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2026 Kansas assessment scores show minor improvement based on lowered standards; ACT scores lowest in decades
State assessment results jumped last year after the State Board of Education reduced proficiency standards, but Kansas is now back to modest gains, and outcomes remain far below SBOE’s stated goal of 75% of students proficient[…]
Blue Valley, other districts giving major pay increases to executives while enrollment falls
USD 229 Blue Valley has been reducing hours for hourly workers, such as paraprofessionals, and cutting benefits in what district officials claim is a plan to curb a $10 million budget shortfall — but we now know the[…]
Multiple reasons for Kansas school enrollment decline since 2020
New research from Kansas Policy Institute CEO Dave Trabert shows that enrollment declines are partly self-inflicted, especially in some urban and suburban districts. The Sentinel is a subsidiary of Kansas Policy Institute. Trabert said that[…]
State Board of Education attorney Mark Ferguson maintains no KOMA violation by board, but won’t identify the subject as required in state law
Kansas State Board of Education Attorney Mark Ferguson has taken exception to recent reporting by The Sentinel showing a potential violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. During the Oct. 13, 2026 meeting, Board Member[…]