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Minutes for SB7 - Committee on Ethics, Elections and Local Government
Short Title
Moving school board officer elections and organizations from July to January.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 6, 2019
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB7. Chuck Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill. After questions by the Committee were addressed, the hearing continued.
Senator Hawk testified in support of SB7. Senator Hawk explained this bill fixes an unintended consequence of 2015 HB2104. Senator Hawk indicated SB7 isn't changing the overall election that occurs in November, just the internal election at the local board. (Attachment 1) Senator Hawk distributed and explained a proposed amendment from the Wichita School Board. (Attachment 2)
After questions by the Committee were addressed, the hearing continued.
Karla Hagemeister testified in support of SB7. Ms. Hagemeister indicated what works for their district today might not work for another district and it might not work for their district a couple of terms from now. Ms. Hagemeister concluded stating they like the flexibility that is available out of this bill. (Attachment 3)
Mary Sinclair testified in support of SB7. Ms. Sinclair indicated this bill offers welcomed flexibility and a fix for local school boards challenged by the circumstances associated with the changes to the local municipal election laws. (Attachment 4)
Bill Brady testified in support of SB7 indicating the bill gives the boards flexibility in terms of organization. Mr. Brady further explained the amendment to SB7 they brought to Senator Hawk that deals with the process to determine how school board members are elected by the public. (Attachment 5)
After questions for the proponents were addressed, the hearing continued.
Patrick Woods testified as a neutral for SB7. Mr. Woods indicated they believe this bill recognizes the fact that local control was the intention and is woven into the constitution when we talk about the institution of public education. Mr. Woods stated they think that it will strengthen the boards' ability to do their work. (Attachment 6)
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB7.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2019.
