Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Kansas lawmakers in recent years have passed legislation that allows for open enrollment in public schools, as well as pushed measures that would expand a system of tax credits for families who send their children to private schools. Supporters of such moves say they give more freedom to families in making decisions about their child’s education. Opponents see them as threats that place new and unfair burdens on public schools. Where do you stand on such measures? Do you support moves like open enrollment and school vouchers? Why or why not?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 5
Henry Johns (Democratic)
The push for school vouchers in Kansas is nothing more than scholarships for the well to do. I believe public dollars are for public schools. The framers of the Kansas constitution felt public education was important enough one of the first things they made provisions for in 1859. If a parent can afford private school, then bless them, they are doing fine. Many Kansans cannot afford the luxury of a private for- profit schools. And if vouchers are available, what about transportation to and from school? No, I do not support vouchers for private businesses.
I feel the current open enrollment plan is burden on school districts who now need to provide for additional students they are not funded for. It stretches resources thinner than they already are. Many of these proposals are driven by out of state (and some in state) think tanks, but seldom consult the superintendents of our schools or the teachers in those schools. The legislature needs to spend more time listening to ALL Kansans, and less time looking for solutions to problems that don’t exist.
Carrie Barth (Republican, incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
