KASB Live Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kansas Association of School Boards
Kansas Association of School Boards Advocacy and Communications team brings you semi-regular updates from Topeka, KS on current issues affecting K-12 Education. Follow the KASB Live Podcast for the most recent reports and discussions with Mark Tallman, Scott Rothschild, Leah Fliter, and other guests as available.
In this episode of The Advocate podcast, Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball dive into the implications of the federal education funding freeze and what it means for Kansas public schools. They explain how recent actions by the U.S. Department of Education have stalled key K-12 funding streams and how the U.S. Congress enacted a controversial nationwide voucher program." The conversation outlines how these decisions could impact school districts across the state, from delays in funding delivery to limitations on essential programs and services. Fliter and Kimball also describe the advocacy strategies KASB is using to ensure lawmakers understand the real-world consequences of a prolonged freeze. Their central message is clear: school board members must stay actively involved and vocal to protect the resources their students and communities rely on.
The quicker-than-usual legislative session is over. Leah and Shannon discuss what happened in the veto session, as well as the year as a whole. Underfunding, misinformation, tax plans, voucher bills and an extension for the statewide mill levy headlined some of the top education issues this year.
Be on the lookout for the KASB Legislative Listening Tour in August and September to make sure your voice is heard.
Leah and Shannon discuss what the legislature accomplished before its first adjournment. The K-12 budget plan was finalized with only $10 million in additional SPED money for 2026, though it will only look like $7.5 million. The two talk about what this means, as well as what programs were cut going forward. They also look at tax plans and a bill that would allow the attorney general to step into local board of education decisions.
Leah and Shannon discuss issues that they, and other education advocates, are encountering with legislators not fully-grasping school funding topics like: cash balances and differences between general education, local option budget and SPED funding.
The two are monitoring the Senate's budget plan without additional SPED funding in the future and cuts to programs this fiscal year. That is expected to be voted on Tuesday, March 18th. (Contact your Senators right away!) In the other chamber, a voucher bill and the school board micromanagement bill are heading to the House floor.
In positive news - House Education Committee members held a roundtable meeting to discuss the state's new school system accreditation process. Want to hear an in-depth analysis of KESA 2.0? Listen to our podcast by Mark Tallman: What's Different About KESA 2.0?
Leah and Shannon discuss the flurry of bills being debated in Topeka before the legislature's first adjournment. The Senate is proposing SPED gets no new dollars for next year. The pronouns bill advances in the House, and a voucher bill and school board micromanagement bill get House committee hearings.
Wednesday, March 12 is our KASB Day at the Statehouse! Sign up to join us: kasb.org/events
Leah and Shannon talk about the busy week ahead. The SPED funding battle still looms large in budget discussions, multiple tax bills could affect school funding and some positive bills on mental health and KPERS are expected to be discussed this week.
Leah and Shannon discuss the Senate passing two bills, one a voucher and another stripping local control for BOEs, but neither with veto-proof majorities. They also talk about the House budget only including an additional $10 million for SPED.
Next, the KASB Advocacy Team is anticipating the education funding task force holding its second meeting on what the next school funding formula should look like. That will be Monday, February 24 from 9 am to 12 pm. You can watch that by going to this link: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnUWv2THZAiSnnk5BpcqTJovjNEsYqVB
Leah and Shannon discuss what the House Appropriations Committee agreed to cut from the K-12 budget plan, what two vouchers debated in committees look like and we hear about the priorities put in front of federal officials on the KASB trip to Washington D.C.
2025, Episode 3: Leah and Shannon discuss the plan to increase SPED funding by $30 million in FY 26 and 27, how the statewide mill levy change shouldn't decrease funding for schools, voucher bills that will be debated in committee hearings next week and more!
2025, Episode 2: This week, Leah and Shannon discuss possible property tax and statewide mill levy cuts, voucher bills, a Greeley County bond fix and preview next week's K-12 budget discussion.
2025, Episode 1: The Advocate is back! Leah and Shannon discuss the start of the legislative session, the State of the State address and what they heard in committee meetings this first week.
Mark is joined by two members from the Lawrence school board and their Director of Technology to discuss an innovative approach to saving millions in the district and working to close the digital divide for Lawrence students.
Because of this project, the district will save around 3 million dollars in the next 5-6 years.
Tune in now to learn more!
Welcome back to The Advocate!
Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball discuss the recently passed K-12 Budget bill, SB 387, which fully funds the Gannon formula and provides an additional $75 million in state funding to special education. The team also looks back at the successful lobbying efforts for public education earlier this year. Though the regular legislative session has ended, Governor Laura Kelly could call everyone back due to not reaching an agreement on a state tax cut bill. Thank you, Leah and Shannon, for your work this session!
Listen now!
Join Mark Tallman, Dr. Bret Church, and Dr. Jessica Dain as they discuss the Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative. KTRI offers insights into the reasons for the state's teacher shortage and possible pointers for helping retain and recruit future teachers.
Listen now!
Tune in for the latest from Leah and Shannon at the Statehouse!
This week, they cover House Sub for SB 387, enrollment count and literacy bills in the Senate and the conference committees that will begin meeting next week.
Listen now!
In this episode, Leah & Shannon discuss the recent Day at the Capitol hosted by KASB, which brought together advocates from across the state to meet with their legislators and share their stories about the successes of public education. They also discuss the upcoming debate over the K-12 Education Budget bill and how the legislature is trying to attempt to give the façade of a fully funded special education by diverting local tax dollars through SB 387.
Listen now!
Leah and Shannon cover SB 387, the K-12 education budget. SB 387 has numerous controversial provisions, including counting local taxes as part of SPED funding.
Also, join us on March 21 for KASB's Day at the Capitol! This event brings public education advocates together to tell the story of public education at the capitol and meet with their legislators. Register here!
In this episode, Mark is joined by administrative staff from the Haysville and Salina school districts to discuss chronic absenteeism and how they have been working to reduce the rate.
During the COVID pandemic, chronic absenteeism was reaching all-time highs; now that we are on the other side, districts must work diligently to bring students back into the classroom. Listen as these districts share their methods and insights on how they have successfully reduced chronic absenteeism rates and continue to do so.
Read Mark's article here: Haysville and Salina Reduce Chronic Absenteeism Using Parent Outreach and Support
This week, Leah and Shannon discuss the controversial voucher bill, SB 509, which received overwhelming opposition compared to supporters. They also talk about the continued SPED funding shortfall, and how the upcoming K12 Education Budget Committee may affect funding in the future, plus much more.
Listen now!
Unlock the secrets behind Derby USD 260's educational success! Dive into our latest podcast as we dissect their robust needs assessment process, linking it to strategic planning and accreditation. Explore how data-driven decisions, strong teacher support, and student engagement led to impressive improvements in state test scores.
Tune in now for a closer look at Derby's innovative approach to student and district improvement!
Access some of Derby's Resources that they use for Building Needs Assessments here.
Catch up on the latest from the Kansas State House with The Advocate!
Leah and Shannon discuss Thursday's SPED Funding briefing in the Senate Education Committee, setting the record straight about SPED funding, totaling a $432 Million shortfall in SPED funding for districts across the state. The team also covers SB 509, another attempt to create voucher programs in Kansas, and much more.
Listen now!
It was turnaround week in the legislature with two big bills not making it out of the Senate Education Committee, including SB 437, the KEEP program bill, and SB 465, providing additional capital outlay for safety, security, and ADA compliance.
Also, listen in to learn about recent developments on SB 469, an ESA voucher bill recently "blessed" by the legislature.
Listen now!
Leah and Shannon covered HB 2738 this week, which received a hearing in the House K12 Education Budget Committee. HB 2738 would change how funding is counted and then falsely assert that the legislature is more than fully funding special education.
They also discuss bills testified on by KASB in the House Education Committee. These bills included legislation prohibiting cell phones in school buildings during the school day and another that would set up a book rating system by the legislature rather than keeping the issue to local control.
Tune in now to catch up.
Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball have had a busy week of hearings and testifying against several controversial bills making their way through the legislature.
Some of these bills include provisions that can allow almost anyone to challenge the accreditation status of any public school in Kansas, as well as a bill that could cut at-risk funding to districts.
Looking forward, next week is set to be just as contentious with several high-profile bills being heard, including a bill on banning cell phones in school buildings, and one on censoring books.
Submit testimony to k.12.budget@house.ks.gov for next Tuesday's hearing.
Tune in now!
In this episode, Leah and Shannon discuss several bills KASB testified on this past week. Leah also discusses her recent trip to D.C. to advocate for public education at the Capitol! Several KASB Staff and public education advocates had the opportunity to meet with some Senators and staffers to discuss the importance of fully funding special education.
Tune in now!
This week, Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball discuss a busy week of testimony given by KASB at the K-12 Education Budget Committee. KASB testified on several bills, including HB 2514, which deals with open enrollment amendments, HB 2506, concerning virtual student participation in extracurricular activities, and many more.
