THURSDAY , JUNE 2 , 2016 |
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PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING
WHAT ’ S NEXT FOR SCHOOLS ? |
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1895 |
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WWW . EMPORIAGAZETTE . COM |
By Jessie Wagoner jessie @ emporia . com |
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Education funding looms as legislative session ends |
By Jessie Wagoner jessie @ emporia . com
Legislators finished the session on Wednesday with one important piece of work left unfinished — education funding . Parents and educators are now left wondering if schools will close due to the lack of resolution following the Kansas Supreme Court decision that school funding is not equitable .
Local legislators express that they are in favor of resolving the court order and keeping schools open . However , that resolution will have to come after Governor Sam Brownback calls a special legislative session .
“ The reality is , without exception , no one wants the schools to close ,” Representative Peggy Mast said . “ It ( a resolution ) has to happen . We have to do our jobs and what we were elected to do .”
“ I ’ m fully in support of complying with the court ,” Senator Jeff Longbine said . “ But I don ’ t think we had enough time to fully study the court order since it just came out
on Friday , it was a holiday weekend . Yesterday was the only day to really analyze it , craft legislation and pass that today was really impossible . We did have a very good discussion and the Senate appears to be split on whether we should comply or not . I tend to strongly believe that we need to comply with the court .”
“ Obviously , we all hope for a resolution ,” Representative Don Hill said . “ We are obviously also in completely unchartered waters . At this point , I don ’ t know that anyone knows — and that could change in a day or two . We know there will be people who are giving it their full attention including attorneys and legislative staff .”
The lack of resolution makes it difficult for school administrators to plan for the coming school year .
“ I know Theresa ( Davidson , current superintendent of Emporia Public Schools ) and other members of the administrative team have been working on some possible school funding scenarios ,”
Please see Legislators , Page 3
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“ At this point we have had very little direction . And by direction I mean what contingency funds — if any — can be used after July 1 . We would like to continue business as usual as best as we can depending on if contingency funds can be used .”
MIKE ARGABRIGHT , superintendent of USD 252 Southern Lyon County
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“ I know Theresa ( Davidson , current superintendent of Emporia Public Schools ) and other members of the administrative team have been working on some possible school funding scenarios . I plan to be in Emporia ( today ) and Friday and I know this will be one of the topics we will spend some time talking about . At this point in time , it is extremely difficult to speculate on what might happen in terms of school funding after July 1 .” |
KEVIN CASE , incoming superintendent of Emporia Public Schools |
Representative Peggy Mast announced Wednesday that she will not seek re-election to the 76th district .
“ I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served in the Kansas House ,” Mast said . “ The relationships
and experiences I have gained are
Mast
invaluable . I plan to stay involved in the community and I look forward to spending quality time with my family while enjoying our great state .”
Mast has served in the Kansas House of Representatives for 20 years . She said the time she has served has been an honor .
“ This place is an exciting place to work ,” Mast said . “ It is an honor to work here . I just still feel so honored to be here , even today as I walked in . I ’ ve had the opportunity to work with some very quality people and had the opportunity to be in leadership of the Kansas House . What a privilege .”
Mast has served as Speaker Pro Tem the last four years . She has enjoyed the opportunity to be in leadership and mentor others .
Please see Mast , Page 3
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FRIDAY , JUNE 3 9 – 10 a . m . |
Group Ride with Human Power Co . |
807 Commercial St . |
10 a . m . – 9 p . m . DK 200 & DK 100 Rider Sign-In |
807 Commercial St . |
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10 a . m . – 9 p . m . DK Lite & Community Fun Ride Sign-In 716 Commercial St . | ||
10 a . m . – 9 p . m . “ All Things Gravel ” Expo |
11 W . 8th Ave . |
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10 a . m . – 9 p . m . DK Store Open |
727 Commercial St . |
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10 a . m . – 9 p . m . Sunflower Pop-Up Store Open |
727 Commercial St . |
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1 p . m . – 2 p . m . |
First Rider ’ s Meeting |
807 Commercial St . |
4 p . m . |
Pre-Race Palooza Dinner |
828 Commercial St . |
5 – 6 p . m . |
Second Rider ’ s Meeting |
807 Commercial St . |
SATURDAY , JUNE 4 | ||
6 a . m . |
DK 200 Race Start |
807 Commercial St . |
6:20 a . m . |
DK 100 Ride Start |
807 Commercial St . |
6:40 a . m . |
DK Lite Ride Start |
807 Commercial St . |
7:00 a . m . |
DK Community Fun Ride Start |
807 Commercial St . |
10 a . m . – 10 p . m . DK Store Open |
727 Commercial St . |
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10 a . m . – 5 p . m . Art in the Garden at Red Rocks |
927 Exchange St . |
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6 a . m . – 10 p . m . Sunflower Pop-Up Store Open |
727 Commercial St . |
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11 a . m . |
Vendors begin setting up downtown |
727 Commercial St . |
Noon |
First expected DK 100 Finishers |
807 Commercial St . |
3 – 4 p . m . |
Kids Ride and Run |
807 Commercial St . |
4 p . m . |
First expected DK 200 Finishers |
807 Commercial St . |
Midnight |
Block Party Closes |
807 Commercial St . |
SUNDAY , JUNE 5 3 a . m . |
DK200 Finish line cut-off |
807 Commercial St . |
7 – 8 a . m . |
Rock Star Breakfast |
111 E . 6th Ave . |
8 – 9 a . m . |
Rock Star Awards Ceremony |
111 E . 6th Ave . |
10 a . m . |
Art in the Garden at Red Rocks |
927 Exchange St . |
8 a . m . – Noon |
DK Store Open |
727 Commercial St . |