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For Immediate Release:
August 30, 2023
Contact:
Grace Hoge
[email protected]
Governor Kelly Celebrates Protecting Rural Schools, Ceremonially Signs K-12 Education Budget at Seaman Middle School
TOPEKA – As students across Kansas begin the school year, Governor Laura Kelly today highlighted the need to protect funding for rural schools during a visit to Seaman Middle School, where she ceremonially signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 113. With the Governor’s line-item veto of provisions that would have cut funding for districts across the state including Seaman, the legislation fully funds schools for the fifth year in a row after nearly a decade of chronic underfunding under the previous administration.
“I’m proud we have fully funded K-12 education every year since I took office. What’s more, I’m proud to stand up for rural schools,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “They are the hearts and economic engines of our rural communities, and thus, of our entire state. I will continue fighting to protect our public schools so they have the resources to give our students a quality education.”
In May, Governor Kelly protected funding for rural schools facing declining enrollment by line-item vetoing of an appropriations provision that would have altered the school finance formula. The provision could have resulted in rural schools having to unexpectedly cut services, reduce teachers and support staff, or close buildings.
The Seaman School District, which serves students and families in suburban and rural Shawnee County, would have lost $231,095 in funding without Governor Kelly’s veto. More information about additional historic investments in this bill can be found HERE.
“We’re honored to host Governor Kelly in celebration of fully funding Kansas’ K-12 schools,” Superintendent Brad Willson, Seaman School District, said. “Our community is built around our schools and the success of our students and staff. When our schools thrive, our community thrives, and Seaman understands that it takes all of us working together for the benefit of our students.”
Governor Kelly began her visit with a tour of Seaman Middle School led by Principal Kyle Johnson. She was joined by Superintendent Willson and Erica Tenpenny, Seaman School District’s Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Photos from today’s ceremonial signing are available for media use:
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