{"version":"1.0.0","segments":[{"startTime":34.502,"endTime":37.472,"body":"I think the beauty about our community"},{"startTime":37.472,"endTime":41.242000000000004,"body":"and in the Blue Valley School District"},{"startTime":37.472,"endTime":41.242000000000004,"body":"is that we can all work together."},{"startTime":41.242000000000004,"endTime":44.644999999999996,"body":"You really all is just looking forward"},{"startTime":41.242000000000004,"endTime":44.644999999999996,"body":"to just go back to school,"},{"startTime":44.679,"endTime":48.349000000000004,"body":"just and see the pride"},{"startTime":44.679,"endTime":48.349000000000004,"body":"that people have in the school district."},{"startTime":48.382999999999996,"endTime":50.518,"body":"Year after year is so much fun to watch."},{"startTime":50.518,"endTime":52.32,"body":"You can't find this anywhere else."},{"startTime":52.32,"endTime":57.257999999999996,"body":"I am so thankful we live where we live"},{"startTime":52.32,"endTime":57.257999999999996,"body":"and can have our children"},{"startTime":57.257999999999996,"endTime":57.959,"body":"in the Blue Valley."},{"startTime":57.959,"endTime":60.962,"body":"School systems."},{"startTime":61.729,"endTime":62.997,"body":"Hello Blue Valley community!"},{"startTime":62.997,"endTime":66.968,"body":"Welcome to another edition of our Blue"},{"startTime":62.997,"endTime":66.968,"body":"Valley podcast, Blue Valley and Needed."},{"startTime":67.368,"endTime":68.77000000000001,"body":"Thank you for joining us today."},{"startTime":68.77000000000001,"endTime":71.372,"body":"My name is Tanya American"},{"startTime":68.77000000000001,"endTime":71.372,"body":"and I am the proud superintend"},{"startTime":71.372,"endTime":72.607,"body":"of the Blue Valley School District."},{"startTime":72.607,"endTime":76.17699999999999,"body":"And today I have three very special guests"},{"startTime":72.607,"endTime":76.17699999999999,"body":"with me to talk a little bit"},{"startTime":76.17699999999999,"endTime":79.213,"body":"about the 2025 Kansas legislative session."},{"startTime":79.981,"endTime":82.55,"body":"I have Board of Education President,"},{"startTime":82.55,"endTime":86.521,"body":"Gina Knapp, as well as Board of Education"},{"startTime":82.55,"endTime":86.521,"body":"Vice President Jan Kessinger,"},{"startTime":86.854,"endTime":91.559,"body":"and then Jeremy McFadden, who is our chief"},{"startTime":86.854,"endTime":91.559,"body":"financial officer for the district."},{"startTime":91.592,"endTime":93.52799999999999,"body":"Thank you for joining me today."},{"startTime":93.52799999999999,"endTime":95.663,"body":"To discuss the upcoming"},{"startTime":93.52799999999999,"endTime":95.663,"body":"legislative session,"},{"startTime":95.663,"endTime":99.167,"body":"our priority positions,"},{"startTime":95.663,"endTime":99.167,"body":"and how families can get involved."},{"startTime":99.801,"endTime":102.17,"body":"Many of the decisions that are made"},{"startTime":99.801,"endTime":102.17,"body":"at the state level"},{"startTime":102.17,"endTime":105.173,"body":"play a role"},{"startTime":102.17,"endTime":105.173,"body":"in shaping the future of education."},{"startTime":105.406,"endTime":106.574,"body":"Each year in Blue Valley,"},{"startTime":106.574,"endTime":109.677,"body":"we have the opportunity to work together"},{"startTime":106.574,"endTime":109.677,"body":"with our legislators"},{"startTime":109.911,"endTime":113.347,"body":"to advocate for our schools,"},{"startTime":109.911,"endTime":113.347,"body":"students, staff, and community."},{"startTime":114.348,"endTime":115.016,"body":"I thought we would"},{"startTime":115.016,"endTime":118.553,"body":"start today by talking"},{"startTime":115.016,"endTime":118.553,"body":"about how the legislative session works."},{"startTime":118.786,"endTime":121.556,"body":"For those listening"},{"startTime":118.786,"endTime":121.556,"body":"who might be unfamiliar with that."},{"startTime":121.556,"endTime":123.858,"body":"We're lucky to have Jan Kessinger."},{"startTime":123.858,"endTime":128.096,"body":"Who many of us know as a Blue Valley"},{"startTime":123.858,"endTime":128.096,"body":"board member, but you might not realize"},{"startTime":128.096,"endTime":131.43200000000002,"body":"that he also served in the Kansas House"},{"startTime":128.096,"endTime":131.43200000000002,"body":"of Representatives for four years."},{"startTime":131.899,"endTime":133.868,"body":"So Jan could give us a brief overview"},{"startTime":133.868,"endTime":137.071,"body":"of the legislative session"},{"startTime":133.868,"endTime":137.071,"body":"and how bills and laws are developed,"},{"startTime":137.37099999999998,"endTime":140.108,"body":"and eventually make their way to the House"},{"startTime":137.37099999999998,"endTime":140.108,"body":"and Senate floor."},{"startTime":140.108,"endTime":141.24200000000002,"body":"Sure. Thank you. Tonya."},{"startTime":141.24200000000002,"endTime":145.947,"body":"The session runs each year from January"},{"startTime":141.24200000000002,"endTime":145.947,"body":"through early May."},{"startTime":146.68099999999998,"endTime":150.151,"body":"Early"},{"startTime":146.68099999999998,"endTime":150.151,"body":"on, bills are, submitted by legislators."},{"startTime":150.151,"endTime":153.154,"body":"Lobbyist, bill the legislators."},{"startTime":153.35399999999998,"endTime":156.824,"body":"They're assigned to committees"},{"startTime":153.35399999999998,"endTime":156.824,"body":"for hearings and if a bill is heard,"},{"startTime":157.15800000000002,"endTime":160.194,"body":"that bill"},{"startTime":157.15800000000002,"endTime":160.194,"body":"may or may not be voted on or acted upon."},{"startTime":160.495,"endTime":164.132,"body":"Then if it passes out of committee,"},{"startTime":160.495,"endTime":164.132,"body":"it goes to the floor of the chamber."},{"startTime":165.032,"endTime":165.8,"body":"Is voted on."},{"startTime":165.8,"endTime":169.303,"body":"And if it's passed, it's voted on again"},{"startTime":165.8,"endTime":169.303,"body":"the next day for final action."},{"startTime":169.67,"endTime":171.339,"body":"A lot of voting going on,"},{"startTime":171.339,"endTime":174.308,"body":"but then the bill would go"},{"startTime":171.339,"endTime":174.308,"body":"to the other chamber for the same process."},{"startTime":174.308,"endTime":177.311,"body":"And if it's amended,"},{"startTime":174.308,"endTime":177.311,"body":"it bounces back to the chamber of Origin."},{"startTime":177.778,"endTime":182.316,"body":"And, if not approved, a conference"},{"startTime":177.778,"endTime":182.316,"body":"committee will work out the details."