Kansas governor candidates have shared their views on public schools and special education funding in response to a questionnaire from the Post. The candidates were asked about their plans to fund public schools and special education, as well as their stance on diverting public funds to vouchers.

Candidates’ Responses

One candidate, a former substitute teacher and legislator, stated that she would make fully funding special education a top priority. She opposes diverting taxpayer dollars to private school voucher programs, arguing that public dollars should support public schools that serve every child.

Another candidate, a proud product of Kansas public schools, promised to veto any voucher legislation that diverts public dollars to private schools. He emphasized the importance of giving teachers a raise and strengthening retirement plans for educators.

A third candidate expressed opposition to vouchers, citing concerns about state control over private and home schools. This candidate also suggested closing the State Department of Education and stopping federal funding to declare independence from federal control.

Other candidates emphasized the need to overhaul the education system, including implementing a proficiency-based funding model and consolidating superintendents to divert funds into teacher retention and student success.

One candidate noted that Kansas does not have a funding problem in education, but rather an allocation problem. This candidate proposed enforcing a 65% expectation for education funding to get to the classroom and rewarding teachers who achieve the best results.

Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.