The Kansas Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Black, Hispanic and poor students were especially harmed by the lack of funding, pointing to low test scores and poor graduation rates. The court ruled that the Legislature had failed to equitably fund public schools citing “intolerable and simply unfair, wealth-based disparities among the districts.”.  The justices set a June 30 deadline for the legislature to pass a new funding plan. Failure to find additional funding would cause a court-ordered shutdown of schools. This fight has been going on since 2014.

The court did not say how much money was needed. Fellow Republicans in the state legislature passed a bill that would have increased taxes. Governor Brownback vetoed it. Mr. Brownback has made deep tax cuts both in 2012 & 2013.  Mr. Brownback criticized the ruling stating, “It is unfortunate that the Kansas Supreme Court has put the education of Kansas students at risk.” Since Mr. Brownback took office state aid has declined to $3,800 per pupil from $4400.  Because of the cuts some rural districts have disbanded, some schools have closed and six districts ended the school year early.

The state legislature has threatened to suspend all funding for the courts.

Children and their education are being used as pawns by the Governor and the State Legislature. You decide, who has put the Kansas students at risk ““ the governor or the Supreme Court?

I presented three workshops in Myrtle Beach -a 3 hour presentation on bullying and cyberbullying, a presentation on the 15 Effective Strategies and a presentation on Leadership and School Culture.  Here is some of the feedback.

Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention

Great Information and extremely timely, B Stalker, Teacher Middle School

Franklin’s presentation was very informative and relevant. Assistant Principal, High School

I received a clearer understanding of bullying. Best of all what schools, parents and students can do. Thank you. Assistant Principal, High School

The slides were very good graphically.  Assistant Principal, High School

I appreciated the information and the pre-test. Principal, Elementary School

You addressed the sense of urgency and the reality of the crisis. Bully Prevention Coordinator, Colorado

The best part of the presentation was the video. Franklin’s program was mind opening but entertaining on such a horrendous subject. Assistant Principal, High School

The best part of the presentation was the knowledge and personality of the presenter. High School Principal

I enjoyed the personal stories and experiences of the presenter.  Elementary Assistant Principal.

I enjoyed the slides, discussion, and the website information from Mr. Schargel

The best thing was all of the information shared by the presenter and the audience throughout the presentation. School Counselor, Elementary School.

 

Auburn University 7th Annual Anti-Bullying Summit

I will be presenting a workshop at Auburn University’s 7th Annual Anti-Bullying Summit to be held at the Wyndham Hotel and Conference Center at Peachtree City from June 21-22, 2017.

Last year I was awarded Auburn University’s Hero Award for the work I did in reducing school dropouts, bullying prevention and improving alternative education.

No matter how you celebrate during this holiday season, I wish you, your family and loved ones a happy holiday and a glorious New Year. May the New Year, bring us all, a year of peace, prosperity and happiness.

Like many of you, I will be taking a break and will see you in the New Year.

Franklin Schargel

 

From the New York Times (11/13/2016) “Politicians and voters often say they want better schools, but that doesn’t mean they are willing to pay for them.”

On Election Day,voters rejected attempts to increase school spending. In 23 states, formular funding – the main type of state funding for K-12 grades, the current funding is lower than in 2008, adjusted for inflation and the growing numbers of students. In seven of the 23 states (Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Wisconsin) legislators have cut income taxes in recent years by “tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Only in Maine where voters backed a tax surcharge on annual income in excess of $200,000. In Oregon,a proposed business tax increase to help pay for schools failed.

Obviously, “putting your money where your mouth is” has no meaning for politicians and voters in 23 states.

None years ago, on December 15, 2007 this website “went live” I was unsure who, if anyone, would be interested in hearing what was on it.

As of today, there have been 485,000 visits, 250,000 are unique (first time visitor), averaging 100-200 a week, 1500-3000 a month. I continue to post two-three times a week and now have over 1250 articles on line.

Visitors are from around the world. Obviously, school dropouts are a global problem. Most people are interested in the 15 Effective Strategies, followed by the Advantages of Alternative Education.

I have been called upon to deliver workshops in 49 of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and Israel.

I would like to thank you, the visitor, for your suggestions and feedback. I will take  your words of advice seriously.

WalletHub.com compared the quality of education in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia by analyzing 13 key metrics that range from student-teacher ratios, through dropout rates.

According to the study the 2015 States with the:

 Lowest Dropout Rate

1. Iowa
2. Nebraska/Texas/North Dakota/New Jersey/Wisconsin

Highest Dropout Rate

45. Alaska
46. Georgia
47. Nevada
48. New Mexico
49. Oregon
50. District of Columbia

What are the commonalities? It is not the cost per pupil because Washington DC spends more money than any state. Is it the percentage of minorities? While New Mexico has a high number of minorities, Oregon does not. 

WalletHub.com compared the quality of education in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia by analyzing 13 key metrics that range from student-teacher ratios, through dropout rates.

According to the study the 2015 States with the:

 Lowest Pupil-Teacher Ratio

1. Vermont
2. North Dakota
3. Kansas
4. Maine
5. New Jersey

Highest Pupil- Teacher Ratio

47. Nevada
48. Oregon
49. Arizona
50. Utah
51. California