},{"startTime":182.517,"endTime":185.52,"body":"Then it goes to the governor"},{"startTime":182.517,"endTime":185.52,"body":"for signature or veto."},{"startTime":185.653,"endTime":187.421,"body":"If it's detailed, it comes back again."},{"startTime":187.421,"endTime":189.657,"body":"There's lot involved in it."},{"startTime":189.657,"endTime":191.626,"body":"What are some key dates?"},{"startTime":191.626,"endTime":194.795,"body":"That we kind of need to be aware of as"},{"startTime":191.626,"endTime":194.795,"body":"we think through the legislative session?"},{"startTime":195.296,"endTime":198.232,"body":"Well, early on the,"},{"startTime":198.232,"endTime":201.836,"body":"in a session, bills"},{"startTime":198.232,"endTime":201.836,"body":"have to be introduced within, like,"},{"startTime":201.836,"endTime":204.839,"body":"the first three weeks"},{"startTime":201.836,"endTime":204.839,"body":"or so by the legislators."},{"startTime":205.039,"endTime":208.409,"body":"But a committee can introduce a bill and,"},{"startTime":208.843,"endTime":212.413,"body":"at turnaround,"},{"startTime":208.843,"endTime":212.413,"body":"which is about six weeks into the session."},{"startTime":212.78,"endTime":216.984,"body":"Supposedly all bills"},{"startTime":212.78,"endTime":216.984,"body":"that are going to be considered are,"},{"startTime":218.152,"endTime":220.021,"body":"introduced, but that's not the case."},{"startTime":220.021,"endTime":223.157,"body":"It's, they have exempt committees that"},{"startTime":223.224,"endTime":226.227,"body":"where you can introduce a bill to,"},{"startTime":226.46,"endTime":229.63,"body":"but then another six weeks goes by after"},{"startTime":226.46,"endTime":229.63,"body":"turnaround."},{"startTime":229.764,"endTime":232.767,"body":"That's"},{"startTime":229.764,"endTime":232.767,"body":"when it goes to the opposite, chamber."},{"startTime":232.9,"endTime":235.303,"body":"Then we come back for,"},{"startTime":235.303,"endTime":237.338,"body":"a final session,"},{"startTime":237.338,"endTime":241.275,"body":"and then we take a break in April,"},{"startTime":237.338,"endTime":241.275,"body":"come back for the veto session,"},{"startTime":241.275,"endTime":246.38,"body":"which ostensibly is to consider any bills"},{"startTime":241.275,"endTime":246.38,"body":"that the governor has vetoed."},{"startTime":246.38,"endTime":249.217,"body":"But it has become a mini session"},{"startTime":246.38,"endTime":249.217,"body":"unto itself."},{"startTime":249.217,"endTime":252.386,"body":"And then you have signee die, which is,"},{"startTime":249.217,"endTime":252.386,"body":"the last day."},{"startTime":253.02,"endTime":256.023,"body":"It's interesting to me,"},{"startTime":253.02,"endTime":256.023,"body":"when I was there that"},{"startTime":256.424,"endTime":260.19399999999996,"body":"there are so many bills that come through,"},{"startTime":256.424,"endTime":260.19399999999996,"body":"there's almost a thousand introduced."},{"startTime":260.461,"endTime":263.798,"body":"And the only role of the legislature"},{"startTime":260.461,"endTime":263.798,"body":"that we're required"},{"startTime":263.798,"endTime":266.801,"body":"to do is to, pass a budget."},{"startTime":267.001,"endTime":271.072,"body":"So do you know why is it important"},{"startTime":267.001,"endTime":271.072,"body":"that Blue Valley Board of Education"},{"startTime":271.472,"endTime":274.20799999999997,"body":"develops"},{"startTime":271.472,"endTime":274.20799999999997,"body":"a legislative position every year?"},{"startTime":275.543,"endTime":278.312,"body":"You know, the number one purpose"},{"startTime":275.543,"endTime":278.312,"body":"of our legislative priorities"},{"startTime":278.312,"endTime":283.618,"body":"is to make sure that Topeka knows"},{"startTime":278.312,"endTime":283.618,"body":"what our district feels is the best"},{"startTime":283.618,"endTime":288.222,"body":"for public education in Kansas,"},{"startTime":283.618,"endTime":288.222,"body":"not just our district, either."},{"startTime":288.222,"endTime":288.723,"body":"We are"},{"startTime":288.723,"endTime":290.091,"body":"we are not only looking"},{"startTime":290.091,"endTime":293.094,"body":"at our school district"},{"startTime":290.091,"endTime":293.094,"body":"when we're establishing our priorities,"},{"startTime":293.16,"endTime":296.33,"body":"but also what's best for students"},{"startTime":293.16,"endTime":296.33,"body":"throughout the state."},{"startTime":296.33,"endTime":299.333,"body":"Of course, we have more of a"},{"startTime":296.33,"endTime":299.333,"body":"focus on the eastern side of the state."},{"startTime":299.6,"endTime":303.271,"body":"But, you know, funding, special education,"},{"startTime":299.6,"endTime":303.271,"body":"mental health, all of these priorities"},{"startTime":303.271,"endTime":304.705,"body":"that we're going to talk about"},{"startTime":304.705,"endTime":309.143,"body":"are really things that are shared"},{"startTime":304.705,"endTime":309.143,"body":"needs throughout the state."},{"startTime":309.143,"endTime":313.681,"body":"And they're brought forth to the board,"},{"startTime":309.143,"endTime":313.681,"body":"by the superintendent."},{"startTime":313.681,"endTime":318.619,"body":"And, as you know, and her, key"},{"startTime":313.681,"endTime":318.619,"body":"cabinet members, including Jeremy and,"},{"startTime":319.82,"endTime":322.089,"body":"to help us understand the best way"},{"startTime":322.089,"endTime":325.493,"body":"we can advocate in Topeka"},{"startTime":322.089,"endTime":325.493,"body":"for our school district."},{"startTime":326.494,"endTime":327.194,"body":"You know,"},{"startTime":327.194,"endTime":330.131,"body":"each year we set some priority positions."},{"startTime":330.131,"endTime":332.8,"body":"Some of them transfer over"},{"startTime":330.131,"endTime":332.8,"body":"from year to year."},{"startTime":332.8,"endTime":334.135,"body":"Some of them are new."},{"startTime":334.135,"endTime":337.138,"body":"And so this year,"},{"startTime":334.135,"endTime":337.138,"body":"we have five priority positions,"},{"startTime":337.171,"endTime":339.74,"body":"that we will be advocating for,"},{"startTime":339.74,"endTime":342.743,"body":"in Topeka"},{"startTime":339.74,"endTime":342.743,"body":"throughout the course of this session."},{"startTime":342.877,"endTime":345.88,"body":"And one of them"},{"startTime":342.877,"endTime":345.88,"body":"that is, really going to be key to us"},{"startTime":345.88,"endTime":349.85,"body":"is to establish a fair"},{"startTime":345.88,"endTime":349.85,"body":"and equitable school finance formula."