KASB Live Podcast

The quicker-than-usual legislative session is over. Leah and Shannon discuss what happened in the veto session, as well as the year as a whole. Underfunding, misinformation, tax plans, voucher bills and an extension for the statewide mill levy headlined some of the top education issues this year. Be on the lookout for the KASB Legislative Listening Tour in August and September to make sure your voice is heard.

Leah and Shannon discuss what the legislature accomplished before its first adjournment. The K-12 budget plan was finalized with only $10 million in additional SPED money for 2026, though it will only look like $7.5 million. The two talk about what this means, as well as what programs were cut going forward. They also look at tax plans and a bill that would allow the attorney general to step into local board of education decisions.

Leah and Shannon discuss issues that they, and other education advocates, are encountering with legislators not fully-grasping school funding topics like: cash balances and differences between general education, local option budget and SPED funding. The two are monitoring the Senate's budget plan without additional SPED funding in the future and cuts to programs this fiscal year. That is expected to be voted on Tuesday, March 18th. (Contact your Senators right away!) In the other chamber, a voucher bill and the school board micromanagement bill are heading to the House floor.In positive news - House Education Committee members held a roundtable meeting to discuss the state's new school system accreditation process. Want to hear an in-depth analysis of KESA 2.0? Listen to our podcast by Mark Tallman: What's Different About KESA 2.0?

Leah and Shannon discuss the flurry of bills being debated in Topeka before the legislature's first adjournment. The Senate is proposing SPED gets no new dollars for next year. The pronouns bill advances in the House, and a voucher bill and school board micromanagement bill get House committee hearings.Wednesday, March 12 is our KASB Day at the Statehouse! Sign up to join us: kasb.org/events

Leah and Shannon talk about the busy week ahead. The SPED funding battle still looms large in budget discussions, multiple tax bills could affect school funding and some positive bills on mental health and KPERS are expected to be discussed this week.

Leah and Shannon discuss the Senate passing two bills, one a voucher and another stripping local control for BOEs, but neither with veto-proof majorities. They also talk about the House budget only including an additional $10 million for SPED. Next, the KASB Advocacy Team is anticipating the education funding task force holding its second meeting on what the next school funding formula should look like. That will be Monday, February 24 from 9 am to 12 pm. You can watch that by going to this link: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnUWv2THZAiSnnk5BpcqTJovjNEsYqVB

Leah and Shannon discuss what the House Appropriations Committee agreed to cut from the K-12 budget plan, what two vouchers debated in committees look like and we hear about the priorities put in front of federal officials on the KASB trip to Washington D.C.

2025, Episode 3: Leah and Shannon discuss the plan to increase SPED funding by $30 million in FY 26 and 27, how the statewide mill levy change shouldn't decrease funding for schools, voucher bills that will be debated in committee hearings next week and more!

2025, Episode 2: This week, Leah and Shannon discuss possible property tax and statewide mill levy cuts, voucher bills, a Greeley County bond fix and preview next week's K-12 budget discussion.

The Advocate is back! Leah and Shannon discuss the start of the legislative session, the State of the State address and what they heard in committee meetings this first week.

Mark is joined by two members from the Lawrence school board and their Director of Technology to discuss an innovative approach to saving millions in the district and working to close the digital divide for Lawrence students. Because of this project, the district will save around 3 million dollars in the next 5-6 years.Tune in now to learn more!

Welcome back to The Advocate!Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball discuss the recently passed K-12 Budget bill, SB 387, which fully funds the Gannon formula and provides an additional $75 million in state funding to special education. The team also looks back at the successful lobbying efforts for public education earlier this year. Though the regular legislative session has ended, Governor Laura Kelly could call everyone back due to not reaching an agreement on a state tax cut bill. Thank you, Leah and Shannon, for your work this session!Listen now!

Join Mark Tallman, Dr. Bret Church, and Dr. Jessica Dain as they discuss the Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative. KTRI offers insights into the reasons for the state's teacher shortage and possible pointers for helping retain and recruit future teachers. Listen now!

Tune in for the latest from Leah and Shannon at the Statehouse! This week, they cover House Sub for SB 387, enrollment count and literacy bills in the Senate and the conference committees that will begin meeting next week. Listen now!

In this episode, Leah & Shannon discuss the recent Day at the Capitol hosted by KASB, which brought together advocates from across the state to meet with their legislators and share their stories about the successes of public education. They also discuss the upcoming debate over the K-12 Education Budget bill and how the legislature is trying to attempt to give the façade of a fully funded special education by diverting local tax dollars through SB 387. Listen now!

Leah and Shannon cover SB 387, the K-12 education budget. SB 387 has numerous controversial provisions, including counting local taxes as part of SPED funding. Also, join us on March 21 for KASB's Day at the Capitol! This event brings public education advocates together to tell the story of public education at the capitol and meet with their legislators. Register here!

