TOPEKA (AP) — Here are notable quotes following the Kansas Supreme Court’s ruling Friday that the state’s funding of public schools violates its constitution.
“Through the constitutional assignment of different roles to different entities, the people of Kansas have ensured that the education of public school children is not entirely dependent upon political influence or the constant vigilance of voters.”
—The state Supreme Court, from its ruling.
“Simply put, the Kansas constitutional command envisions something more than funding public schools by legislative fiat.”
— The state Supreme Court, from its ruling.
“I’m happy to see the court is requiring the Legislature to comply with the constitution … We, as parents and as citizens of Kansas, have to follow the constitution, and it’s not too much to ask, for them to do it, too.”
— David Morantz, a Leawood attorney and father of three public school students.
“No matter what this ruling had been today, I truly believe that our funding system needs an overhaul.”
—Rep. Kasha Kelley, a Republican from Arkansas City
“There’s no need to wait for additional rulings. What we need to do now is move forward together and make the necessary funding available in a responsible manner. We don’t need threats to cut funding to vital social services, rob retirement pensions and cut aid to higher education. Public school students are still sacrificing and the solution is obvious. Simply, find a responsible way to fund all public schools adequately as promised.”
—The Kansas National Education Association, from a statement issued after the ruling.
“I see that we have to go around the block again.”
—John Robb, an attorney for the plaintiff school districts after the court kicked the case back to a lower court to study ways to increase funding.
“We believe the ruling shows the court realizes there are some inadequacies and discrepancies in some districts in Kansas. The court obviously wants to remedy the situation. However, it all comes down to what is the state Legislature going to do.”
— Khris Thexton, Great Bend USD 428
“We have received the Supreme Court’s ruling and are reviewing it. It is a complex legal decision. We expect a summary analysis from the Kansas Association of School Board’s legal department. We anticipate further legal and legislative developments on this matter.”
— Michele Jones, Manhattan USD 383
“I am disappointed. I am pleased the ruling didn’t give us a dollar figure, but I am upset. We are not going to have to close schools, but we have lost our all-day kindergarten program. At-risk children really need this. I felt the court’s ruling was a lot of posturing and, at this point, the Legislature has many difficult decisions to make because this didn’t give us any clear direction.”
— State Rep. Sue Boldra, R-Hays