KASBO Network Volume 11, Issue #3 |
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In November, 2001 the Kansas Governmental Operations Accountability Law (K-GOAL) Legislative Post Audit was distributed. This report made comparisons of non-instructional costs for Kansas and 4 surrounding states (Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Iowa). Data was collected for the fiscal year 1998 using National Center for Education Statistics data.
The message that made it to the media was that Kansas was spending less on instructional costs than these other 4 states. It was also reported that Kansas has more administrators per 10,000 students than the other states. Please note that the term "administrator" as reported in the press assumed that non-instructional costs translated to be administrators. The audit report defined "non-instructional" to include administrators, operation and maintenance, transportation, food service, counselors, media specialists, nurses, curriculum coordinators, business services, data processing, and other support staff such as teacher aides and para-professionals. When an analysis of the data broke down the percentage of these categories, administrators made up about 17% of the number.
Dr. Ron Wimmer, Superintendent in Olathe, presented a summary of findings at a workshop on January 23. The following points are taken from that presentation.
1. For total educational spending in 1997-98 Kansas spent $270 less than Iowa, $230 less than Nebraska, $163 more than Missouri, and $695 more than Oklahoma. If Oklahoma had not been included in the study (and given the significant difference should have probably been excluded) Kansas would have spent $112 less per pupil than the other 3 states.
2. Kansas spent about $245 more per student on Non-Instruction because it employed 2100 more non-instructional staff (400 were administrative and 1700 were "other" staff). "These staff aren't administrators". The Post Audit Division states that the Division could not determine whether the 1700 extra employees were school level or district level. In addition, the Division indicates that it could not do much analysis in the area of district staffing levelsand relationships to the number of districts and size of districts because NCES showed only statewide average and the statewide average comparison did not provide much meaningful information.
3. Kansas spent about $155 per student less on instruction because the amount it paid for teacher benefits was lower than other nearby states. Kansas spent less on compensation for instruction staff mostly in the area of fringe benefits. Kansas had more teachers and instructional aides. Salaries were actually higher than the four state average but benefits were significantly lower making the overall compensation lower than the average. This lower overall compensation affected by benefits (KPERS) "resulted in Kansas spending less on instruction overall".
4. Kansas districts paid school level administrators more than the average of the other states; however, this was offset by lower than average compensation for district level administrative staff.
5. Finally, it should be noted that the report indicates that several states "had spent millions of dollars on technology, which might have affected the Instruction" category.
In conclusion it is important to note that this audit does not address the achievement results of Kansas students. When compared to the surrounding states Kansas students perform above the four-state averages on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), The ACT college aptitude test, and high school completion rate.
"Budget decisions are made by local school boards to reflect the needs of schools in their communities. Apparently, these decisions are resulting in outcomes that are as good or better than those in neighboring states. The Post Audit Report indicated Kansas spends its education money differently. It does not show Kansas spends its money unwisely."
Mark Tallman, KASB Assistant Executive Director/Advocacy.
USA commissioned Dr. Bruce Baker (KU Department of Teaching and Leadership) to conduct a study to help everyone to further understand how Kansas spends its educational dollars. Dr. Baker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 1999 to complete his analysis. He compared Kansas to the national statistics.
t Kansas districts that serve 70% of the students buy comparable or fewer administrators than their national peers.
t In a comparison with 5 surrounding states, Kansas ranks fourth in administrator salary.
t In 1999, Kansas administrators hired more teaching personnel and instruction related staff per 1,000 students than their national peers.
t Kansas administrators have had fewer dollars to spend on instruction of general education for all students.
Dr. Baker's executive summary can be found on the KASBO website. Please review it so that you will have the facts at your fingertips.
Dr. Sharon Zoellner, Deputy Superintendent
USD 232 DeSoto
With everyone talking about budget reductions for next year, it may be hard for KASBO members to plan for attending any conferences. One that should definitely be marked on your calendar is the 2002 ASBO convention in Phoenix. The location offers some wonderful opportunities to spend extra time before or after the conference. The conference is October 25-29, 2002. KASBO would like to have a large representation in attendance because of plans to host a reception during the convention to promote Dr. Rob Balsters (USD 345 Seaman) as a candidate for ASBO Director. The campaign is in full swing and a lot of planning needs to be done to support Dr. Balsters in this endeavor. In addition, the learning opportunities provided at ASBO conferences are extensive and the opportunity to network with other business officials and vendors should not be passed up. Hope to see all of you in Phoenix.
Don Adkisson, National Convention Promotion & Membership
Chairman
USD 260 Derby
It is an opportunity to:
= Be an ambassador for Kansas and KASBO;= Present Kansas and Midwest issues to an international organization;
= Show the impact school business officials in Kansas and the Midwest have on students in the classroom;
= Bring the state organization together around a common goal;
= Speak on the behalf of the great diversity that exists in our state with regard to school business management.
