Let me say that I unequivocally support public education as a cornerstone to civilized society. That which undermines the efforts of education I believe is tantamount to undermining the fiber of society itself. I am opposed to the voucher system which has been proposed by some in the legislature for the simple and straight forward fact that I believe it will undermine and irretrievably harm our public education system. We cannot allow the diminishment of the public school system. Rather we should take a strong look at the current education finance formula, which in and of itself promotes mediocrity in education.

There must be a better way and it will take a serious and sensitive approach to discussions between rural Kansas and urban Kansas to arrive at a plan that does not relegate any community to second class education for its children. No community should be limited in what it can do to promote the best possible education that it as a local community can do. To pull down one community in order to keep another community from slipping farther behind only promotes mediocrity and is unfair to the children in the community that can afford to provide a better education.

The answer lies in the entire state coming up with a formula that will encourage improvement for every child without squelching the opportunities for any child. An education system of excellence is a need, not a want, and must be appropriately funded.

I am honored to have received the endorsement of the following education entities.

• Kansas National Education Association
• Blue Valley Education Association
• Shawnee Mission Education Association