5.11.12
KSDE Numbers Indicate Need For Remedial Education At Regents Institutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

May 11, 2012 - Wichita - The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) recently released revised data on the number of Kansas high school grads enrolled in remedial coursework in a Board of Regents institution.  The information, available at www.KansasOpenGov.Org, shows that 21.1% of Kansas' 2009 high school graduates who enrolled at a public postsecondary educational institution, within the state, also enrolled in remedial coursework; previously, KSDE information showed that number to be 24.6%.  As with all data available at KansasOpenGov.org, this information is obtained directly from an official government source and is available to the general public.  Read the full press release here.

3.27.12
Legislators Deny Low Income Students Freedom Available To Wealthier Peers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

March 27, 2012 - Wichita - Yesterday, the Kansas House of Representatives failed to pass HB 2767 and in so doing prevented low-income students from potentially receiving a scholarship to attend a different school.  This bill, introduced by Rep. Clay Aurand would have allowed taxpayers to receive a 90% tax credit when they donated to non-profit organizations that give out scholarships to students in schools with at least 50% of their students qualifying for free meals under the federal school lunch program.  Read the full press release here.

2.8.12
Student Achievement is Lower than Parents May Believe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

There is no question that some students get an excellent public education in Kansas. However, a new analysis from Kansas Policy Institute demonstrates that an examination of all the facts shows that that is not true for a large number of students. "Removing Barriers to Better Public Education," finds that a more complete analysis of available data indicates that far too many Kansas children are being left behind. Read the full Press Release here.

1.25.12
Online Learning "Vital Component" Of 21st Century Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

Last week, the Kansas House Education Committee heard from Susan Patrick of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), as she discussed the tremendous potential online learning has to increase student achievement. A new study from Kansas Policy Institute was released today that makes the same point. "Expanding Educational Opportunities in Kansas through Online Learning," is a soup to nuts look at the fundamentals of online learning, how it is being applied around the country, and the impact this form of K-12 education could have on students and the classroom. Read the full press release here.

1.11.12
KPI Statement On Gov. Brownback's 2012 State of the State Address
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

This evening, Kansas Policy Institute president Dave Trabert offered the following statement in response to Governor Sam Brownback's annual State Of The State Address.

Overall Thoughts: "I'm glad Gov. Brownback has identified the things that too many previous administrations and members of the legislature willfully chose to ignore; KPERS, Medicaid, K-12 finance and taxes. While it is nice to see these crises finally get some attention, the state is not moving aggressively enough to save itself from driving off a cliff..." Read the full Press Release here.

10.20.11
Higher Student Achievement Obtainable Through More Parental Choice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

A close look at the Kansas Department of Education 2011 Report Card contains some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Kansas students are showing improvement; the, bad news is that achievement levels for many students remain unacceptably low and that achievement gaps for minorities and low income students persist. Read the full Press Release here.

10.11.11
Look At Whole Picture On Student Achievement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

Today's release of the 2010-2011 state report card from the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) shows some improvement, which is good news. Still, student achievement is much lower than most parents might suspect. According to KSDE, only 63% of Kansas students are able to read grade-appropriate material with full comprehension and only 53% of 11th graders meet that standard. Read the full Press Release here.

9.29.11
Kansas Schools Start The New Year With Even More In The Bank - New Authority To Spend Now Exists
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

September 29, 2011 - Wichita - New data from the Kansas Department of Education show that Kansas public schools increased their operating carryover cash reserves by $93.7 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011. Operating cash reserves (not including capital, debt or federal funds) increased from $774.6 million to a record-high $868.3 million. The increase in operating reserves includes a first-time disclosure of $8 million in school activity funds, which are primarily used for school athletics. Read the full Press Release here.

7.27.11
Employment Outpaces Enrollment Gains In Kansas Public Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

Despite a small (2.4%) decline last year, school district employment has still grown much faster than enrollment over recent years. Enrollment increased 3.1% between 2005 and 2011, according to the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE). At the same time, school districts increased teacher employment by 4.6% and non-teacher jobs jumped 8.6%. Statewide, there are now 13.3 students per teacher; counting all employees, the average school district has one employee for every 6.7 students. Results for individual districts vary dramatically and are now available in a newly posted database at www.kansasopengov.org. Kansas Policy Institute maintains the site and uses data obtained from the Kansas Department of Education. Read the full Press Release here.

5.16.11
Education Initiative Asks "Why Not?" Provide Effective Learning Opportunities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

A new statewide initiative to inform parents about opportunities to raise student achievement launched earlier this month. A joint effort of Kansas Policy Institute and The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, "Why Not Kansas?" lays out the facts about student achievement and school spending and informs Kansans about learning opportunities that are bearing fruit in other states. Read the full Press Release here.

12.16.10
K-12 Employment Growing Faster Than Enrollment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, December 16, 2010) – A new study from Kansas Policy Institute shows that current K-12 employment in Kansas is 6.3% higher than in 2000, while enrollment increased just 1.9% over the same time period.  State Department of Education data also indicate that Kansas school districts increased non-teaching jobs at a much greater rate than teachers; the number of teachers increased by 4.9% while all other employees increased 7.8%.  “Profile and Comparison of Kansas K-12 Employment Levels” was written by Dr. Art Hall of the Center for Applied Economics at the University of Kansas, using publically available data to help give context to K-12 policy discussions in Kansas.  Read the full Press Release here. 

9.23.10
New Study:  No Evidence That Spending Raises Proficiency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, KS) - A new study from Kansas Policy Institute shows that while per-pupil spending has jumped 42% since 2003, the percentage of students scoring 'Proficient' on national assessment tests has barely changed.  Only about one-third of students are considered proficient in Reading and a little more than half are 'Proficient' in Math. Read the full Press Release here.

4.30.2010
Schools Districts Use Carryover Reserves to Spend More This Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Anne Chandler (316) 634-0218
 
(Wichita, KS) Analysis of K-12 spending projections for FY 2010 shows that total spending is up about $320 million over last year, with about $220 million of the increase in current operating costs and the rest is in Capital and Debt Service.  174 districts are predicting higher operating expenditures this year; 77 districts have reductions of less than 5% and 42 districts have reductions greater than 5%.  Read the full Press Release here.

4.7.2010
Kansans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes for Schools Under Current Conditions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Anne Chandler (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, KS) A new statewide public opinion survey conducted by The Research Partnership on behalf of Kansas Reporter shows that Kansans are strongly opposed to paying higher taxes for schools because total aid per-pupil is 26% higher now than five years ago, which is the baseline for school aid being increased under the Montoy decision. Read the full Press Release here.

3.23.2010
School Spending Study Finds $717 Million in Potential Savings 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Dave Trabert (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, KS) A new study on K-12 spending in Kansas concludes that schools statewide are spending as much as $717 million more than is necessary, and that implementing the 'best practices' of more efficient districts could eliminate the need to raise taxes or cut spending on other essential services. Read the full Press Release here.