The Advocate | Episode: Happy Turnaround, To Those Who Celebrate

Turnaround Week has come and gone at the Kansas Legislature, and in this episode of The Advocate, hosts Leah Fliter and Shannon Kimball break down what it all means for Kansas public schools.

From the fast-moving action on the House floor to a quieter Senate, this episode unpacks the biggest education bills still in play — including the evolving cell phone ban, major changes to bond election communications, and proposals impacting school operations and local control.

You’ll also hear a deeper dive into what didn’t make it past Turnaround (and why that doesn’t mean those ideas are gone), plus a look ahead at key debates returning next week — including vouchers, classroom policies and assessment changes.

But above all, this episode centers on the issue shaping everything else this session: the ongoing special education funding crisis. With Kansas still falling short of its legal obligation, Leah and Shannon connect the dots between policy decisions, budget priorities and real impacts on students and schools.

If you want to understand what’s happening under the dome — and what it means for your community — this is the episode to hear.