Kansas.com: Education

Panel: Candidate can run in only one race

LORI YOUNT — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:41 CDT

A Democratic candidate for the State Board of Education seat that represents Wichita lost his battle Tuesday to remain on the ballot, meaning there will be no Aug. 5 primary for the position.

A three-member board of state officials decided 2-1 to uphold Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh's decision to drop Charles Wiggins from the District 8 race because he also filed for re-election as Minneha Township trustee.

With Wiggins out of the race, Democrat Walt Chappell will face Republican Dennis Hedke in the Nov. 4 general election.

Thornburgh and Attorney General Steve Six voted to keep Wiggins off the ballot. Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson cast the dissenting vote after almost two hours of testimony and discussion.

"I'm obviously disappointed in the outcome," Wiggins said Tuesday. "As reflected by the split decision, it was not an easy decision."

State board of education candidate disqualified

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:31 CDT

A Democratic candidate for the Kansas State Board of Education seat that represents Wichita schools today lost his battle to remain on the Aug. 5 primary ballot.

A three-member board of state officials decided 2-1 to uphold Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh's decision to drop Charles Wiggins from the District 8 State Board of Education race because he also filed for re-election for his position as Minneha Township trustee.

Thornburgh and Attorney General Steve Six voted to keep Wiggins off the ballot. Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson cast the dissenting vote after almost two hours of testimony and discussion.

"I'm obviously disappointed in the outcome," Wiggins said this afternoon. "As reflected by the split decision, it was not an easy decision."

Wiggins said he felt that he and his lawyer were allowed to fairly present their argument. In his written objection to the finding, Wiggins claimed the state statute regarding primary elections separates state from local offices in its prohibition of one person appearing more than once on a ballot.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:42 CDT

Carroll student chosen for Ohio dance course

Resa-Marie Cotton, 15, a sophomore at Bishop Carroll High School and the daughter of Mark and Kimberly Cotton, is among 100 young dancers selected to attend the BalletMet Dance Academy Summer Intensives in Columbus, Ohio.

The session includes rigorous training for dance students with professional aspirations. Participants qualified for the program through auditions.

In Wichita, Resa-Marie attended Wichita Children's Theatre and Dance Center and the Nancy Hervey School of Ballet.

Andover student wins national design prize

State BOE candidate disqualified

LORI YOUNT — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:41 CDT

One of the two Democratic candidates for Wichita's seat on the State Board of Education has been disqualified because he also filed to run for a local public office.

Wichita business owner Charles Wiggins said he'll challenge the disqualification -- a move that could delay the printing of Sedgwick County advance voting ballots.

Wiggins said he was notified last Friday by the secretary of state that he wasn't a valid candidate for the state office because he also filed to run again for his position as Minneha Township trustee.

A spokeswoman for Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh confirmed that Wiggins was disqualified because he can't run for two public offices in the same election.

Wiggins filed an objection early this week. It will be heard Tuesday morning by top state officials.

Group wants bond proposal withdrawn

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:41 CDT

A group that opposes a $350 million bond issue for Wichita schools has asked the school board to withdraw its bond proposal, citing a weakening economy and low turnout at recent public forums about the bond issue.

"I am very surprised that they are going to push forward with this," said Helen Cochran, spokeswoman for Citizens for Better Education, which opposes the bond issue.

"They have very little feedback... To me, it's apparent that this (bond issue) is too much, too soon."

Bond supporters, meanwhile, said sparse attendance at a series of forums -- the final one is 7 p.m. Tuesday at South High -- doesn't mean voters won't support a bond issue.

"If someone has concerns, they can come to the meetings and bring those up, and some have done that," said Sarah Olson, co-coordinator of Citizens Alliance for Responsible Education (CARE).

Halstead teachers reject contract

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:38 CDT

About half of Halstead's teachers have rejected a unilateral contract issued by the school district, officials said Wednesday.

But officials on both sides of the teacher-contract battle say they're optimistic going into negotiations for a new contract, which again will focus on terms of the district's early retirement policy.

"My goal would be to sit down, really put things on the table and come to an agreement that's in the best interest of everyone involved," said Duane Knoll, a Halstead science teacher and union president.

David Burns, attorney for the Halstead school board, said 29 of the district's 59 teachers signed and returned their contracts by Monday's deadline.

The rest -- about 65 percent of tenured teachers -- opted not to sign the 2007-08 contract, and will instead work under the previous contract.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:41 CDT

Area students win journalism grants

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas has announced recipients of annual awards and scholarships:

Erica Keefer, daughter of Ruth and Cyrus Keefer, a graduate of Andover Central High School, received a Byron E. & Eulalia T. Guise Scholarship.

