The below message from Dr. Jason Dandoy, Superintendent of Schools, and Theresa Rangel, Board of Education President, was published in the winter edition of ourTurner Today magazine:

We hope that you had enjoyable holidays and a restful winter break, which seemed like it was extended due to our Kansas City weather. As we proceed through the second semester, students and teachers are busy preparing for assessment season and before too long, spring activities and sports.

In January of each year, we stay engaged with the legislative session as many of their decisions impact the school experience that children receive in Turner and across the state. Turner has historically been supported by strong public-school advocates who work to fund programs and invest in students’ futures.

Prior to the 2024 legislative session, our local Board of Education adopted “priorities” to share with legislators through organized advocacy events and regular conversation. We feel that these items best address the needs of our students while providing equitable education to all Kansas children:

School Funding

• Suitable school finance including use of the inflationary adjustments (using the Consumer Price Index) approved by the Legislature, Governor, and the Kansas Supreme Court.
• Funding for early childhood programs, including Parents as Teachers, infant/toddler special education, and pre-kindergarten.
• Reimbursement of special education services at the statutory rate of 92% of excess costs.
• A study of transportation funding to include students living less than 2.5 miles from their assigned school. All Turner students receive free transportation, which is not reimbursed by the state.

School Effectiveness

• Flexibility in the path to teacher licensure while retaining appropriate standards set by the State Board of Education.
• Increased support for student health and security.

Educational Governance

• Management of public schools under locally elected boards of education.
• General supervision of public schools under the State Board of Education, including setting standards for accreditation, learning standards, graduation, and licensure.

Employee Support

• Improving teacher recruitment and retention through local control of classroom content, respect for the teaching profession, and increased funding for salaries.

Thank you for your continued support of our public schools. We look forward to seeing you in the community this spring!