David Hicks

3 days ago | sentinelksmo.org | David Hicks

Nearly three out of four teachers support Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) in America, and optimism among educators about their profession is increasing, according to results in the annual survey of Teachers and K-12 Education published by EdChoice, a leading proponent of School Choice.

6 days ago | sentinelksmo.org | David Hicks

Kansas’ new Office of Early Childhood (OEC) will merge three departments and consolidate nearly 20 existing state programs serving children and families following Governor Laura Kelly’s signing into law House Bill 2045 which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature. The new office will house child care licensing, child care subsidy, home visitation programs, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

2 weeks ago | sentinelksmo.org | David Hicks

The Prairie Village City Council voted 8-4 to send a $22,900 donation to its Sister City in Dolyna, Ukraine for the purchase of drones. The western Ukrainian city of about 21,000 lies 300 miles from the capital of Kyiv. Dolyna officials want the drones, which are capable of delivering explosives in military operations, for humanitarian purposes. Councilman Cole Robinson justifies the drone donation as “$1 per resident” of the northeastern Johnson County city.

2 weeks ago | sentinelksmo.org | David Hicks

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard arguments this week on whether parents can opt out of a curriculum that contradicts their religious beliefs. Mahmoud v Taylor pits a religiously diverse group of parents from Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D. C., against its school board that in 2022 began offering transgender-themed and romance storylines in books both for casual reading and instruction for Pre-K through eighth graders.

3 weeks ago | sentinelksmo.org | David Hicks

The Texas House and Senate have approved versions of Senate Bill 2, which provides $1 billion to fund Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). This makes the Lone Star State the 18th in the nation to offer public money for educational alternatives, including private schools. Under the Senate bill, students enrolled in accredited private schools would receive $10,000 per year, or $11,500 if the student is disabled.