},{"startTime":350.184,"endTime":353.187,"body":"So, Jeremy, why is that so important now?"},{"startTime":353.387,"endTime":355.856,"body":"And what what's happening"},{"startTime":353.387,"endTime":355.856,"body":"over the course of this year"},{"startTime":355.856,"endTime":358.993,"body":"and next year that would make us"},{"startTime":355.856,"endTime":358.993,"body":"put that as a priority position."},{"startTime":359.226,"endTime":363.03,"body":"The school finance formula is, really"},{"startTime":359.226,"endTime":363.03,"body":"the mechanism"},{"startTime":363.03,"endTime":368.202,"body":"that connects, state tax resources"},{"startTime":363.03,"endTime":368.202,"body":"with school district operations."},{"startTime":369.403,"endTime":373.04,"body":"And this current school"},{"startTime":369.403,"endTime":373.04,"body":"finance formula, is in effect"},{"startTime":373.541,"endTime":376.444,"body":"until, I believe, July 1 or 2027."},{"startTime":377.445,"endTime":378.279,"body":"Over the next couple of"},{"startTime":378.279,"endTime":382.116,"body":"years, as ideas are going to be discussed"},{"startTime":378.279,"endTime":382.116,"body":"about,"},{"startTime":382.283,"endTime":385.219,"body":"you know,"},{"startTime":382.283,"endTime":385.219,"body":"what is working in the current formula"},{"startTime":385.219,"endTime":388.222,"body":"versus maybe things that,"},{"startTime":388.222,"endTime":389.957,"body":"you know, could be revisited."},{"startTime":389.957,"endTime":392.126,"body":"It's going to be important for Blue Valley"},{"startTime":389.957,"endTime":392.126,"body":"to speak up."},{"startTime":392.126,"endTime":395.996,"body":"And, make our, priorities known in terms"},{"startTime":395.996,"endTime":399.233,"body":"of how our budget works"},{"startTime":395.996,"endTime":399.233,"body":"and how the funding impacts us."},{"startTime":401.302,"endTime":404.271,"body":"There's a lot of good things"},{"startTime":401.302,"endTime":404.271,"body":"in the current formula,"},{"startTime":404.271,"endTime":408.576,"body":"that are driven by, you know, such"},{"startTime":404.271,"endTime":408.576,"body":"as contact minutes for English language"},{"startTime":408.576,"endTime":413.247,"body":"learners, contact minutes for career"},{"startTime":408.576,"endTime":413.247,"body":"and tech ed education."},{"startTime":413.781,"endTime":416.817,"body":"Transportation costs"},{"startTime":413.781,"endTime":416.817,"body":"drive transportation funding."},{"startTime":417.518,"endTime":421.222,"body":"But there's one element that I think"},{"startTime":417.518,"endTime":421.222,"body":"in the current school finance formula,"},{"startTime":421.222,"endTime":425.259,"body":"they'll be important for Blue Valley"},{"startTime":421.222,"endTime":425.259,"body":"to focus on is, are at risk funding."},{"startTime":426.293,"endTime":428.662,"body":"Currently that funding is,"},{"startTime":428.662,"endTime":433.467,"body":"determined by students"},{"startTime":428.662,"endTime":433.467,"body":"that are eligible for free lunch status."},{"startTime":434.735,"endTime":436.404,"body":"It would be,"},{"startTime":436.404,"endTime":439.84,"body":"I think, worthwhile"},{"startTime":436.404,"endTime":439.84,"body":"over the next year or two to explore."},{"startTime":439.84,"endTime":442.843,"body":"Is there ways for at risk"},{"startTime":439.84,"endTime":442.843,"body":"funding for Blue Valley"},{"startTime":442.843,"endTime":445.846,"body":"to be tied to other costs that we incur?"},{"startTime":445.913,"endTime":449.583,"body":"Rather than have maybe a disconnect"},{"startTime":445.913,"endTime":449.583,"body":"between free lunch status and the funding"},{"startTime":449.583,"endTime":450.618,"body":"we receive."},{"startTime":450.618,"endTime":453.621,"body":"So sometimes that, free lunch status"},{"startTime":450.618,"endTime":453.621,"body":"funding is,"},{"startTime":454.121,"endTime":457.091,"body":"quite adequate for us to,"},{"startTime":454.121,"endTime":457.091,"body":"to serve this at risk population."},{"startTime":457.091,"endTime":460.861,"body":"So I think as a formula becomes"},{"startTime":457.091,"endTime":460.861,"body":"front and center in these discussions,"},{"startTime":460.861,"endTime":464.265,"body":"it's going to be really important"},{"startTime":460.861,"endTime":464.265,"body":"for us to to speak up about"},{"startTime":464.632,"endTime":469.837,"body":"how at risk is an issue in Blue Valley"},{"startTime":464.632,"endTime":469.837,"body":"and maybe ways to find ways"},{"startTime":470.07,"endTime":473.607,"body":"to finance, some of those costs"},{"startTime":470.07,"endTime":473.607,"body":"that, that we have as a district."},{"startTime":473.874,"endTime":477.678,"body":"So the school finance formula"},{"startTime":473.874,"endTime":477.678,"body":"is so crucial for us because it actually,"},{"startTime":478.012,"endTime":481.549,"body":"if it's funded,"},{"startTime":478.012,"endTime":481.549,"body":"well, can help us with the second"},{"startTime":481.582,"endTime":485.052,"body":"or another, not the second,"},{"startTime":481.582,"endTime":485.052,"body":"but another of our priority positions,"},{"startTime":485.052,"endTime":487.888,"body":"which is to support recruitment,"},{"startTime":485.052,"endTime":487.888,"body":"retention,"},{"startTime":487.888,"endTime":490.458,"body":"and alternative teacher certification."},{"startTime":490.458,"endTime":494.962,"body":"So, Gina, why is it so important"},{"startTime":490.458,"endTime":494.962,"body":"that we focus on the recruitment"},{"startTime":494.962,"endTime":497.932,"body":"and retention of our teaching"},{"startTime":494.962,"endTime":497.932,"body":"and really all of our staff?"},{"startTime":498.732,"endTime":499.066,"body":"Yeah."},{"startTime":499.066,"endTime":503.871,"body":"So in the last several years,"},{"startTime":499.066,"endTime":503.871,"body":"we've seen a decline"},{"startTime":503.871,"endTime":507.341,"body":"in the number of folks,"},{"startTime":503.871,"endTime":507.341,"body":"graduating with education degrees."},{"startTime":507.675,"endTime":510.411,"body":"So this makes it much more competitive"},{"startTime":507.675,"endTime":510.411,"body":"for us"},{"startTime":510.411,"endTime":513.414,"body":"to hire teachers and administrators."