Benjamin Pirotte, son of Patrick and Andrea Pirotte, a graduate of Bishop Carroll High School, and Breanna McCarthy, daughter of Kim and Scott McCarthy, a graduate of Southeast High School, each received a William Randolph Hearst Foundation Scholarship.

Cowley College lists scholarship winners

Halstead teachers say they'll reject contract

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:42 CDT

Most tenured teachers in Halstead plan to reject their new unilateral contract, protesting what they say are unfair changes to an early retirement policy and other "oppressive" terms.

The 16-month-long dispute is reflective of teacher negotiations throughout the country, where tight budgets and teacher shortages have prompted many districts to drop early retirement plans.

"It's been an issue again and again -- not just in Kansas, but everywhere," said John Rasmussen, an attorney for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

"Early retirement plans are becoming extremely costly.... And with a growing teacher shortage, there's just not that many first-year teachers knocking down the doors" to replace retiring teachers, he said.

Halstead contract

District, union reach agreement

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:38 CDT

Wichita teachers would get a 5.06 percent increase to their salary and benefits packages under a tentative contract agreement with Wichita public schools.

The agreement, announced by district and union officials Friday, includes a 2.9 percent raise and a larger district contribution to the benefits package.

"I'm very pleased that we have reached an agreement," said interim superintendent Martin Libhart. "This allows all of us to move ahead and look forward to the start of a new school year."

Paul Babich, president of the United Teachers of Wichita, said he was pleased with the agreement as well.

"We're happy with the percentage (raise) we got... as well as the benefit package, which we know is real important to teachers," Babich said.

KC district should get millions in dispute

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:38 CDT

A state arbitration board ruled Friday that the Independence school district owes neighboring Kansas City as much as $13.7 million after a school boundary change in western Missouri.

Last November, voters in the Kansas City area agreed to allow seven of the Kansas City school districts' schools to switch to the neighboring Independence district.

Sorting out the school property prompted fighting between the two districts and monetary demands that were $130 million apart when the arbitration board first started meeting in April.

The Kansas City Star reported Friday that the arbitration board determined Independence owes $17.1 million for a high school and middle school, but the suburban district also is entitled to $4.2 million from Kansas City's operational reserves.

The arbitration board also determined that Kansas City isn't entitled to any payment for five elementary schools, because the district originally got those buildings from Independence and Sugar Creek for free.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:39 CDT

Wichitans graduate from Mars Academy

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson graduated four Wichita students from its Mars Academy program June 8.

They are William Radig, son of Shirley Radig; Jaedon Gray, son of Don and Lisa Gray; Cameron Amos, son of Jay and Cindy Amos; and Levi Aldag, son of Tom and Lori Aldag.

Mars Academy is a three-day residential camp for students entering fifth and sixth grades. Campers learn about space science, launch air-powered rockets and go on a simulated robotic mission to Mars.

Derby student attends women's tech session

School board suspends substitute testing

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:38 CDT

Wichita school board members voted Monday to suspend a new policy that requires substitute teachers to take an online assessment designed to gauge their teaching talent.

Some form of the Gallup TeacherInsight Assessment, used in more than 300 districts nationwide, has been part of the hiring process for Wichita teachers since 1993.

An estimated 800 Wichita substitutes received a letter last month directing them to reapply and take the online assessment by Aug. 1.

"I can't believe we're doing this," said board member Barb Fuller, who proposed suspending the requirement until the board can discuss it further.

Fuller said she didn't know about the change until she read an article about it in Sunday's Eagle.

School district to test all substitute teachers

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:41 CDT

Starting this fall, substitute teachers in Wichita will have to take a test before giving any.

A new application process requires substitutes to take the Gallup TeacherInsight Assessment, an online test designed to help districts identify the best potential teachers.

Some version of the test, at times controversial but used in more than 300 districts nationwide, has been a part of the hiring process for Wichita teachers since 1993.

"Substitutes are in the classroom with our students," said Mary Whiteside, the district's personnel director. "This (test) just gives us another tool to help assess a person's talent, or the potential for success, in that classroom environment."

A letter sent to licensed substitutes last month spells out the new rule. All subs, regardless of experience level, are required to re-apply and complete the TeacherInsight test by Aug. 1 to be eligible to teach next school year.

Foundation honors area's black grads

CHRISTINA M. WOODS — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:41 CDT

The W.G. Williams Community Foundation celebrates African-American high school graduates today.

