Category Archives: Issues
My profile in the Bonner Springs Chieftain
The Bonner Springs Chieftain profiled all the 2011 school board candidates. View my profile at http://bit.ly/ePCLfo. My picture was taken, but didn’t make into the paper. I hope that was due to space constraints, and not because it was a bad picture… … Continue reading
Survey from Midwest Democracy Project
I was contacted by the Kansas City Star to participate in a survey project they are sponsoring. It’s called the Midwest Democracy Project. The Star’s objectivity is questionable at times, but it is an opportunity to reach an audience that candidates … Continue reading
Keep The Focus On Students and Parents (Taxpayers), Not Salaries
There is nothing inherently wrong with trying to get well compensated. But, if union leadership was compensated according to student performance, you can be sure they the truly would ‘doing it for the students’. Poor teachers would be pressured out of the system, new teaching methods would be embraced, and we would likely see an increase in student performance across the board. Continue reading
Many programs face extra funding woes
It’s too bad that the first programs to go during a budget shortfall are the special education programs — especially the programs for gifted students. At least the State Superintendent is saying the right things: “Sometimes so much of the … Continue reading
No Child Left Behind
When we use the phrase “at grade level” in terms of achievement…challenges arise. A “one size fits all” approach is not ideal. No Child Left Behind requires that 95 percent of special education students be tested, and most of the … Continue reading
Local Districts Invoice Government for Unfunded Mandates
What exactly is an ‘unfunded mandate’ anyway? Well, according to Wisegeek.com: An unfunded mandate is a statute or regulation that requires a state or local government to perform certain actions, yet provides no money for fulfilling the requirements. When a … Continue reading
‘First, Do No Harm’ Should be School Board Policy
The local school board makes policy decisions that can affect operations many years into the future. That’s why I think it’s important to not make reactive decisions- but rather make proactive decisions when it comes to policy matters. Certainly, I … Continue reading