},{"startTime":513.681,"endTime":517.1510000000001,"body":"And, so as we support measures"},{"startTime":517.1510000000001,"endTime":521.822,"body":"in the state House and Senate to,"},{"startTime":517.1510000000001,"endTime":521.822,"body":"bring more teachers to Kansas,"},{"startTime":523.491,"endTime":524.592,"body":"it's because"},{"startTime":524.592,"endTime":527.6610000000001,"body":"we're not graduating"},{"startTime":524.592,"endTime":527.6610000000001,"body":"enough teachers here in our own state."},{"startTime":527.6610000000001,"endTime":531.5319999999999,"body":"So we need to be able to find other ways"},{"startTime":527.6610000000001,"endTime":531.5319999999999,"body":"to, to gain,"},{"startTime":532.366,"endTime":534.802,"body":"teachers, administrators, paras,"},{"startTime":532.366,"endTime":534.802,"body":"all of it."},{"startTime":534.802,"endTime":537.338,"body":"And, Jeremy, just as a,"},{"startTime":537.338,"endTime":540.241,"body":"note to the people"},{"startTime":537.338,"endTime":540.241,"body":"listening, the extra money"},{"startTime":540.241,"endTime":542.977,"body":"that we've gotten from the finance formula"},{"startTime":540.241,"endTime":542.977,"body":"over the last couple of years,"},{"startTime":542.977,"endTime":545.98,"body":"what is the majority of that money gone"},{"startTime":542.977,"endTime":545.98,"body":"towards to."},{"startTime":546.347,"endTime":548.582,"body":"Exclusively?"},{"startTime":548.582,"endTime":551.318,"body":"I shouldn't say exclusively. Primarily."},{"startTime":551.318,"endTime":554.321,"body":"It's been supported,"},{"startTime":554.655,"endTime":557.391,"body":"in the teacher salary, schedule,"},{"startTime":557.391,"endTime":559.76,"body":"classified compensation."},{"startTime":559.76,"endTime":563.364,"body":"So the last two years,"},{"startTime":559.76,"endTime":563.364,"body":"I believe the raises for"},{"startTime":563.364,"endTime":567.401,"body":"those staff members were 6% and 7.4%,"},{"startTime":563.364,"endTime":567.401,"body":"respectively."},{"startTime":567.401,"endTime":571.906,"body":"So, when that extra money is invested"},{"startTime":567.401,"endTime":571.906,"body":"by the state into the finance formula,"},{"startTime":571.906,"endTime":576.076,"body":"we're we're proud here in Blue Valley"},{"startTime":571.906,"endTime":576.076,"body":"to make sure that it translates to higher"},{"startTime":576.076,"endTime":579.346,"body":"teacher compensation, you know,"},{"startTime":576.076,"endTime":579.346,"body":"higher compensation for our support staff."},{"startTime":579.38,"endTime":581.181,"body":"You know,"},{"startTime":579.38,"endTime":581.181,"body":"that's such a key thing for our districts."},{"startTime":581.181,"endTime":583.851,"body":"And we hear that from our community over"},{"startTime":581.181,"endTime":583.851,"body":"and over,"},{"startTime":583.851,"endTime":587.021,"body":"is to support our staff,"},{"startTime":583.851,"endTime":587.021,"body":"the amazing staff that we have."},{"startTime":587.021,"endTime":590.591,"body":"And so I would reiterate what Jeremy"},{"startTime":587.021,"endTime":590.591,"body":"just said, which is that any extra money"},{"startTime":590.591,"endTime":593.06,"body":"we get specifically"},{"startTime":590.591,"endTime":593.06,"body":"goes to support those staff."},{"startTime":594.495,"endTime":597.197,"body":"One of the priority positions"},{"startTime":594.495,"endTime":597.197,"body":"that we've had for several years,"},{"startTime":597.197,"endTime":600.2,"body":"I think, since"},{"startTime":597.197,"endTime":600.2,"body":"I've been the superintendent for sure,"},{"startTime":600.434,"endTime":604.371,"body":"is that we oppose tax credits and vouchers"},{"startTime":600.434,"endTime":604.371,"body":"for private schools."},{"startTime":605.005,"endTime":608.175,"body":"Why is that been so key,"},{"startTime":605.005,"endTime":608.175,"body":"do you think, for our Board of Education"},{"startTime":608.175,"endTime":611.445,"body":"to make sure we advocate against, vouchers"},{"startTime":608.175,"endTime":611.445,"body":"for private schools?"},{"startTime":611.579,"endTime":614.481,"body":"Well, vouchers for private schools,"},{"startTime":611.579,"endTime":614.481,"body":"that money has to come"},{"startTime":614.481,"endTime":617.451,"body":"from somewhere and somewhere with,"},{"startTime":617.885,"endTime":621.956,"body":"you know, the first option is they"},{"startTime":617.885,"endTime":621.956,"body":"take it from public, education funding."},{"startTime":622.556,"endTime":625.225,"body":"You know,"},{"startTime":622.556,"endTime":625.225,"body":"currently we're funded at a minimal level,"},{"startTime":625.225,"endTime":628.228,"body":"as required by the Constitution"},{"startTime":625.225,"endTime":628.228,"body":"in the state of Kansas."},{"startTime":628.329,"endTime":630.164,"body":"If you shift money into vouchers"},{"startTime":630.164,"endTime":633.634,"body":"or tax credits, it takes money"},{"startTime":630.164,"endTime":633.634,"body":"out of the public, school funding."},{"startTime":633.901,"endTime":637.304,"body":"And it just cries out for another lawsuit,"},{"startTime":633.901,"endTime":637.304,"body":"which was settled"},{"startTime":637.605,"endTime":640.207,"body":"after 19 years of litigation."},{"startTime":640.207,"endTime":644.678,"body":"But what's worse is if we lose students,"},{"startTime":640.207,"endTime":644.678,"body":"we lose funding for those students."},{"startTime":644.878,"endTime":648.616,"body":"Then we've got to cut support"},{"startTime":644.878,"endTime":648.616,"body":"staff, librarians, reading specialist,"},{"startTime":648.816,"endTime":651.952,"body":"many people, or we cut classes or programs"},{"startTime":651.952,"endTime":655.222,"body":"that, serve, the diverse needs of Blue"},{"startTime":655.222,"endTime":658.792,"body":"Valley students and the interest"},{"startTime":655.222,"endTime":658.792,"body":"of that entire student population."},{"startTime":658.859,"endTime":661.161,"body":"Yeah. Could not agree with you more."},{"startTime":661.161,"endTime":664.365,"body":"A long time position for the Blue Valley"},{"startTime":661.161,"endTime":664.365,"body":"District has been"},{"startTime":664.531,"endTime":668.268,"body":"that we think that public money"},{"startTime":664.531,"endTime":668.268,"body":"should go to public schools,"},{"startTime":668.535,"endTime":672.706,"body":"and one of the reasons for that is,"},{"startTime":668.535,"endTime":672.706,"body":"I would say, kind of ties"},{"startTime":672.706,"endTime":676.51,"body":"into our next priority position,"},{"startTime":672.706,"endTime":676.51,"body":"which is that we believe, that"},{"startTime":676.51,"endTime":679.48,"body":"the state should meet"},{"startTime":676.51,"endTime":679.48,"body":"their statutory obligation"},{"startTime":679.48,"endTime":682.683,"body":"to fund special education"},{"startTime":679.48,"endTime":682.683,"body":"when private schools don't have to"},{"startTime":682.683,"endTime":686.72,"body":"necessarily take special education"},{"startTime":682.683,"endTime":686.72,"body":"students, but we as a district do."