A week from today, incoming Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson and Interim Commissioner of Education Brad Neuenswander will be in Great Bend, continuing community conversations titled Kansas Children. Kansas’ Future, with a focus on reaching the business community. Earlier this year, Watson and members of the Kansas State Board of Education, held nearly 20 community meeting to bring together parents, educators, local school board members, higher education representatives, legislators, members of the business community and all other interested parties. The idea was to discuss the future they want for Kansas children and the role they believe Kansas education should play in supporting that envisioned future. 

Now, the Kansas State Department of Education is reaching out to local chambers of commerce to discuss the following questions: 

• What are the characteristics, qualities, abilities and skills of a successful 24-year old Kansan? 

• What are the needs of business and industry and what skills and abilities are lacking in today’s 24-year old? 

• How can business and industry partner with K-12 and higher education in creating the 24-year old that has those skills and abilities? 

This eduction road show will come to the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce office from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. next Tuesday. The comments gathered will be collected with others and used to help guide the state’s strategic plan for education.

As area students have or will soon be graduating against the backdrop of uncertain educational funding, these are critical questions to be asked. Just like our state’s business climate and transportation infrastructure, education is a key component in Kansas’ survival.

Yet, as the 2015 legislative session grinds on, all three are under assault from lawmakers. This all seems incredibly short sighted.

With the Legislatures wrap-up session scheduled to end this week, it may be too late to salvage much this year. But, it is hoped our elected officials will listen to and take to heart the statements garnered in these community meetings.

We can’t afford to mortgage our future.

Dale Hogg