In this episode, Mark is joined by administrative staff from the Haysville and Salina school districts to discuss chronic absenteeism and how they have been working to reduce the rate. During the COVID pandemic, chronic absenteeism was reaching all-time highs; now that we are on the other side, districts must work diligently to bring students back into the classroom. Listen as these districts share their methods and insights on how they have successfully reduced chronic absenteeism rates and continue to do so. Read Mark's article here: Haysville and Salina Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Using Parent Outreach and Support

This week, Leah and Shannon discuss the controversial voucher bill, SB 509, which received overwhelming opposition compared to supporters. They also talk about the continued SPED funding shortfall, and how the upcoming K12 Education Budget Committee may affect funding in the future, plus much more. Listen now!

Unlock the secrets behind Derby USD 260's educational success! Dive into our latest podcast as we dissect their robust needs assessment process, linking it to strategic planning and accreditation. Explore how data-driven decisions, strong teacher support, and student engagement led to impressive improvements in state test scores. Tune in now for a closer look at Derby's innovative approach to student and district improvement!Access some of Derby's Resources that they use for Building Needs Assessments here.

Catch up on the latest from the Kansas State House with The Advocate!Leah and Shannon discuss Thursday's SPED Funding briefing in the Senate Education Committee, setting the record straight about SPED funding, totaling a $432 Million shortfall in SPED funding for districts across the state. The team also covers SB 509, another attempt to create voucher programs in Kansas, and much more. Listen now!

It was turnaround week in the legislature with two big bills not making it out of the Senate Education Committee, including SB 437, the KEEP program bill, and SB 465, providing additional capital outlay for safety, security, and ADA compliance. Also, listen in to learn about recent developments on SB 469, an ESA voucher bill recently "blessed" by the legislature. Listen now!

Leah and Shannon covered HB 2738 this week, which received a hearing in the House K12 Education Budget Committee. HB 2738 would change how funding is counted and then falsely assert that the legislature is more than fully funding special education. They also discuss bills testified on by KASB in the House Education Committee. These bills included legislation prohibiting cell phones in school buildings during the school day and another that would set up a book rating system by the legislature rather than keeping the issue to local control. Tune in now to catch up. 

Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball have had a busy week of hearings and testifying against several controversial bills making their way through the legislature. Some of these bills include provisions that can allow almost anyone to challenge the accreditation status of any public school in Kansas, as well as a bill that could cut at-risk funding to districts. Looking forward, next week is set to be just as contentious with several high-profile bills being heard, including a bill on banning cell phones in school buildings, and one on censoring books. Submit testimony to k.12.budget@house.ks.gov for next Tuesday's hearing.Tune in now!

In this episode, Leah and Shannon discuss several bills KASB testified on this past week. Leah also discusses her recent trip to D.C. to advocate for public education at the Capitol! Several KASB Staff and public education advocates had the opportunity to meet with some Senators and staffers to discuss the importance of fully funding special education.Tune in now!

This week, Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball discuss a busy week of testimony given by KASB at the K-12 Education Budget Committee. KASB testified on several bills, including HB 2514, which deals with open enrollment amendments, HB 2506, concerning virtual student participation in extracurricular activities, and many more.Tune in now!

In this episode, Mark sits down with Todd Roberts, Director of the Kansas Future Teachers Academy, to discuss how KFTA can be used as a tool for teacher recruitment. KFTA is a five-day program designed for high school students interested in teaching as a profession.KFTA will be hosting two sessions this year:June 3-7&July 15-19Click here to apply for the KFTA.Want to read an interview with Todd? Click here.

Welcome to another episode of The Advocate.This week, Leah and Shannon discuss some House Bills that could harm public education, including a flat tax bill passed by the legislature earlier this week. Learn about this and other bills KASB will be testifying on in the future. Listen now!ResourcesHB 2485HB 2489HB 2506Flat Tax Bill

The 2024 Kansas Legislative Session has kicked off, and the KASB Advocacy Team is here to update you on all new and developing news from the state house. Join Leah Fliter and newly added Advocacy team member Shannon Kimball as they discuss the January 5 Special Education Task Force, Governor Laura Kelly's budget proposal, school vouchers, and much more!Stay up to date and listen now!

Tune in for a Special Edition of Tallman Talks! Mark sat down with Stan Reiss to discuss his 40+ years of service on his local school board. Hear about Stan's journey from teacher to long-standing board member in Kismet-Plains USD 483. Thank you for your service, Stan!You can also read about Stan's journey here.

Welcome back to another episode of Tallman Talks!Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild discuss Mark's recent travels throughout the state to highlight exceptional Kansas districts. Most recently, he has visited much of the North Central Kansas region, including Pike Valley, Washington County, and Concordia, among many others.Tune in now to hear Mark's stories from the field. Also, click here to read about Mark's travels. 

The Advocate is back with a special guest, Dr. Randy Watson, Commissioner of Education!Join Scott Rothschild and Dr. Watson as they discuss the Commissioner's encouraging news in his annual brief to the State Board, efforts to boost literacy in Kansas, tackling chronic absenteeism, and a whole lot more! Tune in now!

As a new school year begins and legislative sessions approach, we delve into the nuances of education finance in Kansas. From the percentage of the state budget allocated to public education to the evolving definitions of K-12 funding, tax policies, and the impact of special education funding, we cover it all. Listen now!

