By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Education policy may be more about sense than dollars in the 2022 legislative session, according to Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards.
"We are expecting, probably, some increased discussion on non-financial issues, or at least things which may not be as closely tied," Tallman said. "I think there will be a lot of look at the issue of how well our students are doing, particularly in light of the challenges around COVID. That's been a big discussion. I think we'll continue to see talk about how school districts can and should respond to ongoing issues with the health pandemic."
There will also likely be some battle over who makes decisions about what kids are taught.
"Critical Race Theory is a big hot-button topic right now," Tallman said. "The question in some ways is, what should the Legislature do, if any, what is the responsibility of local school boards, how are they working with parents, with their communities, with staff and everyone else."
It's Tallman's job to advocate for those local boards.
"In most cases, we know, the legislature has that ultimate authority," Tallman said. "They can make that decision. Our organization, representing local school boards, generally believes that Kansas is a diverse enough state, communities are different, values, approaches, what people think are high priorities may differ. It's best to leave those decisions, as much as possible, to local school boards, which face the same electorate."
Tallman notes that the best way to resolve local disputes is through those local elections, as many school boards will be changing membership in the coming year.