The Reality: Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-3422) mandates that the state fund 92% of the "excess costs" for special education. In reality, funding has hovered near 66–69%, forcing districts like Olathe to divert millions from general operating budgets to fill the gap.
The Impact: In Johnson County alone, districts are transferring over $132 million annually from general funds to cover the shortfall. This session pulls back the curtain on how "Special Ed funding" isn't just a "Special Ed problem"—it’s a classroom size problem, a school staff retention problem, and a student resource problem for every child in Kansas.
What we will cover: The Math: Breaking down the 92% statutory requirement vs. the actual reimbursement rates. The Olathe Context: Why Olathe’s higher identification rates and specialized programs (CBR, etc.) create unique budget pressures compared to neighboring districts. Long-Term ROI: Evidence-based data showing that every $1 invested in Special Ed yields a $2–$10 return through improved workforce participation and reduced social costs. The Toolkit: Participants will receive a Social Media & Advocacy Toolkit to help communicate these complexities to parents and community members.
Please bring a laptop or tablet to access the digital toolkit and interactive data comparisons.
The Reality: Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-3422) mandates that the state fund 92% of the "excess costs" for special education. In reality, funding has hovered near 66–69%, forcing districts like Olathe to divert millions from general operating budgets to fill the gap.
The Impact: In Johnson County alone, districts are transferring over $132 million annually from general funds to cover the shortfall. This session pulls back the curtain on how "Special Ed funding" isn't just a "Special Ed problem"—it’s a classroom size problem, a school staff retention problem, and a student resource problem for every child in Kansas.
What we will cover: The Math: Breaking down the 92% statutory requirement vs. the actual reimbursement rates. The Olathe Context: Why Olathe’s higher identification rates and specialized programs (CBR, etc.) create unique budget pressures compared to neighboring districts. Long-Term ROI: Evidence-based data showing that every $1 invested in Special Ed yields a $2–$10 return through improved workforce participation and reduced social costs. The Toolkit: Participants will receive a Social Media & Advocacy Toolkit to help communicate these complexities to parents and community members.
Please bring a laptop or tablet to access the digital toolkit and interactive data comparisons.
Your negotiated agreement isn’t just a document—it’s your professional foundation as a certified bargaining unit member. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how the agreement shapes your day-to-day working conditions: from assignments, transfers, evaluations and representation. We'll walk through real-world scenarios to show how knowing your rights helps you advocate for yourself and your colleagues. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned educator, you'll leave empowered with tools to navigate your contract and strengthen your voice at work.
A veteran educator of 25 years, Angie has taught English Language Arts, Creative Writing, and AVID in a classroom, from a cart, and online. She currently serves as our Olathe NEA President but has served on the Board of Directors for Kansas NEA and NEA.
Thursday May 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am CDT Room 610
It’s no secret that being an educator in 2026 is a challenge. When our working conditions are strained, our students' learning conditions suffer. This session is for any educator—not just building reps or ARs—who want to use their professional voice and move from frustration to collaborative problem-solving.
We will explore how to use the power of our collective voice. This isn't about creating conflict; it’s about tapping into our own educator power using the Negotiated Agreement as a shared roadmap to build a climate of trust and mutual respect with administration.
In this session, we will: Identify the Power of Voice: Learn how education workers can join together and use their strength to impact the workplace, improving learning conditions for students. Navigate the Policies: Use the Negotiated Agreement & Board Policies to advocate for the working conditions educators deserve so they can meet their students' needs. Practice Solutions-Based Dialogue: Practice scenarios for professional communication regarding building-level challenges and opportunities. Initiate Collaboration: Explore methods to set a tone of mutual respect with administration to create a positive learning environment for all students.
A veteran educator of 25 years, Angie has taught English Language Arts, Creative Writing, and AVID in a classroom, from a cart, and online. She currently serves as our Olathe NEA President but has served on the Board of Directors for Kansas NEA and NEA.
Thursday May 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT Room 610
