Too many Kansans only notice the State Board of Education when it does something dumb. That has happened a lot lately, which is why GOP primary voters broke up the six-member conservative majority in August. But the problem of K-12 governance in Kansas is bigger than one election. It started with a badly worded constitutional amendment passed 40 years ago that inadvertently gave the 10-member school board self-executing powers. So the editorial board, usually no champion of constitutional amendments, was happy to hear Gov. Kathleen Sebelius propose making the state school board advisory and having each governor appoint a Cabinet-level education secretary. As we said in an editorial, “Legislators should not only scrutinize the board’s troubled history but ponder the exciting possibilities of reform — one that makes it the official business of the governor and Legislature to not only pay for public schools but to make them the best they can be. Sebelius’ proposal is a good place to start.”
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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31 Comments
Sebelius Wants to Replace Elected State Board of EducationWith Her Campaign Donors?
http://www.kansasmeadowlark.com/2006/10-13.htm
Meadowloser, how many of these people do you know personally?
Not the KBOE, but the ones in your obscure and lost post.
Finally, there is talk of a constitutional amendment I can support. But the reality is that, in order to obtain the voting margin necessary to accomplish such action, there are going to have to be some changes made in the composition of the Kansas House. One giant step toward making that happen would be to vote for Walt Chappel here in Wichita, and retire Brenda Landwehr.
Amen to your observation kelly!
It’s time to get the fanatics out of local and federal government.
Sebelieus’ proposal is long overdue. Personally, I would prefer thatthe State BOE be abolished.
Red State Rabble:
Will the Real Idiots Please Stand Up?When Steve Abrams, a Republican from Arkansas City who is the leader of the wingnut majority on the Kansas school board heard that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius wanted to limit the board’s powers to wreak havoc with the state’s education system, he responded, “The governor must think the citizens of the state of Kansas are idiots.”
As usual, Abrams got it wrong.
It’s certainly not the citizens — who are expected to vote overwhelming to give the popular governor a second term — she thinks are idiots. It’s the six missing links who’ve been running the state school board and Kansas schools into the ground these past two years.
Who really thinks the citizens of this state are idiots? Anyone who thinks they can get away with writing religion into the curriculum by calling it science.
Oh boy. If this goes through, the acrimonious debate regarding teaching alternative theories to evolution can be folded into the Kansas Governor’s contest. Talk about a distraction!
As time runs out, she’s off to junkets
In August, western Kansas voters booted Connie Morris out of office after only one term on the state Board of Education.Unfortunately for taxpayers, Morris still has a couple of months left on the payroll.That’s plenty of time for her to squander your money and mine on wasteful junkets.Today the St. Francis Republican arrives in Minneapolis-St. Paul for the EdWatch conference, where she’ll hear such wing nuts as Michael Chapman decry “Global Classrooms: The U.N. Curriculum in America’s Schools,” and Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America discuss “How Mental-Health Screening Affects Gun Ownership Rights.”Then in December she jets off to Washington for eight days, all expenses paid. There, Morris says, she’ll confer with elected officials and special-interest groups.How she’ll use any of what she learns on the job is a mystery.She gets back from the trip just one week before her term ends. Barely enough time to turn in an expense account, but you can bet she’ll manage.In the only statement she has given on this, Morris told The Associated Press: “I’ve been elected by the people to do a job, and I’ll work diligently at that job until the last hour while remaining within my (travel) allowance.“That,” she said, “is integrity and leadership.”
Well, it’s something. “Chutzpah” is what comes to mind.
The controversy that has erupted over this may not have been exactly what Gov. Kathleen Sebelius had in mind when, during a debate on Wednesday in Kansas City, Kan., she blasted the state school board for being an embarrassment to Kansas.And here I should mention that the Democrat herself caught grief from Republican Jim Barnett for linking the school board to Crazy Fred Phelps.Sebelius says Kansas’ image suffers as much from the antics of the state board as it does from its unfortunate association with the state’s least-favorite son.(That’s true, of course, but not a very politic thing for the governor to say. That’s my job.)However, the Morris flap does fit the pattern to which the guv was referring.By that I mean the pattern of arrogance that Morris and her conservative cronies have exhibited since taking control of the board two years ago.It was ideology first, the interests of school kids later.First the fractious debate over evolution.And let’s not forget how the board majority hired a less-than-qualified commissioner of education with a reputation for being an enemy, rather than a friend, of public education.On and on it has gone, Morris’ tax-funded trips at the end of her term just one more example.With luck the current policy, which holds that almost any trip is approved as long as it is education-related and is within each member’s travel budget, will change when a new board takes over in January.
And that’s where I disagree with the governor’s position on electing state board members.Like her Republican predecessor, she thinks Kansas should do away with an elected board and turn its responsibilities over to the executive branch.True, the board has from time to time been dominated by boobs, hacks and flakes who bring shame to the state.But whenever that’s happened, Kansas voters have stepped in to restore order — and the state’s reputation.Morris’ defeat showed that. And her actions since then have proved that the voters had the right instincts.Have a nice trip, Connie, but next time it’s on your own dime.