},{"startTime":686.854,"endTime":689.857,"body":"So, Jeremy, first,"},{"startTime":686.854,"endTime":689.857,"body":"why don't you talk a little bit about the,"},{"startTime":690.224,"endTime":693.227,"body":"disconnect"},{"startTime":690.224,"endTime":693.227,"body":"in funding for special education?"},{"startTime":693.26,"endTime":693.56,"body":"Yeah."},{"startTime":693.56,"endTime":697.264,"body":"So special education"},{"startTime":693.56,"endTime":697.264,"body":"services, federally mandated."},{"startTime":697.264,"endTime":699.733,"body":"We provide them regardless of cost."},{"startTime":699.733,"endTime":703.37,"body":"Most of the cost is, associated"},{"startTime":699.733,"endTime":703.37,"body":"with our special education"},{"startTime":703.37,"endTime":707.941,"body":"teachers, our paras, transportation"},{"startTime":703.37,"endTime":707.941,"body":"for students with an IEP need,"},{"startTime":709.91,"endTime":712.513,"body":"so that funding,"},{"startTime":712.513,"endTime":715.883,"body":"last year, in fiscal year 23, 24, in Blue"},{"startTime":715.883,"endTime":718.852,"body":"Valley, totaled about $64 million."},{"startTime":719.853,"endTime":723.924,"body":"So the state, finance formula provides"},{"startTime":723.924,"endTime":728.062,"body":"reimbursement for some of those costs,"},{"startTime":723.924,"endTime":728.062,"body":"but it does provide,"},{"startTime":729.129,"endTime":731.031,"body":"a deficiency in funding."},{"startTime":731.031,"endTime":735.703,"body":"In last year, that was about $13.7 million"},{"startTime":731.031,"endTime":735.703,"body":"for the Blue Valley budget."},{"startTime":736.97,"endTime":738.539,"body":"To kind of put that in context."},{"startTime":738.539,"endTime":739.707,"body":"So where does that money come from?"},{"startTime":739.707,"endTime":743.544,"body":"It comes from our general fund"},{"startTime":739.707,"endTime":743.544,"body":"and our general fund,"},{"startTime":744.111,"endTime":746.747,"body":"is the primary fund that we use for"},{"startTime":746.747,"endTime":749.75,"body":"staff compensation for teacher pay."},{"startTime":749.75,"endTime":752.453,"body":"So again, if we were using approximately"},{"startTime":752.453,"endTime":757.558,"body":"13.7 million of general fund moneys"},{"startTime":752.453,"endTime":757.558,"body":"to help with the excess cost"},{"startTime":757.558,"endTime":760.561,"body":"of providing special education services,"},{"startTime":762.129,"endTime":764.932,"body":"in 20 2425"},{"startTime":762.129,"endTime":764.932,"body":"this fiscal year, we're budgeting"},{"startTime":764.932,"endTime":769.002,"body":"about 135 million"},{"startTime":764.932,"endTime":769.002,"body":"on certified teacher contracts alone."},{"startTime":769.436,"endTime":775.175,"body":"So if that $13.7 million was in our"},{"startTime":769.436,"endTime":775.175,"body":"general fund available for compensation,"},{"startTime":776.076,"endTime":779.513,"body":"like overnight, we could increase teacher"},{"startTime":776.076,"endTime":779.513,"body":"pay by close to 10%."},{"startTime":779.513,"endTime":784.118,"body":"So it's really important"},{"startTime":779.513,"endTime":784.118,"body":"that excess cost is funded by the state."},{"startTime":784.251,"endTime":787.02,"body":"It translates directly"},{"startTime":784.251,"endTime":787.02,"body":"to higher teacher pay."},{"startTime":787.02,"endTime":790.023,"body":"And that's, you know,"},{"startTime":787.02,"endTime":790.023,"body":"obviously a budget priority for us."},{"startTime":790.257,"endTime":793.627,"body":"And Gina you know, still on this"},{"startTime":790.257,"endTime":793.627,"body":"special ed topic, the board has been"},{"startTime":793.627,"endTime":797.03,"body":"so supportive of our special education"},{"startTime":793.627,"endTime":797.03,"body":"students and programs."},{"startTime":797.264,"endTime":800.467,"body":"And so this is by no means,"},{"startTime":797.264,"endTime":800.467,"body":"that we want to,"},{"startTime":800.968,"endTime":803.67,"body":"reduce special education"},{"startTime":800.968,"endTime":803.67,"body":"or get rid of special education."},{"startTime":803.67,"endTime":804.972,"body":"We just need it funded."},{"startTime":804.972,"endTime":808.842,"body":"So talk to us a little bit about how,"},{"startTime":804.972,"endTime":808.842,"body":"an IEP works."},{"startTime":809.143,"endTime":812.146,"body":"Like, do they have to get permission"},{"startTime":809.143,"endTime":812.146,"body":"to put something in an IEP?"},{"startTime":812.246,"endTime":815.249,"body":"So as far as an IEP goes,"},{"startTime":812.246,"endTime":815.249,"body":"there's nothing that"},{"startTime":815.315,"endTime":819.052,"body":"that we can deny"},{"startTime":815.315,"endTime":819.052,"body":"when it comes to the needs of a student."},{"startTime":820.12,"endTime":822.856,"body":"If a service provider determines"},{"startTime":822.856,"endTime":826.126,"body":"that they need occupational"},{"startTime":822.856,"endTime":826.126,"body":"therapy services or,"},{"startTime":826.927,"endTime":830.864,"body":"teacher for the deaf or hard of hearing,"},{"startTime":826.927,"endTime":830.864,"body":"then we're required to provide it."},{"startTime":831.365,"endTime":833.967,"body":"And and we do so happily"},{"startTime":831.365,"endTime":833.967,"body":"because we want to provide the best"},{"startTime":833.967,"endTime":837.137,"body":"education possible for our"},{"startTime":833.967,"endTime":837.137,"body":"all of our students in Blue Valley."},{"startTime":838.071,"endTime":840.24,"body":"And there's costs associated with this."},{"startTime":840.24,"endTime":844.545,"body":"So, to tie"},{"startTime":840.24,"endTime":844.545,"body":"it back to vouchers for private schools,"},{"startTime":844.812,"endTime":847.915,"body":"you know, the money that would come out"},{"startTime":844.812,"endTime":847.915,"body":"of the public education pool"},{"startTime":847.915,"endTime":850.918,"body":"that would go to these private schools,"},{"startTime":850.984,"endTime":852.953,"body":"they're not providing the services"},{"startTime":852.953,"endTime":856.623,"body":"for IEPs that are it's much more expensive"},{"startTime":852.953,"endTime":856.623,"body":"to serve,"},{"startTime":857.391,"endTime":860.06,"body":"children that have special needs."