Core Standards and Race to the Top
If you are interested in presenting written or oral testimony on any of these bills, please contact Cheryl Semmel at the USA|Kansas office: csemmel@usakansas.org or (785) 232-6566. We can help you prepare testimony and get copies to the appropriate committee office, but WE REQUEST THAT CONTACT US AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, IF POSSIBLE (there are occasions when bills are added to the calendar with little notice; we can work with you in those cases, as well.)
REMINDER: If you are looking for contact information for your Representative or Senator or 2010 legislative committee assignments and schedules, visit www.usakansas.org
For previous Legislative Updates and testimony, please visit the USA|Kansas Legislative Action Center.
