And all Kansans got was the lousy bill

Good for the State Board of Education for exploring whether to subject its members’ expenses to board approval. The idea, which cuts across the ideological divide, was inspired by member Connie Morris’ $2,220 hotel bill from a magnet school conference in Miami Beach — never mind that her western Kansas district has no such schools. The point is: Most Kansans don’t stay in $339-a-night hotel rooms, and would think it reasonable that such elected officials’ spending at least be scrutinized, if not curtailed.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

4 Comments

  1. Joe Williams
    Posted June 17, 2005 at 6:36 am | Permalink

    I’m distrubed by Connie Morris. Her remarks, her arrogance, her push to discredit teaching biology and science, and her Florida vacation on taxpayers expense.

    Western Kansas loves her, so I don’t see her leaving the KSBE anytime soon. The only way around this would be a proposal that was being pushed around last year, but gain any feet.

    That is to change the Department of Education. Instead of having a board, but have a Secretary of Education appointed by the Governor. I thought it was a great idea last year, and I think it is a better idea today.

  2. L M Coats
    Posted June 17, 2005 at 8:08 am | Permalink

    I’ve been teaching almost four decades. I’ve never completely understood the need for a State Department of Education. I see less need now.

  3. dan newland
    Posted June 17, 2005 at 5:27 pm | Permalink

    Amen. L M Coats

  4. Kelly
    Posted June 17, 2005 at 8:25 pm | Permalink

    Connie Morris might be able to get away with being a creationist on the State Board of Ed., but she won’t survive re-election after the news about her hotel bill and taxpayer funded political letter. Of course, someone has to run against her, but I would salivate at the chance if I lived in West Kansas.