The Advocate - A KASB Podcast

Kansas Association of School Boards
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Kansas Association of School Boards Advocacy and Communications Teams bring you semi-regular updates from Topeka on current issues affecting K-12 Education.

  1. It’s Getting Real: Funding Crises, Vouchers, and the Sprint to Turnaround

    2D AGO

    It’s Getting Real: Funding Crises, Vouchers, and the Sprint to Turnaround

    It’s officially crunch time at the Kansas Statehouse — and this week on The Advocate, Shannon and Leah unpack the bills that could reshape public education in Kansas for years to come. We’re talking: A full-blown special education funding crisis, with districts forced to pull nearly half a billion dollars from classroom budgets just to meet legal obligations.The House passage of HB 2468, the federal voucher opt-in bill — and why the 70–49 vote matters more than you might think.Quiet but dangerous proposals that could cut at-risk funding, limit bond election communication and shift power away from locally elected school boards.The real story behind cell phone bans, property tax changes and expanding state mandates on public schools.And a rapid-fire preview of Turnaround Week, when dozens of major education bills hit the floor all at once.This episode is your roadmap to what’s moving, what’s at risk and where your advocacy can make the biggest impact — right now.

    26 min
  2. Flat Funding, Rising Costs: Stability vs Sustainability for Kansas Public Schools

    FEB 6

    Flat Funding, Rising Costs: Stability vs Sustainability for Kansas Public Schools

    This week on the podcast, Leah and Shannon tackle one of the biggest issues facing public schools: the widening gap between expectations and funding. In this episode, they break down how that gap is playing out from Washington, D.C. to the Kansas Statehouse — starting with federal education funding for 2026 and what “flat funding” really means for schools facing rising costs. A major focus of the conversation is special education funding. Despite growing student needs and long-standing legal requirements, current Kansas budget proposals include little to no new funding for special education — forcing districts to backfill nearly half a billion dollars each year from general education funds and local property taxes. Leah and Shannon also unpack several major bills moving through the Legislature, including proposals affecting at-risk funding, student privacy, recess and physical activity mandates, school nutrition rules, and local school board authority. The episode closes with a practical bright spot addressing the teacher shortage — and a clear call to action for school leaders and public education supporters.

    22 min
  3. Free Speech, Free Lunch, and the Future of Kansas Schools

    JAN 30

    Free Speech, Free Lunch, and the Future of Kansas Schools

    It’s been another busy week at the Statehouse, and KASB is back with a full legislative update. In this episode, Leah and Shannon break down key committee hearings on election policy, school meals, and school finance, including testimony on bills that could criminalize public officials’ speech, require income verification for free meals and mandate toilet training for school entry. They also highlight the uplifting recognition of the 2026 Kansas Teachers of the Year, discuss ongoing budget debates around special education and at-risk funding, and clear up misinformation surrounding school-based Medicaid services and the Community Eligibility Program. Plus, a look ahead at major education bills scheduled for hearings next week—including proposals on vouchers, mental health services, student free speech and addressing teacher shortages. Stay informed and stay engaged with the latest from the Kansas Statehouse.

    15 min
  4. Are Charter Schools Coming to Kansas?

    JAN 23

    Are Charter Schools Coming to Kansas?

    Are charter schools coming to Kansas—and what would that mean for public education? In this episode of The Advocate, Leah and Shannon recap one of the busiest weeks yet at the Statehouse. They break down major bills impacting local school governance, including HB 2452 on school board elections, expanding voucher proposals and legislation that could open the door to charter school expansion through changes to Kansas’ innovative school's law. The conversation also covers key education budget updates, ongoing special education funding gaps, and several new bills affecting student supports, recess requirements, dual enrollment and classroom practices. With a fast-moving session and growing influence from outside groups, the stakes for public schools are high. Stay informed on what’s happening under the dome—and why local control, transparency, and sustained investment in public education matter now more than ever.

    28 min
  5. 2026 Legislative Session Begins

    JAN 16

    2026 Legislative Session Begins

    The 2026 Kansas legislative session is moving fast, and education is front and center. Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball break down key developments from opening week, including proposed cell phone restrictions in schools, KASB’s concerns with SB 302 and HB 2421, and what’s next as these bills advance. They also cover highlights from the Governor’s budget, including special education funding, school meals and professional development, plus what declining enrollment means for K-12 funding. Looking ahead, the episode previews a busy week at the Statehouse with Literacy Day, major education budget hearings, and several bills that could significantly impact public schools, local control, and school board governance. Stay informed and engaged as the session unfolds—your voice matters.

    22 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    Education Funding Task Force

    The Kansas Legislature’s Education Funding Task force met throughout 2025 to discuss possible changes to the state’s constitutional school funding formula, which will expire in 2027. Join Leah and Shannon for an analysis of the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Task Force's deliberations, the outlook for 2026, and why school board members need to be prepared to advocate for all Kansas kids.   The Advocacy team is joined by special guest April Hilyard of the Butler County Special Ed Interlocal for a bonus discussion of how Kansas' special ed funding formula is in the mix as well.

    25 min

  7. 07/17/2025

    Federal Funding Freeze

    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.

    8 min

  8. 04/15/2025

    2025 Legislative Session Wraps, Leaves Work to do

    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.

    25 min
See All (28)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Kansas Association of School Boards Advocacy and Communications Teams bring you semi-regular updates from Topeka on current issues affecting K-12 Education.

Information

  • Creator
    Kansas Association of School Boards
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Advocate - A KASB Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Advocate - A KASB Podcast