1) Register Now for the LKM Annual Conference

Register online today at www.lkm.org for the LKM 2010 Annual Conference, and join us October 9-12 in Overland Park as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the League of Kansas Municipalities. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be a part of LKM history.

This event is designed as the premier training event for city officials in Kansas.  This year’s schedule has been changed to allow for even more educational opportunities for both elected and appointed city officials.  See the registration brochure online for a complete listing of the workshops and roundtables that will be offered.

If you have any questions, contact us at (785) 354-9565 or kcooley@lkm.org

(Click here to go back to the top of the page)

2) Financing Local Government in Tough Economic Times

The budget is finished.  Tough decisions have been made.  Now is the time to reflect on what changes need to be made to finance local governments in the future. 

The Kansas Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations (KACIR) is holding two public forums in September to give local government officials as well as the public an opportunity to discuss financing for local governments. 

Do we just cut more?  What happens to services to the public?

Do we need more or different revenue sources?

Hays:  September 9, 2010, Thursday, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Lobby, Ft. Hays State University, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays KS
  
Overland Park:  September 30, 2010, Thursday, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Matt Ross Community Center, Plaza Room, 8101 Marty, Overland Park KS

Please take this opportunity to come and talk with the members of the KACIR and other local officials about your cost savings ideas or “out of the box”  local government financing issues. 

This forum will allow discussion of these financing issues before the November elections and before the 2011 legislative session convenes in January.

Some topics to consider are:

• Many local governments utilize sales taxes.  Is your current level of sales tax authority sufficient to meet your needs?
• Would you favor changing the distribution formula for local option sales taxes imposed by a county?
• Many cities or counties have begun to identify the services that can be eliminated in order to reduce expenditures and free up revenue for essential services.  Has your local government identified or utilized cost savings measures?
• Is consolidation an answer?
  

For more information, contact: lynn_robinson@kdor.state.ks.us

If you haven't completed KACIR's survey, Funding of Local Governments, go to - http://www.ksrevenue.org/kacir.htm. 

(Click here to go back to the top of the page)

3) Join the Conversation for the Future of Kansas Public Schools

The Kansas Association of School Boards is inviting local government officials to join parents, business, community leaders and school officials to a conversation in your area on how Kansas public schools can better serve the changing needs of our communities, state and nation. These events will be held in conjunction with KASB Fall Regional Meetings for school board members, administrators and school site councils.

KASB is conducting this "listening tour" across Kansas to encourage a dialogue with those most directly concerned about how to better prepare students for college and other postsecondary training, careers and citizenship.  Each 90-minute meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and include both large and small group discussion on these questions:

• What are the most important things Kansas students need know and be able to do when they leave high school?
• How can Kansas schools work more effectively with parents, colleges, business and other community groups at the local and community level to improve student achievement?
• What are the barriers to improving student achievement in Kansas and how can they be removed?

The meeting will also discuss how Kansas schools may be affected by the national push for common core academic standards, changes in the federal No Child Left Behind Act, state budget issues and initiatives of the Kansas State Board of Education and the Legislature.

All participants must register in advance with KASB (www.kasb.org/registrations or call 800-432-2471) or through a local school district attending the meeting.  The cost is $15 for lunch, payable at the door by cash or check for participants not registering with a school district.  You may also register in conjunction with your local district.

The meeting will conclude by 1 p.m.  Enclosed is a list of dates and locations, as well as a map of KASB regions.  (You may attend the meeting that is most convenient, but most school leaders will attend the meeting for their region.)

Please contact Dr. John Heim or members of the KASB advocacy staff at the number above if you have any questions.

(Click here to go back to the top of the page)

For a PDF Version of the League News, Click Here