Calling all musicians, dancers, comedians, artists and more! The Trailwood Talent Show is coming!

You may sign up with your act online using this link. Please submit your form by May 4 so we can begin creating the program and determining exact times for the show!

Students can enter with one individual act or one group act, or one of each. Acts limited to 3 minutes, must be family friendly. Music is due May 11.

Questions? Contact Sarah McGinnity at sarahrice11@gmail.com

On March 31st, more than 30 parents from our community joined with 3 senators (2 running for Kansas governor), 2 representatives and our SMSD Board of Education vice president for a terrific meeting sponsored by Trailwood PTA, in partnership with Indian Woods, Brookwood and John Diemer PTAs.  

Here are some highlights we heard about public education in Kansas: 

• The state budget that passed last week adds $6 million for special education, far below the amount needed to fully fund it. This causes SMSD to use money out of our general education budget to cover special education costs.
• Our district likely will not fill any new/requested positions next year because of this shortfall in state special education funding.
• The school finance formula, which is used to determine most state public education funding, will be rewritten by state officials next year. 
• In August, voters will cast ballots in the primaries for Kansas governor and other statewide offices.
  • The governor is expected to veto a voucher bill that passed. While the Senate could override, the House likely does not have enough votes. This underscores the governor’s influence. 
• In August, voters will consider a change to the Kansas constitution in how Supreme Court justices are selected. Th proposal changes the process from merit-based nominations to elections, raising concerns about increased partisanship and outside influence. (think mailers, ads, judges running partisan races).  This is a BIG deal! 
  • The panelists talked about the devastating cuts to school funding years ago and how the Kansas Supreme Court later ruled those cuts were unconstitutional. Now the Supreme Court enforces that the legislature adequately fund public education. (Unfortunately, special education was not part of the lawsuit//ruling).

What's next: 

• Stay informed when the legislature returns next week by following SMAC PTA. 
• Learn about the August elections, why education advocates are concerned about any change to our state supreme court selection process. (Vote NO on Aug. 4^th if you agree!)