“When Steve Abrams, a Republican from Arkansas City who is the leader of the wingnut majority on the Kansas school board heard that Gov. Kathleen Sebelius wanted to limit the board’s powers to wreak havoc with the state’s education system, he responded, ‘The governor must think the citizens of the state of Kansas are idiots.’”
Which begs the rhetorical question, does Steve think the citizens of Kansas are idiots for voting his fellow fanatics off the Board twice when they overreached.
The reason why the BOE is worthless is that it politicizes education during a time when federal mandates really dictate what states are doing. Tell you what, if people want to elect someone regarding education, make the Secretary of Education an elected position, but stop electing a state Board of Education. It’s redundant and adds an uneeded layer of bureaucracy to a system that already has plenty, and it offers opportunities for fantatical mischief whenever the foul weather voters stay home and the partisans are the only ones voting.
KSMeadowlard:
“Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed a New York City businessman to the state’s new Health Policy Authority this week.
Robert Kaplan, a native of Prairie Village …
Kaplan was named Thursday to a four-year term on the just-formed Kansas health policy board charged with oversight of state medical programs and development of health policy.
Kaplan, a University of Kansas graduate”
So, he is a native of Prairie Village and a KU grad but you focus on his current residency in NYC. Gee, where does Tankerless Todd live these days? NOT KANSAS! I suspect Kaplan is more a Kansas than Todd.
So anyone from Kansas that has moved out of the state can get a government appointment from Sebelius if they have $25,000 to give to the Democratic Party? (Those limits on giving directly to candidates are annoying).
We don’t have Kansans living in Kansas to take care of ourselves?
Having the Board of Education in an advisory position would not server anyone. Advice means you can take or reject, so the board will become the political mouthpiece of the Govenor and the elected officials in the Education department will be under close scrutiny of the Govenor’s new spies and cronies, the Board of Education.
Bad idea.
I didn’t say that KSM. I simply said he is as much a Kansan as Tiahrt is right now.
Kelly is this the same guy that said he was not taking any money from lobbyists and pacs but, he sent a letter to lobbyists asking for money?Yea, we sure we need a guy that says one thing and does another?
Is this the guy that says he is an expert on everything?
Is this the guy that got fired by USD259?
Is this the guy that says he has done all of this school stuff for other states but, those states have not heard of him?
Is this the guy that our sources American jobs? His website said:Consultant to the Government of India to help transfer modern technology to Indian manufacturing firms.
The above is from his web-site. So does this mean he was out sourcing jobs? Or does it say that he was helping India make their products even cheaper so they could have less workers (at dirt rates), make more money while sending their product to the US?
Is this the guy that said he supported the taxpayer’s bill of rights and even went to Topeka to lobby for it but, now he says it is wrong and he does not support it? I was one of the 30 plus people on that bus.
Is this the guy that wants to raise our sales and income tax?Because I cannot afford to pay anymore taxes on anything!
This guy needs to get his facts straight! He says what he thinks people want to hear but, very little truth. His name calling of a woman that has worked hard for children and others in need of services is so very dirty. We don’t need a person like that in Topeka.
MEADOWFART-what’s wrong?Nobody to blow smoke up over at lonely blog?
Even though I find some of our state legislators to be obnoxious and reprehensible, I still think the combined thinking of our 40 Kansas state senators and 125 state representatives furnishes the best aggregate opinion of our state citizenry. Our Kansas state senators/representatives come from all corners of Kansas and are elected by their peers. Combined they are like a pack of aggressive, snarling, hungry timber wolves on a snowy Kansas night looking for jack rabbit dinners. How better to measure the thinking and wishes of the Kansas electorate?
I’m sorry but, in my opinion, the Governor, even though elected by all the state’s voters, DOESN’T reflect the thinking of all Kansas voters. I for one, basically a life-long Kansan, have never met the current Governor.
Since education is one of the most important functions of state government oversight, I suggest we keep the current Kansas BOE but let the legislature nominate the board members. Then the voters vote for them in the April non-partisan elections along with the local Board of Education members.
Then the media should exercise their responsibility to publicize the biographies and educational goals of the candidates so voters can make the proverbial “informed decision.”
” One giant step toward making that happen would be to vote for Walt Chappel here in Wichita, and retire Brenda Landwehr.”
Having known Walt Chappell, Phd., I agree that he would make a fine public servant. The man is very smart and savvy, well versed, a serious workhorse, and is one the most ferociously tenacious people I’ve ever met. He spent 8 years fighting racial profiling as coordinator of Citizens for Equal Law Enforcment, so he knows Topeka and vice-versa. The type of political and bureaucratic hurdles that exist in Topeka would be old hat to him. And the Legislature would be better for it.
Besides, a wooden plank would make a better representative than Brenda Landwehr.
Well said, Rage.
Mr. Controversy:
Your signature above says your E-mail address is rjdickens@kctu.com.