},{"startTime":860.06,"endTime":862.93,"body":"And then to tie it back to, you know,"},{"startTime":862.93,"endTime":866.333,"body":"there's a lot of discussion about"},{"startTime":862.93,"endTime":866.333,"body":"where does the money come from."},{"startTime":867.201,"endTime":868.569,"body":"It comes from our general fund."},{"startTime":868.569,"endTime":871.171,"body":"And people, like to talk about how,"},{"startTime":872.873,"endTime":873.74,"body":"public education"},{"startTime":873.74,"endTime":876.743,"body":"is fully funded in the state of Kansas,"},{"startTime":876.877,"endTime":879.88,"body":"but it's not when you come to"},{"startTime":876.877,"endTime":879.88,"body":"when it comes to special education,"},{"startTime":879.88,"endTime":882.282,"body":"because that then comes out"},{"startTime":879.88,"endTime":882.282,"body":"of our operating funds."},{"startTime":882.282,"endTime":885.319,"body":"So, like Jeremy said,"},{"startTime":882.282,"endTime":885.319,"body":"you know, we could increase"},{"startTime":885.319,"endTime":888.655,"body":"teacher salaries overnight"},{"startTime":885.319,"endTime":888.655,"body":"if we had all of a special ed funding."},{"startTime":889.056,"endTime":891.892,"body":"So there's just there's a lot of things"},{"startTime":889.056,"endTime":891.892,"body":"that work together."},{"startTime":891.892,"endTime":894.895,"body":"And this whole process with,"},{"startTime":895.762,"endTime":897.531,"body":"our priority positions,"},{"startTime":897.531,"endTime":900.968,"body":"they all tie back to funding teacher,"},{"startTime":901.368,"endTime":904.371,"body":"pay what's best for our students."},{"startTime":904.905,"endTime":909.042,"body":"And I don't want to overlook"},{"startTime":904.905,"endTime":909.042,"body":"the importance of KPERs"},{"startTime":909.509,"endTime":912.512,"body":"and the discussion surrounding,"},{"startTime":912.946,"endTime":914.915,"body":"moving away from KPERs"},{"startTime":914.915,"endTime":918.018,"body":"three and two and trying to move"},{"startTime":914.915,"endTime":918.018,"body":"everybody back to KPERs one,"},{"startTime":918.018,"endTime":922.155,"body":"which is our retirement system"},{"startTime":918.018,"endTime":922.155,"body":"for for our, teachers and administrators."},{"startTime":922.489,"endTime":927.194,"body":"It's so important for retention purposes"},{"startTime":922.489,"endTime":927.194,"body":"that we get back to,"},{"startTime":927.895,"endTime":930.898,"body":"fully funding KPERs"},{"startTime":927.895,"endTime":930.898,"body":"in the way that it used to be."},{"startTime":931.031,"endTime":935.602,"body":"Yeah, that was a great answer,"},{"startTime":931.031,"endTime":935.602,"body":"because, it all does tie back to funding,"},{"startTime":935.602,"endTime":938.705,"body":"and no one has ever called me"},{"startTime":935.602,"endTime":938.705,"body":"as the superintendent"},{"startTime":938.705,"endTime":942.676,"body":"or as a building administrator to ask"},{"startTime":938.705,"endTime":942.676,"body":"if it was okay to put something in an IEP."},{"startTime":942.843,"endTime":946.68,"body":"If a student needs it, it goes in the IEP"},{"startTime":942.843,"endTime":946.68,"body":"and we figure out how to pay for it."},{"startTime":947.18,"endTime":951.251,"body":"But it is crucial, that we continue"},{"startTime":947.18,"endTime":951.251,"body":"to advocate for that funding."},{"startTime":951.618,"endTime":954.488,"body":"And, you know, we've talked"},{"startTime":951.618,"endTime":954.488,"body":"about all of our priority positions"},{"startTime":954.488,"endTime":957.09,"body":"except the one around"},{"startTime":954.488,"endTime":957.09,"body":"student mental health."},{"startTime":957.09,"endTime":960.661,"body":"And we've we have had this"},{"startTime":957.09,"endTime":960.661,"body":"priority position for a couple of years."},{"startTime":960.961,"endTime":964.731,"body":"And the district supports,"},{"startTime":960.961,"endTime":964.731,"body":"you know, an expansion of community"},{"startTime":964.731,"endTime":967.734,"body":"based behavioral and mental health"},{"startTime":964.731,"endTime":967.734,"body":"initiatives."},{"startTime":968.035,"endTime":969.87,"body":"Our mental health providers"},{"startTime":969.87,"endTime":972.539,"body":"and our schools are vital"},{"startTime":969.87,"endTime":972.539,"body":"to the success of our students."},{"startTime":972.539,"endTime":973.74,"body":"We're so lucky in Blue Valley,"},{"startTime":973.74,"endTime":977.577,"body":"but that we actually have mental health"},{"startTime":973.74,"endTime":977.577,"body":"teams in every school."},{"startTime":977.577,"endTime":980.414,"body":"We have a school psychologist,"},{"startTime":977.577,"endTime":980.414,"body":"a school social worker,"},{"startTime":980.414,"endTime":982.049,"body":"and a school counselor available."},{"startTime":982.049,"endTime":984.751,"body":"So, why is it so important?"},{"startTime":986.019,"endTime":987.254,"body":"Jan, I guess we'll go to you."},{"startTime":987.254,"endTime":991.091,"body":"Why is it so important"},{"startTime":987.254,"endTime":991.091,"body":"that the state expand those community?"},{"startTime":991.725,"endTime":994.594,"body":"Behavioral supports"},{"startTime":991.725,"endTime":994.594,"body":"available to our students?"},{"startTime":994.594,"endTime":997.264,"body":"Well, the role of public education,"},{"startTime":997.264,"endTime":1001.668,"body":"a role of any school"},{"startTime":997.264,"endTime":1001.668,"body":"is to help the students learn."},{"startTime":1001.668,"endTime":1005.605,"body":"It's it's not to give them a diploma"},{"startTime":1001.668,"endTime":1005.605,"body":"as they walk across the stage"},{"startTime":1005.973,"endTime":1010.01,"body":"and to be able to help students"},{"startTime":1005.973,"endTime":1010.01,"body":"learn and to,"},{"startTime":1011.044,"endTime":1013.08,"body":"be prepared to go out into society."},{"startTime":1013.08,"endTime":1016.083,"body":"They're they need to be"},{"startTime":1016.616,"endTime":1017.517,"body":"prepared."},{"startTime":1017.517,"endTime":1020.52,"body":"They're,"},{"startTime":1020.921,"endTime":1022.556,"body":"able to"},{"startTime":1022.556,"endTime":1026.0929999999998,"body":"process information"},{"startTime":1022.556,"endTime":1026.0929999999998,"body":"in their individual way."