Tune in now!
In this episode, Mark sits down with Todd Roberts, Director of the Kansas Future Teachers Academy, to discuss how KFTA can be used as a tool for teacher recruitment.
KFTA is a five-day program designed for high school students interested in teaching as a profession.
KFTA will be hosting two sessions this year:
June 3-7
&
July 15-19
Click here to apply for the KFTA.
Want to read an interview with Todd? Click here.
Welcome to another episode of The Advocate.
This week, Leah and Shannon discuss some House Bills that could harm public education, including a flat tax bill passed by the legislature earlier this week. Learn about this and other bills KASB will be testifying on in the future.
Listen now!
ResourcesHB 2485
HB 2489
HB 2506
Flat Tax Bill
The 2024 Kansas Legislative Session has kicked off, and the KASB Advocacy Team is here to update you on all new and developing news from the state house.
Join Leah Fliter and newly added Advocacy team member Shannon Kimball as they discuss the January 5 Special Education Task Force, Governor Laura Kelly's budget proposal, school vouchers, and much more!
Stay up to date and listen now!
Tune in for a Special Edition of Tallman Talks!
Mark sat down with Stan Reiss to discuss his 40+ years of service on his local school board. Hear about Stan's journey from teacher to long-standing board member in Kismet-Plains USD 483. Thank you for your service, Stan!
You can also read about Stan's journey here.
Welcome back to another episode of Tallman Talks!
Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild discuss Mark's recent travels throughout the state to highlight exceptional Kansas districts. Most recently, he has visited much of the North Central Kansas region, including Pike Valley, Washington County, and Concordia, among many others.
Tune in now to hear Mark's stories from the field.
Also, click here to read about Mark's travels.
The Advocate is back with a special guest, Dr. Randy Watson, Commissioner of Education!
Join Scott Rothschild and Dr. Watson as they discuss the Commissioner's encouraging news in his annual brief to the State Board, efforts to boost literacy in Kansas, tackling chronic absenteeism, and a whole lot more!
Tune in now!
As a new school year begins and legislative sessions approach, we delve into the nuances of education finance in Kansas. From the percentage of the state budget allocated to public education to the evolving definitions of K-12 funding, tax policies, and the impact of special education funding, we cover it all.
Listen now!
In this episode, join Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild as they discuss and decipher contrasting national education rankings, and explore the real story behind academic outcomes and funding. Dive into the evolving student landscape and the pandemic's impact on education. Tune in for valuable insights into Kansas public schools.
Listen now!
Join Mark and Scott as they celebrate positive news in Kansas education! From increased graduation rates to career-focused education through CTE programs and other postsecondary offerings, Kansas education continues to improve!
Listen now!
Welcome to Tallman Talks, hosted by Mark Tallman!
This week, Mark is joined by Dr. Laurie Curtis, the Early Literacy/Dyslexia Program Manager at KSDE, and Jeri Powers, the USD 232 District Literacy Specialist, as they explore the captivating realm of developing reading skills in children. Gain insights into the importance of early childhood learning and how Kansas is working to improve reading skills in its students through evidence-based reading practices, professional development, and much more.
Tune in now!
Welcome to Tallman Talks, hosted by Mark Tallman!
This week, Mark is joined by Dr. Laurie Curtis, the Early Literacy/Dyslexia Program Manager at KSDE, and Jeri Powers, the USD 232 District Literacy Specialist, as they explore the captivating realm of developing reading skills in children. Gain insights into the importance of early childhood learning and how Kansas is working to improve reading skills in its students through evidence-based reading practices, professional development, and much more.
Tune in now!
Welcome to "Tallman Talks!" A new KASB podcast focused on highlighting the great things happening in the world of education in Kansas.
In each episode of "Tallman Talks," we'll delve into the triumphs, challenges, and innovative ideas shaping our state's educational landscape.
Sit down with Hosts Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild this week as they discuss Kansas graduation rates and what it means for Kansans.
Listen now!
In this last episode of the legislative session, the KASB advocacy team sits down to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of SB 113.
While there are some provisions KASB supports in SB 113, there are many that KASB opposes.
They also discuss what could happen next as the bill makes its way to the governor's office.
Listen now!
The 2023 regular legislative session ended this past Friday with much left undone, including the education funding bill. The fight for increased special ed funding and the fight against vouchers will continue when legislators return for the veto session on April 24.
Listen now for more updates!
