Tagged: public education

The Maize School District has decided to stop doing random drug tests on students who participate in extra-curricular activities.

Maize's School Board recently voted to eliminate the testing after hearing reactions from school administrators and students. The suburb just west of Wichita had conducted the random tests on students from grades 7 through 12.

A spokeswoman says the district has spent almost $31,500 on the program since it began in 2007.

Bills before the state House and Senate would allow charter schools greater freedom and funding opportunities in Kansas.

Now, Kansas has 15 charter schools; they're publicly funded but generally operate independently of school districts. The state had 37 charter schools three years ago, but many closed for financial reasons.

Hazardous waste clean up in Salina; New teacher evaluation system in the works; Vehicle fatalities up in Kansas; Dry conditions continue to affect winter wheat.

Extension Sought In Settlement For Salina Site

Officials from Salina and the federal government want more time to finalize a proposed financial settlement for cleaning up contamination at a former Air Force base. 

Education funding is a leading issue for many Kansans this election year and when voters go to the polls Nov. 6 they will be choosing between vastly different philosophies on how to create and maintain effective, efficient K-12 public schools.

Funding for public schools in Kansas has been a hot topic in the state legislative races this year, and for good reason.

Despite major cuts, more than half of the state’s budget is still spent on public schools.

Yet performance has been lackluster in many districts and among the state’s minorities.