LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION
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During each legislative session, updates are made to this page and include information regarding the latest legislative discussions taking place in Topeka. Contact information for Johnson County Legislators is available on the Legislative Officials link. We encourage you to review the Blue Valley School District's Legislative Positions as well. Thank you for your interest in learning more about issues facing the Blue Valley School District during the legislative session.
2022 WRITTEN TESTIMONY
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Joint letter to Governor Kelly
Joint letter to Governor Kelly
Date: April 7, 2022
Submitted by: Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Blue Valley Schools; Dr. Brent Yeager, Olathe Public Schools; Dr. Michelle Hubbard, Shawnee Mission School District; Dr. Frank Harwood, USD 232; Dr. Wayne Burke, Spring Hill School DistrictLink to Letter
Brief Description:
The Blue Valley, Olathe, Shawnee Mission, USD 232 and Spring Hill school districts joined together with a request to fully fund special education in Kansas. The state of Kansas is legally obligated to fund special education at the 92 percent level. The state has never fulfilled that commitment, with the reason being that the money wasn't available. With current budget surpluses, the superintendents are asking for full funding for special education to be included in a Governor's Budget Amendment.
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Bill: SB 455 (written only)
Bill: SB 455 (written only)
Committee: Senate Education Committee
Date: March 8, 2022
Submitted by: Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Blue Valley School DistrictLink to Full Testimony
Brief Description:
Senate Bill 455 would allow K-12 students to transfer to and attend school in any school district in the state. Blue Valley submitted written testimony about numerous questions and five significant areas of particular concern.
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Bill: SB 435 (proponent)
Bill: SB 435 (proponent)
Committee: Senate Judiciary Committee - Jurisdiction
Date: February 9, 2022
Submitted by: Dan Carney, Director of Safety & Security, Blue Valley School DistrictLink to Full Testimony
Senate Bill 435 would expand law enforcement officers' jurisdiction to include situations when an illegal act is observed that the officer reasonably believes will jeopardize the safety of any person without immediate action.
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Bill: HB 2553 (written only)
Bill: HB 2553 (written only)
Committee: House K-12 Education Budget Committee
Date: February 1, 2022
Submitted Jointly by: Dr. Tonya Merrigan, USD 229 Blue Valley Schools Dr. Brent Yeager, Olathe Public Schools USD 233Link to Full Testimony
The Blue Valley and Olathe school districts joined together in opposition of HB 2553, because the critical challenges this legislation would create for the two districts are virtually the same. There are multiple areas of concern included in the bill that negatively impact finance, resources, staffing and Blue Valley taxpayers.
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Bill: HB 2550 – Student Empowerment Act (opponent)
Bill: HB 2550 – Student Empowerment Act (opponent)
Committee: House K-12 Education Budget Committee
Date: February 1, 2022
By: Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Superintendent, USD 229 Blue Valley SchoolsLink to Full Testimony
HB 2550 proposes seismic changes in education finance, policy and accountability, by directly diverting public education funds for private education opportunities. The Blue Valley Board of Education has a long-standing priority position that states: [Blue Valley] opposes public funding of private schools, including offering public tax credits that decrease state revenue, that do not comply with the same standards and requirements of public school districts, including governance by an elected local school board.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION
PRIORITY LEVEL POSITIONS
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Fund Special Education at Statutory Amounts
The current school finance system should be modified to fund the excess cost of special education to the 92 percent statutory limit.
Apply At-Risk Funding to Defined Student Measures
The current school finance system should be modified to include poverty factors and additional indicators such as ELL, student academic performance data, attendance data, foster care, juvenile justice, and homelessness, so as to meet the needs of these underserved student populations.
Enhance Student Mental Health
The Blue Valley School District urges expanded support for community-based behavioral and mental health initiatives. Further, the Blue Valley School District supports measures aimed at eliminating the possession, distribution and use of vaping products among school-aged students.
Eliminate Tax Credits and Vouchers for Private Schools
The Blue Valley School District opposes public funding of private schools, including offering public tax credits that decrease state revenue, that do not comply with the same standards and requirements of public-school districts, including governance by an elected local school board.