The team has lots to discuss in this week's episode! The Senate is churning through dozens of bills as we near adjournment on April 7. These bills include HB 2304 and HB 2080, both of which were sent to Governor Laura Kelly's office.
They also discuss the Senate not taking action on the education budget this week, which did not contain special education increases.
Tune in to listen to this and more!
This week, Leah Fliter and Scott Rothschild continue to cover many of the controversial bills moving through the Kansas Legislature.
Recently approved was the K-12 Budget Bill in the House of Representatives. This bill included several tacked-on provisions, including a parent portal. The team also discusses SB 83, SB 128, and more.
Listen now!
This week, the Advocacy Team covers the controversial voucher bill, SB-83, which heads to the Senate Monday for final action. Also discussed were developments in the House K-12 Budget Committee, among many more hot topics.
Don't forget to contact your legislators this weekend and let them know that public dollars belong in public schools!
Listen now!
In this podcast, the Advocacy team discusses the House K-12 Education Budget's recommendation to approve a voucher bill for students to receive taxpayer-funded education savings accounts, special education funding, and teacher pay raises.
They also mention bills sent to Governor Laura Kelly, such as the transgender ban bill and the gun safety bill.
Don't forget to contact your legislator about the harmful voucher legislation!
The whole team is here for the newest episode of The Advocate!
This week, they talk about what to expect for the second half of the legislature, a recent gut-and-go bill, and the "parent's bill of rights."
Tune in now!
Join Scott Rothschild and John Forrer as they discuss bills approved in the House and Senate this week, including many controversial bills like the SB-83 tuition tax credit bill, HB-2238, the bill restricting transgender women from competing in women's sports, and much more!
New episodes every Friday.
The team is back! Leah, Scott, and John are here to give you all the latest updates from this week.
They discuss funding for special education, HB 2236 that focuses on parent rights, SB 66 setting up an interstate teacher mobility compact, and much more!
New episodes every Friday.
Leah Fliter and John Forrer have had a busy week at the Kansas Legislature and are here to bring you all the developments.
They discuss HB-2218, allowing public tax dollars to go to private schools, SB-83, expanding a tuition tax credit scholarship program, and much more!
Also, check your emails for the latest advocacy Call to Action for harmful bills toward public education currently heading to the legislature.
Read about the Call to Action here: KASB's Call to Action
Scott Rothschild and John Forrer are here to bring you another episode of The Advocate! This week they discuss bills introduced in the House K-12 Budget Committee, the upcoming hearing on HB-2218, and lots more!
Listen now!
This week, the team discusses bills KASB testified on at the statehouse, the continued federal SPED funding shortfall, and the Kansas Teacher of the Year.
Listen now!
This week on The Advocate, the team discusses its recent annual Advocacy in Action event, developments at the K-12 and House Education Budget Committee, several new bills being introduced, and upcoming testimony to be presented next week.
Tune in now!
The team is back! The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session has kicked off, and the KASB Advocacy Team is here to keep you up to date on all new and developing news from the state house.
On this week's episode, the team discusses Governor Kelly's 2023 budget proposal and what implications that has for public education, including newly proposed funding for special education. The team also covers the first State Board meeting of the year with the three newly elected members, the House and Senate Education Committee and much more!
Tune in now!
This week on The Advocate, the team discusses the full funding of SPED and the November 10 Special Education press conference held at Kansas Capital. They also discuss the proposed options to meet SPED funding obligations, the importance of engaging with your legislator, the recent election results, and what it could mean for education in Kansas.
Tune in now!
On this podcast, the advocacy team discusses the ongoing special education funding shortfall and the recent press conference held to bring attention to the issue.
The team also covers the latest ACT results, KASB's 2023 Draft State and Federal Resolutions, the upcoming elections, and so much more!
Listen now!
Mentioned Documents and Resources:
• Special Education Messaging Tool
• 2023 Draft State and Federal Resolutions
• Election Resources
Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild, and John Forrer are back again for another episode of The Advocate!
The team has been on the road gathering input from across the state in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. Tune in as they discuss recurring issues and concerns heard at their stops, including special education funding, the ongoing teacher shortage, and more!
Mentioned Resources and Links:
Myths About School Choice
www.sos.ks.gov
Join Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild, and John Forrer for another episode of The Advocate. This week, they discuss KASB's new "Myths about School Choice" report, highlighting common myths about Education Savings Accounts, Private vs. Public School performance, and much more!
Read the new report here!