In this episode, join Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild as they discuss and decipher contrasting national education rankings, and explore the real story behind academic outcomes and funding. Dive into the evolving student landscape and the pandemic's impact on education. Tune in for valuable insights into Kansas public schools.Listen now!

Join Mark and Scott as they celebrate positive news in Kansas education! From increased graduation rates to career-focused education through CTE programs and other postsecondary offerings, Kansas education continues to improve!Listen now!

Welcome to Tallman Talks, hosted by Mark Tallman!This week, Mark is joined by Dr. Laurie Curtis, the Early Literacy/Dyslexia Program Manager at KSDE, and Jeri Powers, the USD 232 District Literacy Specialist, as they explore the captivating realm of developing reading skills in children. Gain insights into the importance of early childhood learning and how Kansas is working to improve reading skills in its students through evidence-based reading practices, professional development, and much more. Tune in now!Links: Mark's BlogKSDE Dyslexia Webpage

Welcome to "Tallman Talks!"  A new KASB podcast focused on highlighting the great things happening in the world of education in Kansas.  In each episode of "Tallman Talks," we'll delve into the triumphs, challenges, and innovative ideas shaping our state's educational landscape. Sit down with Hosts Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild this week as they discuss Kansas graduation rates and what it means for Kansans. Listen now!

In this last episode of the legislative session, the KASB advocacy team sits down to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of SB 113. While there are some provisions KASB supports in SB 113, there are many that KASB opposes. They also discuss what could happen next as the bill makes its way to the governor's office. Listen now!

The 2023 regular legislative session ended this past Friday with much left undone, including the education funding bill. The fight for increased special ed funding and the fight against vouchers will continue when legislators return for the veto session on April 24. Listen now for more updates!

The team has lots to discuss in this week's episode! The Senate is churning through dozens of bills as we near adjournment on April 7. These bills include HB 2304 and HB 2080, both of which were sent to Governor Laura Kelly's office. They also discuss the Senate not taking action on the education budget this week, which did not contain special education increases. Tune in to listen to this and more!

This week, Leah Fliter and Scott Rothschild continue to cover many of the controversial bills moving through the Kansas Legislature. Recently approved was the K-12 Budget Bill in the House of Representatives. This bill included several tacked-on provisions, including a parent portal. The team also discusses SB 83, SB 128, and more. Listen now!

This week, the Advocacy Team covers the controversial voucher bill, SB-83, which heads to the Senate Monday for final action. Also discussed were developments in the House K-12 Budget Committee, among many more hot topics. Don't forget to contact your legislators this weekend and let them know that public dollars belong in public schools! Listen now!

In this podcast, the Advocacy team discusses the House K-12 Education Budget's recommendation to approve a voucher bill for students to receive taxpayer-funded education savings accounts, special education funding, and teacher pay raises. They also mention bills sent to Governor Laura Kelly, such as the transgender ban bill and the gun safety bill. Don't forget to contact your legislator about the harmful voucher legislation!

The whole team is here for the newest episode of The Advocate! This week, they talk about what to expect for the second half of the legislature, a recent gut-and-go bill, and the "parent's bill of rights."Tune in now!

Join Scott Rothschild and John Forrer as they discuss bills approved in the House and Senate this week, including many controversial bills like the SB-83 tuition tax credit bill, HB-2238, the bill restricting transgender women from competing in women's sports, and much more!New episodes every Friday. 

The team is back! Leah, Scott, and John are here to give you all the latest updates from this week. They discuss funding for special education, HB 2236 that focuses on parent rights, SB 66 setting up an interstate teacher mobility compact, and much more! New episodes every Friday. 

Leah Fliter and John Forrer have had a busy week at the Kansas Legislature and are here to bring you all the developments. They discuss HB-2218, allowing public tax dollars to go to private schools, SB-83, expanding a tuition tax credit scholarship program, and much more!Also, check your emails for the latest advocacy Call to Action for harmful bills toward public education currently heading to the legislature. Read about the Call to Action here: KASB's Call to Action

Scott Rothschild and John Forrer are here to bring you another episode of The Advocate! This week they discuss bills introduced in the House K-12 Budget Committee, the upcoming hearing on HB-2218, and lots more! Listen now!

This week, the team discusses bills KASB testified on at the statehouse, the continued federal SPED funding shortfall, and the Kansas Teacher of the Year. Listen now!

This week on The Advocate, the team discusses its recent annual Advocacy in Action event, developments at the K-12 and House Education Budget Committee, several new bills being introduced, and upcoming testimony to be presented next week.Tune in now!

The team is back! The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session has kicked off, and the KASB Advocacy Team is here to keep you up to date on all new and developing news from the state house. On this week's episode, the team discusses Governor Kelly's 2023 budget proposal and what implications that has for public education, including newly proposed funding for special education. The team also covers the first State Board meeting of the year with the three newly elected members, the House and Senate Education Committee and much more!Tune in now!

This week on The Advocate, the team discusses the full funding of SPED and the November 10 Special Education press conference held at Kansas Capital. They also discuss the proposed options to meet SPED funding obligations, the importance of engaging with your legislator, the recent election results, and what it could mean for education in Kansas. Tune in now!