"We need to celebrate the achievements of the African-American high school students who are (graduating), and encourage them to go beyond high school, whether it's going to college or trade school or developing a business," said Pamela Williams, the foundation's executive director.

This is the first year for the celebration, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Marks Church of God in Christ, 1018 N. Dellrose. The event is free, and people can still register to have their graduates attend.

About 42 of the Wichita school district's 660 black graduates have registered, Williams said.

Local and elected officials are among the featured guests, including Sen. Donald Betts Jr., who will deliver the keynote address.

Audit: School aid used properly

JIM SULLINGER AND DAVID KLEPPER — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:41 CDT

Kansas public schools got a $1.5 billion financial boost over the past three years after an overhaul of the state funding formula, according to a state audit released Wednesday.

Most of the money went to large school districts with high poverty levels, and 70 percent was spent on instruction.

The Wichita district got the most, $225 million. Kansas City, Kan., was second at $103 million.

The Wichita district used the bulk of the money to hire more teachers in an effort to reduce class sizes, and to increase pay and benefits to among the highest in the state to help attract and retain teachers.

The Legislature enacted the overhaul in the 2005 and 2006 sessions after two school districts filed a lawsuit in 1999 accusing the state of failing to adequately fund education.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:41 CDT

Carroll grad receives Army scholarship

Bishop Carroll High School graduate Hanna Girrens has received a four-year scholarship from the U.S. Army ROTC program to attend Oklahoma State University.

Her parents are Bob and Deanna Girrens. She plans to major in political science and minor in German.

Wineteer announces citizenship award

Alexandria Kennedy, a student at Wineteer Elementary School on McConnell Air Force Base, has received her school's citizenship award for 2007-08. She was chosen on the basis of grades, behavior, being a positive role model, showing kindness to all, participating in school activities and displaying trustworthiness, caring citizenship, respect, responsibility and fairness.

Low turnout for bond issue meeting

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:40 CDT

The first of four public meetings designed to collect input about a proposed school bond issue drew few participants Tuesday but addressed several areas of concern regarding proposed improvements.

"I'm kind of a neutral party right now," said Wichita resident Max Weddle, who attended the forum to get more information about the proposed $350 million bond issue.

"They make a good case for it, because the alternatives aren't very pretty."

About 40 people attended the meeting at Seltzer Elementary School in southeast Wichita -- most of them school district officials or members of Citizens Alliance for Responsible Education (CARE), a volunteer group of bond supporters.

Participants were instructed to write questions or comments on sticky notes and attach them to one of eight posters lining the walls of the gymnasium. District administrators addressed each category one by one.

School board will search far and near

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:40 CDT

Wichita school board members said Tuesday that they plan to search the country for a new superintendent, but they may also strongly consider local candidates.

"If we end up finding a superintendent in Wichita or Kansas," said board vice president Lynn Rogers, "then we are assured that this is the best person."

During a three-hour retreat Tuesday, board members tackled several questions that will guide their search for Winston Brooks' replacement. Brooks will become superintendent of Albuquerque public schools July 1.

The board took no action. At its regular meeting next week, members are expected to approve a resolution to hire a search firm and set a timeline for the search. If all goes as planned, they said, they'd like to have a new superintendent in place by spring break next year.

One factor that will affect the search is that four of seven board members are up for re-election in April.

Planners may have to curtail bond proposal

SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:43 CDT

Wichita voters likely will decide a school bond issue in November, but it may not be the $350 million plan that's on the table now.

School board members, bond supporters and consultants said concerns over the scope of the proposed bond -- the largest in state history -- could prompt a scaled-back version designed to appeal to more voters.

"There have been some objections raised, and we need to look at those objections and really consider them," said board member Betty Arnold.

"Because it's not us against them. This is our community, these are our schools, our students, and if there's any way we can gather support and move forward... we should do that."

Citizens Alliance for Responsible Education (CARE), a group of volunteers who support the bond issue, will hold a series of public forums in coming weeks to gather input from voters.

Tuition at WSU increasing 5.9 percent

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:39 CDT

In-state students at Wichita State University will pay $116.25 more for a semester's tuition this fall under increases approved Wednesday by the Kansas Board of Regents.

The 5.9 percent increase was similar to those approved for other state universities. The increases ranged from 4.9 percent to 6 percent.

WSU president Don Beggs said the increases were smaller than in previous years, largely because the regents had expressed concerns about rising tuition costs.

"It's very clear to us that there's a genuine concern about providing access" to the state's universities, he said. "There's a concern about when you start to shut out students with the costs."

With required fees, the WSU increase is $140.25 a semester for undergraduates. That translates to $2,542 in tuition and fees for 15 credit hours.