The Advocate is officially back with its latest episode! Join Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild, and our newest KASB Advocacy employee, John Forrer, as they discuss the upcoming general elections and what people can expect in November.
For General Election Resources, click here: https://www.kasb.org/343648_2
On this podcast, Leah Fliter and Scott Rothschild discuss the passed and vetoed bills from the 2022 Legislative Session. Tune in and stay up to date!
Access the documents discussed here:
"2022 education bills signed into law, vetoed"
"Gov. Kelly signs into law K-12 finance bill, policy provisions"
The 2022 session is coming to a close! Join the Advocacy Team while they discuss the bills that came through this session and which of those passed or failed. Join us weekly!
We are getting closer and closer to wrapping up this year's legislative session and things are heating up! Make sure to tune in every week to get the latest on the current status of bills and more!
Mark Tallman, Scott Rothschild, and Leah Fliter have the latest news and updates from the Kansas Legislature. Tune in every Friday to The Advocate.
To see the status of current education bills click here.
Join the Advocacy team as they discuss the latest education news from the 2022 Legislative session! New episodes every Friday.
Link to Where We Stand: https://www.kasb.org/45132?articleID=101524
The Advocate staff is joined again by KASB's Kansas Advocacy Network as they record today's podcast! As always, it's been a busy week in the legislature as a flurry of bills has been coming before the Kansas Senate and House. Join Leah Fliter and Mark Tallman as they give you the latest updates and highlights. Tune in every Friday throughout the legislative session.
This week on The Advocate, the team covers breaking news about the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson.
The team continues to watch the Kansas Legislature as bills develop. Tune-in every week for the latest news and highlights.
Join us for a special episode of the advocate in front of a live zoom audience! The advocate team is joined by the Kansas Advocacy Network as they discuss the K-12 budget committee and other hot topics currently in the Kansas Legislature. Tune in every Friday for the latest updates.
After a small hiatus, the team is back! Join Brian Jordan, Angie Stallbaumer, and Austin Harris for this week's podcast as they discuss the Superbowl half-time show and the latest developments in the Kansas Legislature.
This week on the Advocate, the team is joined by special guest, Dr. Brain Jordan, to share his thoughts on some of the upcoming bills in the KS Legislature. Make sure to tune in every Friday to stay up to date on the latest in the legislature.
Join Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild and Mark Tallman as they discuss the latest on the Kansas legislative session. This week, the advocacy team is joined by two KASB Advocacy student interns, Diego Chavez and John Forrer. Tune in every week for the latest highlights!
Join Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild, and Mark Tallman as they discuss the latest in the Kansas Legislature. Things are heating up, so make sure you tune in!
Join the Advocacy team as they discuss the latest education news from the 2022 Legislative session! Released every Friday.
Join Mark Tallman, Leah Fliter, and Scott Rothschild as they discuss the upcoming legislative session. They expect a variety of topics to play a key role in education for this year's session. As always, the Advocacy team encourages our members to reach out to their legislators whenever they have a comment or concern. You can find your legislator at this link: https://www.kasb.org/297083_2. The Advocate will now be switching to Fridays in order to give the most up-to-date information for the session. Tune in next week for another episode of The Advocate!
Join Dr. Brian Jordan, Angie Stallbaumer, and Austin Harris as they discuss the latest in education. From the headstart vaccine mandates to the recent win by the Chiefs, KASBCast is your weekly podcast for all things education.
This week, The Advocate Podcast is joined by Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation that serves as the primary administrator of federal housing programs for the state of Kansas. KHRC delivers solutions to those who are working to end the housing crisis in Kansas. The corporation’s vision can only be achieved when all Kansans have the support and resources they need to achieve their goals, no matter where they are in their housing journey. Find out more at https://kshousingcorp.org/.
Join Dr. Heim, Dr. Jordan, and Austin Harris as they discuss the latest in education. This week, the crew reminisces with and says goodbye to Dr. Heim as he prepares to leave the Executive Director position at KASB and what the future holds for the association.
On this week's episode of The Advocate, we are joined by Kristin Brighton, co-owner of New Boston Creative Group, to talk about HirePaths.com and the work they do for students across the state. Hire Path's mission is to inform and excite parents and guardians about options their child can pursue after high school to quickly and affordably launch a successful, well-paying career. This includes on-the-job training programs, apprenticeships, and technical and community college education.
Commissioner Randy Watson talks will school board members and others about the importance of getting students back to in-person learning, and ideas on how to do so safely.
