Laura Kelly on Education

	Laura Kelly on Education

I'll continue to reject vouchers; they crush rural schools

I've said our state is back on track academically. Yet some want to turn us back, to reverse the progress we've made--by diverting public education dollars to private schools, or flat out stripping rural schools of the funds they need to stay open. So tonight, let me be crystal clear: I will not let that happen. I will continue to reject vouchers and any attempt to send public education dollars to private schools. Vouchers will crush our rural schools, plain and simple. Source: 2024 State of the State Address to Kansas legislature , Jan 10, 2024

My budgets will fully fund schools every year I'm Governor

Earlier this month, I introduced a budget that fully funds our schools for the fifth year in a row. And in case you're wondering, my budget next year will also fully fund our schools, as will my budget every year I'm Governor. And to further my commitment to students and families, my budget puts us on the path to fully funding Special Education.

Know this: I will oppose any efforts that are designed to turn parents against teachers. I will resist politicians who want to score political points at the expense of our students and our families. Our students should not be used as political pawns. Not ever. We all agree our kids do better when parents and teachers are involved in their education?so rather than distracting ourselves with wedge issues, let's focus on giving them both the resources and the support they need.

Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature , Jan 24, 2023

Funding schools top budget priority, this year & every year

The days of doing the bare minimum to fund our schools are over. It stops now. The consequences were tangible, and the scars are lasting. Never again. We're going to properly fund our schools this year. And next year. And the year after that. Every year, every month, every day that I'm governor. When I began work on the state's budget last month, this was the very first decision I made. Budgets reflect our priorities, and my number one priority will always be our public schools. Source: 2019 State of the State address to Kansas legislature , Jan 16, 2019

Expand pre-K programs; fully fund our K-12 schools

Democratic nominee Laura Kelly plans to focus on investment in education and has derided the state's sales tax on food.

Kelly marked opening of fall classes in Kansas public schools by pointing to her quest to make education of Kansans from early childhood through college the state's top priority. "And, sadly, for the past seven years, Sam Brownback and Kris Kobach have let them down," Kelly said. "Instead of focusing on doing the minimum, we will plan and innovate. We will expand pre-K programs, fully fund our K-12 schools and add a cost of living index to keep us out of court. We will also invest more in career and technical programs."

The 2018 Legislature and Gov. Jeff Colyer agreed to raise state aid to public education by $525 million over five years.

Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race , Aug 16, 2018

Great schools plus early learning equal a bright future

Kelly has a vision of education that spans from early childhood to K-12 to college to the workforce. Because every step along the way is important: a chance for Kansas to do right by our kids and their parents. For the past seven years Kansas has let them down. It's time to make our children--and their future--a top priority again. Parents, teachers and business owners get it. They know that great schools--and early learning programs--are the key to a bright future and growing economy. Source: 2018 Gubernatorial campaign website LauraKellyForKansas.com , Aug 14, 2018

Kids should not be afraid of guns when going to school

Whether in Lawrence, Kansas, or Parkland, Florida our children shouldn't be afraid to go to school. Parents shouldn't fear dropping their kids off in the morning. And teachers shouldn't feel threatened while in the classroom due to gun violence. Laura will work to implement common sense gun safeguards. She will bring people together--law enforcement officials, school officials, mental health and public health experts, parents--to find common ground and meaningful solutions to this problem. Source: 2018 Gubernatorial campaign website LauraKellyForKansas.com , Aug 14, 2018

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*Other governors on Education:*			*Laura Kelly on other issues:*
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