13 September 2005

Sebelius: “Accountability essential to get money into Kansas classrooms”
As part of unprecedented school efficiency reviews, Governor unveils 16 districts making the most of education dollars

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas parents, students, teachers, and taxpayers deserve efficient, effective schools, Governor Kathleen Sebelius said today. As part of a review of school spending, she announced that 16 Kansas school districts have been identified as using tax dollars most effectively.

“Kansas parents send three things to Kansas schools: their kids, their hopes for the future, and their hard-earned money. They expect our schools to take the best possible care of all three. Our new investments in schools require increased accountability,” Governor Sebelius said.

The first-in-the-nation study is designed to show how Kansas schools can be more effective and to increase accountability. The well-regarded analytical firm Standard & Poor’s identified the 16 school districts as “Highly Resource Effective,” which reflects their ability to get a good return on taxpayers’ investments.

“We need to set our expectations high – both in terms of student performance and achievement – but also in making sure that all schools use our money wisely. Holding school districts accountable will ensure that all Kansas students will have the best opportunity possible to succeed in the classroom and throughout their lives,” Governor Sebelius said.

The identification of effective and efficient Kansas schools is just the first step in a landmark review, ordered by the Governor, of how Kansas schools spend their money.

Four schools – some rated highly effective and some that didn’t make the list – will be selected for in-depth efficiency reviews. These examinations will identify concrete ways schools can improve their effectiveness, spend dollars directly on classroom learning, and demonstrate to taxpayers that their dollars are being well-spent. Results from the reviews will be presented to the Governor later this fall.

Governor Sebelius originally proposed these accountability examinations in early 2004, but the Legislature refused to support them. Undeterred, she worked with the Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, which agreed to sponsor the efficiency reviews.

The 16 school districts identified by S&P as being “Highly Resource Effective” are: Arkansas City, Baldwin City, Geary County, Halstead, Hays, Hesston, Lincoln, Macksville, Nickerson, Renwick, Rock Creek, Scott County, Spearville, Stafford, Vermillion, and Wamego.

More information and details on each of the 16 districts can be found later today at the Governor’s web site, http://www.ksgovernor.org.