KASB advocacy staff reviews new audit studies on bilingual funding and public funds for lobbying; SPARK Task Force developments; Governor's Tax Council meeting; interim Legislative meetings on emergency management law; foster care, mental health and more; federal issues; the 2020 Census; 2020 election news and recruiting students as poll workers.
KASB Advocacy staff review school reopening news, state budget projections, key education issues under study by Legislative Committees; federal issues and next steps in the 2020 general election.
The Kansas State Board of Education accepted new criteria and recommendations to help school leaders decide when to offer onsite, hybrid or remote learning and other restrictions during the COVID pandemic. KASB explains what they are want they mean.
KASB advocacy staff and special guest Monica Murnan, director of special services at Greenbush, discuss how school districts can access federal funding COVID-related funding, including county allocations. Also, the latest on school reopening and access to information about the 2020 Kansas primary and issues for November's general election.
KASB Advocacy staff Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild and Mark Tallman review the results of the Aug. 4 Kansas primary election and look ahead to November's general election.
KASB's Mark Tallman discusses the latest on school reopening in Kansas after the State Board of Education blocks Governor Laura Kelly's plan to delay the start of school for all districts. The Governor issued a second executive order on school health and safety requirements, including masks, that has some asking if local communities can opt out. Also, Leah Fliter reviews federal education legislation and more.
KASB advocacy staff preview the State Department of Education's school reopening guidance, explain Governor Kelly's plan to address the state budget deficit and executive order on foster care education outcomes; review federal education issues and a pair of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and more.
Kansas Association of School Boards advocacy director Mark Tallman reviews five top issues in K-12 education for candidates and voters in the 2020 election.
Kansas Association of School Board's Mark Tallman explores the data about Kansas educational outcomes by race.
KASB Advocacy staff members Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild and Mark Tallman discussion school reopening planning for this fall with Deputy Education Commissioner Brad Neuenswander, and review key races in the 2020 elections for State Legislature, State Board of Education and Members of Congress.
KASB's Leah Fliter, Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild discuss the results of the two-day special session of the Kansas Legislature on response to the COVID crisis, some results of the June 1 filing deadline for Democrats and Republicans in the 2020 election, and emerging election issues.
This session includes an update on state and federal legislative issues presented by Mark Tallman, KASB Associate Executive Director, Advocacy; Leah Fliter, KASB advocacy and outreach specialist, and Scott Rothschild, KASB communications editor. Hosted by Dr. Brian Jordan, KASB Deputy Director, Leadership Services.
KASB Associate Executive Director Mark Tallman review the latest national data showing a strong relationship between state educational attainment - the percentage of state residents completing high school and postsecondary education - and the average income of state residents. Increasing high school completion and attainment of technical and academic credentials is an important goal of Kansas education leaders.
The COVID pandemic has already closed Kansas schools until at least the end of May. Now the economic fallout is reducing state revenues and a budget deficit is projected next year. KASB associate executive director Mark Tallman explains how state funding cuts could affect Kansas students, school and employees unless federal aid helps replace state revenues.
Mark Tallman, KASB associate executive director, shares information relating to the Kansas April 2020 revenue estimates and the potential impact on Kansas school funding.
Leah Fliter, Scott Rothschild and Mark Tallman review the status of education-related Legislature at the 2020 session takes a short before beginning the final month of the regular session.
Leah Fliter and Mark Tallman review the status of education bills this week in the Kansas Legislature.
KASB Advocacy Team members Mark Tallman and Leah Fliter update members on the happenings at the Statehouse and preview upcoming legislation and hearings in Topeka.
The KASB and USA advocacy team will recap activity in Topeka over the last week of the 2020 session and preview the upcoming week. KASB Live will air at 10:30 am on Friday January 31st
The KASB Advocacy team will recap activity in Topeka over the first two weeks of the 2020 session and preview the upcoming week. KASB Live was recorded at 10:30 am on Friday January 24th
The KASB Advocacy team will preview the upcoming legislative session and and highlight some of the key topics to follow this year. KASB Live will air at 10:30 am on Friday January 10th
Mark Tallman sits down with State Board of Education Chair Kathy Busch and Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson to discuss the recent release of testing data and what indicators we should be focusing on for education.
Mark Tallman is joined by Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children's Cabinet & Trust Fund and Amanda Peterson, Early Childhood Director Kansas Department of Education to discuss the Kansas Early Childhood Journey project.
Mark Tallman is joined by Susan McMahan and John Calvert from the Kansas Dept of Education Safe and Secure Schools Unit to talk School Safety planning and requirements for districts.