This linkhttp://www.natascolo.org/newsletter/pdf/2004%20Emmy%20Show%20Newsletterr.pdf
says RJ Dickens is the Regional VP and News Director of KCTU Wichita. Is Mr Controversy the News Director at KCTU?
If so, do your comments in this blog reflect the journalistic integrity of a TV news director?
Why can we never get past name calling and discuss issues facing Kansas like adults? I’m citing facts about Kansas political contributions, and how they may be affecting Kansas government. Why can’t the press find any of this?
Should you consider a disclaimer that your views may not reflect the statff and management of KCTU TV in Wichita? Or do they?
KsM – don’t you run a column in a Samina newspaper? Do your views reflect the staff and management of that newspaper? I would think that if a person does not indicate a byline representing himself as representing then the presumption is that he does not.
For the record – my views may not reflect the staff and management of Wichita State University.
My views originate from over 50 years of confused general concern and squinty-eyed view of the Kansas horizon.
If Will Rogers were alived, I’m sure he would have appreciated my snipe hunting skills.
Ben: I pay for my own domain name, web hosting, and E-mail server with my own money. I’m not using an employer-sponsored E-mail (like MrControversy is with his kctu.com E-mail address), or a partially tax-payer funded address (like your wichita.edu address).
My E-mail address and web site has nothing to do with, and is not funded by, the Salina Journal. My web site existed for over a year before the Salina Journal’s blog started.
But why do you attack the messenger instead of discussing the issue? Should $25,000 buy a goverment appointment in Kansas? Should Sebelius be given more appointments, like she suggests, so she can appoint her contributors to these new positions? If the State Board of Regents have given nearly $30,000 of political money to Sebelius, how much will she be able to get from the State Board of Ed if she appoints them? How does appointment of political contributors help Kansas Government, or the average Kansan? Why does the Kansas press ignore this (including a certain Wichita TV News director)?
Make the ignorant conservatives go away and vote WEMPE.
I thought it was illegal for schools and universities to use the taxpayer funded supplies and resources for private or political purposes?
I think I will call the president of WSU’s office on Monday and find out. If you what to do things on your own then do it but don’t use my tax dollars for it.
I bet there is tax dollars either being used or getting ready to be used for that kctu tv station. I will make some calls on Monday and see what I can find out.
I am tired of my tax dollars being wasted!
Kelly, I noticed that you have not responded to my questions? Is there a problem?
I did come up with another question while you are checking you might ask your guy how many receptions and meals he has attended that were paid for by the democrat party (that is pac and lobbyist money) and paid for by a special interest group?
He talks out of both sides of his mouth.
You can’t say that about Brenda Landwehr. She tells it like it is. You may not agree with her but you will know she is speaking the truth.
It’s way late even for here, but this is an easy one.
STS: What the hell are you talking about? Since when did anyone claim that state funds were going to KTCU?
By the way, MrC just lost a friend in a car accident. Leave him the hell alone.
Rage – I believe I said tax dollars. kctu is looking for tax breaks etc. to make their move to Park City. I was just asking the question I never made a statement (unlike some folks on here) that they were I was raising the question.
I can understand the loss of a friend. I don’t see much compassion shown to people by mrc. He does not take the time to find out was is going on in the peoples lives that he is so quick to criticize, call names and make rude comments about them. Civility is something you do all of the time not just part of the time. If mrc wants to change his ways then others will respond in kind.
Isn’t it weird how those on the left criticize someone by inventing cute twists on that person’s name?
It’s weird in light of the left’s constant preaching of tolerance, except to those who think differently from them.
I think that election of BOE representatives is good, because it is REPRESENTATIVE of the PEOPLE’S opinions. There are really good arguments for evolution. There are really good arguments for intelligent design, which do not necessarily conflict with a theory of evolution, such as, for example, an intelligent designer wanted to create an unfolding process.
Some have said that the latter is “outside science”. Wrong. Promoters of string theory whom we call “physicists”, i.e. “scientists” have speculated the existence of inifinite numbers of universes whose inhabitants can only analyze events within their own universes, along with the existence of universes that aren’t inhabited by sentient beings.
Edwin Hubble’s astronomic observations using powerful telescopes established the notion of an expanding universe. More recent findings, using COBE and other instruments measuring “background” microwave radiation, have added a theory that the universe is expanding more than classical physics can explain, and they have posited an antigravitational “dark matter”. Which cannot be detected. Sort of like God. But these theorists are called “scientists”, even though they are promoting ideas that cannot be scientifically examined.
If we look at all our applied-science innovations, from the incandescent lightbulb, to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that make Kansas agriculture possible, to the computer/internet /instantaneous global communication revolution that is fundamentally changing humaniity, and that people/corporations are being given intellectual property rights for–i.e. intelligent human design– if we consider these things, is “intelligent design” reasonably “scientific”? It is.
Of course that doesn’t mean that intelligent design can be put into a wholly-understandable “box”.