= Assistant Superintendent of Business in Seaman USD 345 since 1988= Holds a Doctorate In Education
= Registered School Business Administrator (RSBA) since 1994
= Presents topics of interest to school business officials annually at the state and national level
= Has held many offices through the years including, President of United School Administrators, President of Kansas Association of School Business Officials, and currently serves on the School Finance Research Committee of the Association of School Business Officials International
= Honors bestowed include Dissertation of the Year Award, Distinguished Service Award from the Kansas Association of School Business Officials, Outstanding Service Award from the United School Administrators of Kansas
The KASBO Board of Directors met February 6, 2002, at the Salina Holiday Inn with President Gary Jantz presiding.
KASBO Convention plans were finalized. The Board of Directors approved the registration fee for Convention. Registrations paid before April 1 will be $155, after April 1 the fee will be $180. This fee includes the Wednesday evening social event. The Pre-Convention Workshop fees will be $20. The board had established membership dues at $20 for the 2002-2003 year at the June meeting.
The Green Badge meeting for new KASBO members will be on Wednesday from 1:30 - 2:00. The KASBO Board of Directors will facilitate the meeting.
The 2nd Annual KASBO Trade Show will be held at the Holiday Inn Wednesday, April 17th , from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Defining the term "vendor" was discussed. The Board of Directors agreed to specify "vendor" as a company associated with KASBO and not an employee of a company. The By-Laws Committee will address those changed to reflect the Board's decision.
The Board approved the continued affiliation with the United School Administrators.
The ASBO Leadership conference will be February 15 & 16, in Phoenix, Arizona. Those attending will be Gary Jantz, Lori Blakesley, Kathy Johnson, Linda Jones, and Karen Schadel. Candidates for the ASBO Board of Directors will be formally announced at this conference. Plans for Rob Balster's campaign will begin with the announcement.
Supporting candidates for KPERS Board of Trustees was discussed.
Todd Stephenson, Secretary
USD 428 Great Bend
KASBO activities are moving at a feverish pace!
A very successful Winter Workshop was followed by the ASBO Leadership Conference in Phoenix. This conference provides excellent training sessions for our KASBO Leadership. In addition to the officers, Rob Balsters attended the conference. Linda Jones and Rob Balsters represent Kansas on the ASBO Finance Committee. We Kansans' started the campaign process after the formal announcement that Dr. Balsters will be running for a position on the ASBO Board of Directors. We are hoping to have a sizable delegation from Kansas attend the ASBO Convention in October to be a part of the election process.
Now the focus turns to the 38th Annual KASBO Convention. The board set fees, approved activities, and made recommendations for the upcoming convention at their meeting February 6.
Now the secret is out. Golfers get ready to play at Colbert Hills. Tournament Director, Marvin Sisk, worked hard in getting the tournament set up at this world class course. The registration form is included in this Newsletter. Get the form and money to Marvin by April 5th.
The 'Trade Show' entries indicate some new vendors will be exhibiting at the show. There is no charge for those choosing to come by and visit the show. Tee shirts and gifts from the vendors will make it worth your time. Encourage those in your district that may not be attending convention to come by and tour the show.
The Pre-Convention workshops will be the activity to partake in on Wednesday afternoon. That fee has been set at $20.
Tours to the Beach Museum of Art or the Konza Prairie will give convention goer's an opportunity to see more of Manhattan.
Following the tours and a visit to the hospitality rooms sponsored by our vendors, the Western Barbecue at the Holiday Inn will be the gathering place for those choosing to have the evening meal with colleagues and friends. This evening meal is included in the registration fee. Be sure and check that on your registration form. Meal count is necessary to order food for the meal. Then on to the dance floor for an evening of fun and dancing to music by DJ Dave Lewis.
The In-Service Committee has organized programs of interest for all attendees. Topics to be covered include: KPERS; KSDE staff presentations; Internal Control; Legal Issues; Stress Management; Inventory Control; Payroll Procedures; FEMA; Office Procedures; Budget Trimming; Personnel Management; KSDE Audit; 125 Cafeteria Plan; Annuities; Building Security; Energy Management; Negotiations; Open Meetings Law; Grants; Workers Comp; Property Insurance Issues; Benefits Administration; How to Handle the Press; ASBO School Finance; and Wage & Hour. Complete the evening dancing to 'The Exceptions'.
Perry McCabe, KASBO webmaster, will have on-line registration available again this year. Check the KASBO homepage for updates on all convention activities and programs.
Refer to your last Newsletter or the KASBO homepage for motel listings. The rooms reserved for KASBO will be released March 15.
Make your voices heard. Read the Legislative Post Audit articles and communicate your concerns with your legislators. Action taken by the Legislature will have a direct impact on your school district.
Dates to mark on your calendars:
October 1 & 2, 2002- Fall Workshop, Salina
October 25 - 29, 2002,
ASBO, Phoenix
February 19 & 20, 2003, Winter Workshop, Salina