Mark Tallman is joined by Randy Weseman to discuss the School Safety planning and the important research that is highlighting a need for including threat assessments in your plan.
Mark Tallman is joined by Jordan Roberts Youth Prevention Program Manager for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to discuss Vaping, E-Cigarettes and JUUL's and the growing problem among Kansas Youth with these products.
Rob Gilligan, Government Relations Specialist with KASB sits down with Wendi Stark, Census Outreach Manager for the League of Kansas Municipalities to discuss the 2020 Census and how communities can prepare for a successful count next year.
KASB Chief Data Officer Ted Carter and KASB Assoc. Exec. Director for Advocacy Mark Tallman discuss the KASB data information and share new data related to salary and compensation for K-12 education professionals in Kansas.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 1:30 pm CST on Friday May 3rd
A short week with outs of activity for the #ksleg. Join the KASB Advocacy team as we review the first few days and discuss what is coming up as they work toward Final Adjournment for this year.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday May 3rd
The Kansas Legislature is breaking for first adjournment, but not before forwarding a new School Finance plan to Governor Kelly. Join the KASB Advocacy team as we review the session and discuss what is coming up as we head into a break for the Kansas Legislature.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org
The Broadcast will begin at 12:30 pm CST on Friday April 5th
A little over a week to go before first adjournment, KASB Advocacy Staff will give a recap of activity and update the status of Bills as we head into conference committee work.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 3:00 pm CST on Thursday March 27th
Non exempt committee work is wrapped up as we head into the final two weeks of the regular session. Join the KASB Advocacy team as we recap where things are at and what to watch for next week as the House and Senate begin working through bills.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday March 22nd
Join the KASB Advocacy team as they recap an active week at the Statehouse and preview the last week of Non-exempt committee meetings coming up.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday March 13th
Short Week in Topeka as the Legislature returns for Second Chamber work! Join the KASB Advocacy Team as they recap limited activity during Week 8 and preview what to watch for next week in the #ksleg.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday March 8th
Last day before turnaround! Week 7 wrapped up early so we will give you the update early. Join the KASB Advocacy Team as they recap activity during Week 7 and preview what to watch for once the #ksleg returns next week.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 3:45 pm CST on Wednesday Feb 27th
Last day of committee work is Monday as we head into turnaround next week. Join the KASB Advocacy Team as they recap activity during Week 6 and preview what to watch for during turnaround next week.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday February 22nd
Activity is picking up in Topeka as the Turnaround Deadline looms in two weeks. Join the KASB Advocacy Team as they recap activity during Week 5 and preview a busy final week of Committee hearings before turnaround.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 10:00 am CST on Friday February 15th
This weeks broadcast begins with a conversation on KPERS Re-Amortization with Alan Conroy, Executive Director of KPERS. Following that the KASB Advocacy Team will recap this weeks activity in Topeka as well as look ahead to the upcoming week and issues of note for K-12 Education in Kansas.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday February 8th
Join the KASB Advocacy Team of Mark, Scott, Leah and Rob as they recap the events and activity happening in Topeka this week as well as a look at the NSBA Advocacy Institute in Washington D.C.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast will recordedat 12:30 pm CST on Friday February 1st
Mark Tallman will be joined by Budget Director Larry Campbell to discuss the Governor's proposed budget adjustments in FY'19 and '20 and look to some of the issues affecting long term planning.
Then stay tuned to join the KASB Advocacy Team of Mark Tallman, Scott Rothschild and Rob Gilligan as they recap activity in the Statehouse during week 2 and preview next weeks schedule.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday January 25th
Mark Tallman offers insights on how increased funding for K-12 Education in Kansas will help improve student success and outcomes.
Join the KASB Advocacy Team of Mark Tallman, Scott Rothschild, Leah Fliter and Rob Gilligan as they look back at 2018 and the top stories of education in Kansas, then look forward to the upcoming legislative session.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Thursday December 20th
At the direction of SB 19 in 2017 and SB 423 in 2018 the Legislative Post Audit Division is scheduled to conduct an annual Education related performance audit and report to the Legislature their findings.
The 2018 audit was focused on Special Education funding/spending, Principal Auditor Heidi Zimmerman will join KASB Advocacy staff to discuss the audit report and looking at some of the key takeaways from the report.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
The Broadcast was recorded at 12:30 pm CST on Friday December 14th
Join Mark Tallman as he sits down with Legislative Research Chief Econimist Chris Courtwright to review the November Consensus Revenue Estimates (CRE) Report released on Friday Nov. 9th.