},{"startTime":1028.562,"endTime":1030.6970000000001,"body":"Not all students learn the same way."},{"startTime":1030.6970000000001,"endTime":1036.0030000000002,"body":"And when we have, mental health, issues"},{"startTime":1030.6970000000001,"endTime":1036.0030000000002,"body":"and concerns, they need to be addressed"},{"startTime":1036.0030000000002,"endTime":1039.6390000000001,"body":"so that student can learn more"},{"startTime":1036.0030000000002,"endTime":1039.6390000000001,"body":"and make no mistake about it,"},{"startTime":1040.807,"endTime":1043.7440000000001,"body":"there are so many different pressures"},{"startTime":1040.807,"endTime":1043.7440000000001,"body":"on students today"},{"startTime":1043.7440000000001,"endTime":1046.48,"body":"and mental health challenges that,"},{"startTime":1046.48,"endTime":1048.749,"body":"you know, we haven't seen ever before."},{"startTime":1048.749,"endTime":1052.4189999999999,"body":"And, just for the success of the students,"},{"startTime":1052.4189999999999,"endTime":1055.856,"body":"we've got to invest"},{"startTime":1052.4189999999999,"endTime":1055.856,"body":"more in individual mental health."},{"startTime":1056.089,"endTime":1056.323,"body":"Yeah."},{"startTime":1056.323,"endTime":1059.326,"body":"We need places to be able"},{"startTime":1056.323,"endTime":1059.326,"body":"to send students,"},{"startTime":1059.459,"endTime":1062.963,"body":"if if we are not able to meet"},{"startTime":1059.459,"endTime":1062.963,"body":"their needs within the school,"},{"startTime":1062.963,"endTime":1066.4,"body":"some of them need, more mental health"},{"startTime":1062.963,"endTime":1066.4,"body":"services than we're able to provide."},{"startTime":1066.4,"endTime":1067.367,"body":"And so,"},{"startTime":1067.367,"endTime":1071.338,"body":"it has been such in the last few years"},{"startTime":1067.367,"endTime":1071.338,"body":"that there have not been places to go."},{"startTime":1071.338,"endTime":1074.341,"body":"And so anything we can do"},{"startTime":1071.338,"endTime":1074.341,"body":"to support that in our community."},{"startTime":1074.408,"endTime":1076.743,"body":"So we've spent some time today"},{"startTime":1074.408,"endTime":1076.743,"body":"talking really about the five"},{"startTime":1076.743,"endTime":1079.746,"body":"priority positions"},{"startTime":1076.743,"endTime":1079.746,"body":"that they have that the district has."},{"startTime":1080.514,"endTime":1083.683,"body":"You know, people often ask me"},{"startTime":1080.514,"endTime":1083.683,"body":"how can they get involved?"},{"startTime":1084.017,"endTime":1086.62,"body":"So, Jan, we'll we'll go to you."},{"startTime":1086.62,"endTime":1089.623,"body":"How can they"},{"startTime":1086.62,"endTime":1089.623,"body":"how can the public get involved, to,"},{"startTime":1089.689,"endTime":1093.427,"body":"to help, us advocate"},{"startTime":1089.689,"endTime":1093.427,"body":"for these priority positions? Yes."},{"startTime":1093.427,"endTime":1093.794,"body":"Thank you."},{"startTime":1093.794,"endTime":1095.062,"body":"That's I realize,"},{"startTime":1095.062,"endTime":1098.231,"body":"as I was thinking back when I talked"},{"startTime":1095.062,"endTime":1098.231,"body":"about how the legislature works, I,"},{"startTime":1099.132,"endTime":1102.369,"body":"basically talked about how to build"},{"startTime":1099.132,"endTime":1102.369,"body":"a watch instead of what time it is,"},{"startTime":1103.203,"endTime":1105.372,"body":"because a key"},{"startTime":1105.372,"endTime":1109.443,"body":"role for patrons, if they want to be able"},{"startTime":1105.372,"endTime":1109.443,"body":"to have successful public education,"},{"startTime":1109.776,"endTime":1113.914,"body":"is to be in touch with their legislators."},{"startTime":1114.181,"endTime":1118.285,"body":"And, let the lesson, you know,"},{"startTime":1114.181,"endTime":1118.285,"body":"let the priorities be known,"},{"startTime":1118.285,"endTime":1121.421,"body":"not just from the Board of Education,"},{"startTime":1118.285,"endTime":1121.421,"body":"individual,"},{"startTime":1122.089,"endTime":1125.826,"body":"contact to legislatures is is critical,"},{"startTime":1122.089,"endTime":1125.826,"body":"and it makes a big difference."},{"startTime":1125.892,"endTime":1128.895,"body":"You know, we in the legislature"},{"startTime":1125.892,"endTime":1128.895,"body":"would get lobbyist all the time."},{"startTime":1129.229,"endTime":1132.232,"body":"But the more you hear from patrons,"},{"startTime":1132.432,"endTime":1135.402,"body":"the, the bigger weight it will carry."},{"startTime":1135.535,"endTime":1138.805,"body":"So key dates would be whenever,"},{"startTime":1135.535,"endTime":1138.805,"body":"there are hearings"},{"startTime":1138.805,"endTime":1143.877,"body":"in a committee of bills, and that can be"},{"startTime":1138.805,"endTime":1143.877,"body":"found at kslegislature.org."},{"startTime":1145.612,"endTime":1148.181,"body":"Is a key time to be able to,"},{"startTime":1148.181,"endTime":1150.984,"body":"contact your members"},{"startTime":1148.181,"endTime":1150.984,"body":"who are on that committee"},{"startTime":1150.984,"endTime":1154.688,"body":"or once out of the committee, get to your"},{"startTime":1150.984,"endTime":1154.688,"body":"legislators and get there fast,"},{"startTime":1154.688,"endTime":1158.091,"body":"because it can show up on the floor"},{"startTime":1154.688,"endTime":1158.091,"body":"the very next day and enter."},{"startTime":1158.091,"endTime":1161.161,"body":"You're on a final days"},{"startTime":1158.091,"endTime":1161.161,"body":"where they're approving the budget"},{"startTime":1161.161,"endTime":1164.164,"body":"or if they're in the veto session,"},{"startTime":1164.164,"endTime":1166.466,"body":"beyond that, beyond your legislature."},{"startTime":1166.466,"endTime":1167.501,"body":"Legislature."},{"startTime":1167.501,"endTime":1171.671,"body":"Because, they're making decisions"},{"startTime":1167.501,"endTime":1171.671,"body":"that impact you and your district."},{"startTime":1172.005,"endTime":1172.839,"body":"Yeah."},{"startTime":1172.839,"endTime":1173.573,"body":"Do you know what about you?"},{"startTime":1173.573,"endTime":1176.743,"body":"What what can our community do"},{"startTime":1173.573,"endTime":1176.743,"body":"to, to get involved and to help?"},{"startTime":1177.177,"endTime":1181.882,"body":"So our community has a huge focus"},{"startTime":1177.177,"endTime":1181.882,"body":"on public education."