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.