Happy New Year… and welcome back to work!

January 2 was “back to work” in Independence, KS and I was privileged to meet with the dedicated educators of the district during their in-service activities. Independence is proposing a bond issue to provide for important renovations and new construction. I was there providing a workshop to help district staff inform the public about the proposal ethically and legally.

It’s an interesting time to try and get public support for school construction. While there are tax implications, there is also the prospect of millions of new dollars flowing into a local community. Construction costs and materials are cheaper than they have been in years. And interest rates are low. Improving education infrastructure is about the surest way to improve the economy of any community. As we approach the 2009 legislative session, it will be profoundly important for Kansas educators to make sure policy makers make smart economic decisions – and support public schools.

By the way, I must apologize for getting too busy to complete blog entries the past few weeks. If you would like more information about the past few weeks, drop me a line. We had a two-day meeting with the National Governors’ Association to talk about teacher quality (and salaries), NEA Fund Council met (along with the NEA Board), we had a fantastic KNEA Board Meeting, participated in work with the Teacher Working Conditions data, and much more. Truly hectic!