},{"startTime":1181.882,"endTime":1185.952,"body":"It's really one of, I would argue,"},{"startTime":1181.882,"endTime":1185.952,"body":"the number one issue in our community."},{"startTime":1186.586,"endTime":1190.223,"body":"And you can get involved in this"},{"startTime":1186.586,"endTime":1190.223,"body":"not just during the legislative session,"},{"startTime":1190.223,"endTime":1192.759,"body":"but year round."},{"startTime":1190.223,"endTime":1192.759,"body":"There are elections every year."},{"startTime":1193.927,"endTime":1195.295,"body":"And so"},{"startTime":1195.295,"endTime":1198.298,"body":"vote, first of"},{"startTime":1195.295,"endTime":1198.298,"body":"all, is the number one thing you can do."},{"startTime":1198.498,"endTime":1202.302,"body":"The second thing is, contact"},{"startTime":1198.498,"endTime":1202.302,"body":"your legislators,"},{"startTime":1203.27,"endTime":1207.24,"body":"tell them what you're interested"},{"startTime":1203.27,"endTime":1207.24,"body":"in, ask them what their positions are"},{"startTime":1207.24,"endTime":1211.211,"body":"and how they vote, and tell your neighbors"},{"startTime":1207.24,"endTime":1211.211,"body":"how they're voting,"},{"startTime":1212.245,"endTime":1213.58,"body":"how your legislators are voting."},{"startTime":1213.58,"endTime":1217.551,"body":"And if they align with what our needs are"},{"startTime":1213.58,"endTime":1217.551,"body":"and Blue Valley,"},{"startTime":1218.618,"endTime":1221.655,"body":"there's a lot"},{"startTime":1218.618,"endTime":1221.655,"body":"that can be done to support pro"},{"startTime":1221.788,"endTime":1224.791,"body":"public education"},{"startTime":1221.788,"endTime":1224.791,"body":"candidates throughout the years."},{"startTime":1226.159,"endTime":1227.727,"body":"And so I just encourage you"},{"startTime":1227.727,"endTime":1232.265,"body":"to reach out to any of us"},{"startTime":1227.727,"endTime":1232.265,"body":"or to any of your legislators"},{"startTime":1232.265,"endTime":1235.268,"body":"to see any other way"},{"startTime":1232.265,"endTime":1235.268,"body":"that you can get active."},{"startTime":1235.502,"endTime":1238.505,"body":"If I can just piggyback,"},{"startTime":1235.502,"endTime":1238.505,"body":"of course, real quick, of course."},{"startTime":1238.872,"endTime":1241.841,"body":"Because, Gina, you,"},{"startTime":1238.872,"endTime":1241.841,"body":"you trigger the thought,"},{"startTime":1242.542,"endTime":1247.147,"body":"many legislators have community"},{"startTime":1242.542,"endTime":1247.147,"body":"coffees, like, once a month."},{"startTime":1247.147,"endTime":1250.15,"body":"They they have a town hall per se."},{"startTime":1250.15,"endTime":1253.887,"body":"If your legislator is doing that,"},{"startTime":1250.15,"endTime":1253.887,"body":"make it a point to be there."},{"startTime":1254.154,"endTime":1257.991,"body":"Hear what they have to say"},{"startTime":1254.154,"endTime":1257.991,"body":"and share your thoughts and your ideas."},{"startTime":1258.158,"endTime":1261.728,"body":"If your legislator is not holding a town"},{"startTime":1258.158,"endTime":1261.728,"body":"hall,"},{"startTime":1262.162,"endTime":1265.031,"body":"tell them that you would sure"},{"startTime":1262.162,"endTime":1265.031,"body":"appreciate it if they would."},{"startTime":1265.031,"endTime":1268.034,"body":"And as Gina said,"},{"startTime":1265.031,"endTime":1268.034,"body":"tell your friends, your neighbors,"},{"startTime":1268.168,"endTime":1271.404,"body":"to, tell your legislators to have a town"},{"startTime":1268.168,"endTime":1271.404,"body":"hall."},{"startTime":1271.438,"endTime":1273.24,"body":"There's no reason that they should not."},{"startTime":1273.24,"endTime":1276.276,"body":"They are representing, their constituents."},{"startTime":1276.476,"endTime":1277.644,"body":"Absolutely."},{"startTime":1277.644,"endTime":1280.413,"body":"Our district website"},{"startTime":1277.644,"endTime":1280.413,"body":"also has some really great resources."},{"startTime":1280.413,"endTime":1284.751,"body":"All you have to do is to visit Blue Valley"},{"startTime":1280.413,"endTime":1284.751,"body":"k12.org backslash Legislative."},{"startTime":1285.051,"endTime":1288.588,"body":"You'll find additional information"},{"startTime":1285.051,"endTime":1288.588,"body":"about our six priority positions,"},{"startTime":1288.888,"endTime":1291.992,"body":"and also information"},{"startTime":1288.888,"endTime":1291.992,"body":"on how you can connect or contact"},{"startTime":1291.992,"endTime":1294.995,"body":"your state legislators, legislators."},{"startTime":1295.495,"endTime":1298.131,"body":"You'll also find some sample, templates."},{"startTime":1298.131,"endTime":1302.469,"body":"And you also would find any testimony"},{"startTime":1298.131,"endTime":1302.469,"body":"that the district, submits"},{"startTime":1302.469,"endTime":1306.973,"body":"to also watch our social media throughout"},{"startTime":1302.469,"endTime":1306.973,"body":"the spring, we will put out some videos"},{"startTime":1306.973,"endTime":1310.91,"body":"around these priority positions"},{"startTime":1306.973,"endTime":1310.91,"body":"and then watch our, board meetings."},{"startTime":1310.91,"endTime":1313.113,"body":"We always give an update around"},{"startTime":1310.91,"endTime":1313.113,"body":"what's happening"},{"startTime":1313.113,"endTime":1316.549,"body":"at the legislator and legislation"},{"startTime":1313.113,"endTime":1316.549,"body":"and how it affects Blue Valley."},{"startTime":1317.384,"endTime":1321.688,"body":"I want to thank my guests for,"},{"startTime":1317.384,"endTime":1321.688,"body":"joining me today as we explore these key"},{"startTime":1321.688,"endTime":1325.158,"body":"issues shaping education in the upcoming"},{"startTime":1321.688,"endTime":1325.158,"body":"Kansas legislative session."},{"startTime":1325.625,"endTime":1329.229,"body":"As we continue to navigate"},{"startTime":1325.625,"endTime":1329.229,"body":"these challenges, it's vital to understand"},{"startTime":1329.229,"endTime":1334.367,"body":"the impact that these decisions have on"},{"startTime":1329.229,"endTime":1334.367,"body":"our schools, our staff, and our students."},{"startTime":1334.801,"endTime":1339.005,"body":"We hope this conversation shed some light"},{"startTime":1334.801,"endTime":1339.005,"body":"on why our six priority positions are so"},{"startTime":1339.005,"endTime":1342.475,"body":"important to the future of our students,"},{"startTime":1339.005,"endTime":1342.475,"body":"and to the Blue Valley District."},{"startTime":1343.109,"endTime":1344.944,"body":"Thank you for joining us today."}]}