The CRE report will be used as a basis for Governor-Election Kelly to build her budget recommendations that she will offer to the legislature next January.
The KASB Advocacy Team recaps and offers analysis of the election results from Tuesday including a preview of how the changes will affect K-12 Education Advocacy in the next legislative Session starting in January.
Mark Tallman, Associate Executive Director for Advocacy at KASB sits down with the Executive Director of the KPERS organization to discuss their most recent report and update on the status of the Pension system and how some of the Legislatures efforts are paying off.
Questions can be commented on YouTube or Twitter with the Hashtag #KASBlive or emailed to rgilligan@kasb.org or srothschild@kasb.org
Originally Broadcast on Thursday November 1st at 3:00pm CST
Mark Tallman reviews his most recent blog looking at how States compare based on Education, Income, Poverty and K-12 Funding.
Mark Tallman, Associate Executive Director for Advocacy looks at the latest information and trends related to school district cash balances and what factors influence those numbers.
Mark Tallman, Associate Executive Director for Advocacy at KASB and G.A. Buie, Executive Director of United School Administrators of Kansas sit down to discuss how School District Leaders might developing talking points to help their school communities better understand education funding and budgets both how money is invested and why it is accounted for in specific categories.
Mark Tallman sits down with Dr. Doug Moeckel to discuss recently released K-12 Finance numbers and what that means to the operations of schools.
Mark Tallman gives a breakdown of the updated numbers on K-12 Finance in Kansas and what the bigger picture looks like overtime for both schools and the Kansas Taxpayer.
USA Kansas Executive Director G.A. Buie sits down with Brad Womack, Principal Silver Lake, Amy McAnarney, Asst. Principal Lawrence Free State and Brian Jordan of KASB to discuss the critical roles that building level administrators play in helping to build more successful schools
KASB's Mark Tallman takes a deeper dive into Non-Instructional Spending by Kansas School Districts in comparison to other states.
KASB Associate Executive Director Mark Tallman takes a look at K-12 education spending in Kansas and what it means to "Spend in the Classroom"
Mark Tallman shares data and information on comparing school Administration staffing with similar roles in the private sector as highlighted in his Tallman Education Report. http://tallmankasb.blogspot.com/
Scott Rothschild and Mark Tallman of KASB Advocacy & Communications visit about Mark's latest 3-part series Blog on Post Secondary Success and what it means for K-12 Education in Kansas.
http://tallmankasb.blogspot.com/
KASB Advocacy staff reviews Kansas Primary Election results and what that indicates for Education related issues moving forward.
Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild explain how the Bond & Interest State Aid weighting works for districts and how those resources are used for education.
Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild talk about the State Board of Educations funding recommendations in response to the Gannon VI Ruling.
Scott Rothschild sits down with Mark Tallman to discus his blog post on School District Property Taxes and how Kansas Compares to other states.
http://tallmankasb.blogspot.com/2018/07/kansas-school-property-taxes-lower-than.html
KASB Government Relations Specialist Rob Gilligan sits down with Dr. Patrick Miller, Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas to discuss the upcoming primary elections. Topics include the Kansas House races to watch, the Governors race and updates on Federal races in Kansas.
Scott Rothschild sits down with Mark Tallman to discuss his latest Blog on the trends in school district employment. Full text of the blog can be found at http://tallmankasb.blogspot.com/
KASB General Counsel Donna Whiteman joins Mark Tallman for an analysis and discussion on the recently released Kansas Supreme Court Ruling in the Gannon Case.
Mark Tallman and Donna Whiteman discuss the oral arguments in response to the Gannon V ruling before the Kansas Supreme Court.
Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild provide a session recap and breakdown of the key issues the Kansas Legislature covered this year.
Mark Tallman and Scott Rothschild update on the start of the #ksleg Veto session. Details on different school funding plans, budget proposals and where things might go from here.
Mark Tallman is joined by Scott Rothschild and G.A. Buie to discuss some of the key issues related to education that will be coming up with the return of the #KSLEG for a very short (9 days) Veto session in Topeka.
Mark Tallman visits with Kansas Legislative Research Chief Economist Chris Courtwright about the new Consensus Revenue Estimates released on Friday April 20th.
Scott Rothschild sits down with with Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and Kansas Board of Regents CEO Dr. Blake Flanders to discuss current issues and topics in education in the State of Kansas.
The KASB Advocacy Team walks through the recently passed school finance plan and recaps the key stories from the spring in Topeka.