8 September 2005

Governor calls on schools to devote money to classrooms
Sebelius encouraged by reports that schools are making good teachers a priority

TOPEKA, Kan. – Governor Kathleen Sebelius said today she is very encouraged by news reports showing new education funding is largely being used where it is needed most: in the classroom. She called on schools to use the new resources to recruit and retain good teachers.

“Every Kansas child deserves a caring, qualified teacher. It’s good to see schools using the new money they’ve received to make sure that happens. I encourage school districts throughout Kansas to put every possible dollar into the classroom, and to hold the line on administrative expenses,” the Governor said.

Efforts to make Kansas schools more accountable and efficient continue, the Governor said, with an audit of several Kansas school districts taking place this fall. Governor Sebelius contracted with the research firm Standard & Poor’s to identify where schools districts are spending money effectively and where improvements need to be made.

“Kansans need to know that money is going into the classroom, not disappearing into layers of administration bureaucracy,” Sebelius said.

After the Kansas Legislature rejected her request for school audits in 2004, Sebelius sought private funding from the Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City. Initial research on Kansas school spending is already underway and details of the audits are expected to be announced next week, the Governor said.