July 28, 2006

Sebelius: Kansas children win in school finance decision
Ruling shows commitment to schools is improving education in Kansas

Kansas children are the winners in the now-concluded school funding case, says Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

“This ruling is proof that we’re meeting our responsibility to give our children good schools, so they’re the true winners in all this,” said Sebelius.

She was responding to today’s Kansas Supreme Court ruling that the school plan passed this year and signed by Governor Sebelius was in substantial compliance with the Kansas Constitution.

“This ruling is good news for Kansas and a welcome resolution to this case. This is exactly the outcome I was hoping for when I first brought legislators together back in January to start working on a school plan,” said Sebelius.  “The issue of school funding is finally out of court and back where it belongs, with the Legislature and local school boards.”

Sebelius said it was unfortunate that it took a lawsuit and several years of legislative wrangling for the proper commitment to Kansas students to be made, but she applauded the majority of legislators for coming together to strengthen Kansas schools.

“We all know the historic commitment made to Kansas students during the past couple of years was long overdue, and it’s unfortunate it took years of prodding to get the Legislature to act.  But the accomplishments of the past few years are also proof that when we work together as Kansans we can accomplish great things,” said Sebelius.  “I commend the majority of legislators for coming together with me to find a solution that will benefit every student in Kansas.” 

Sebelius said the quest to ensure first-class schools in every Kansas community wasn’t over.  She said we must make sure the Legislature carries out and builds upon the school plan passed this year, including enhancing local control.

“Going forward, I will make sure the Legislature keeps the commitment that’s been made to Kansas kids.  Now is not the time to step back from our state’s responsibility,” said Sebelius.

Sebelius said efforts should also turn to ensuring efficiency in schools, such as through the audits she arranged for several school districts last year.

“We can’t simply spend our way to excellence, so I’m also going to continue working to increase accountability in our schools.  I want to know our taxpayer dollars are being used as efficiently as possible,” she continued.

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