Sara Schnug, Barbara Casey and Ellen Stevens have taught in Kansas schools for a combined 78 years. But this upcoming year could be unlike any other.
"I've never seen this before," said Casey, who's taught for 25 years. "I don't think we've been here, before. With the threat of a school shutdown."
Lawmakers left Topeka on Wednesday. They gaveled out with no new plan to fund Kansas schools. The Supreme Court said it will halt state funding to schools if a plan isn't in place by June 30.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS: If you would like to contact your state lawmakers on school funding, you can find them by clicking here.
"To get to this point is heartbreaking," said Stevens, a 37-year teaching veteran.
Teachers are losing resources, and parents are losing hope in their elected officials.
"It's really frustrating for me that they were just there, yesterday," said father Devin Wilson. "It just doesn't seem like we hold public schools in the same regard as we used to. We're not treating our schools the way we used to."
Some schools, like Olathe, KCK and Lawrence, are making contingency plans. Still, they are hoping for the best.
Regardless, Casey believes there is a real element of concern felt throughout Kansas.
"To play chicken when the future of our children, you know, is at stake, that's really shameful. I can't imagine that anyone thinks playing chicken with the children of Kansas is something that any elected official would be doing."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Kansas lawmakers fail to address school funding court ruling
No sign of work in Topeka on school funding
Shawnee Mission superintendent says schools will open on time despite lawmakers' inaction
Could Kansas school funding fight stop summer meals programs?
KCKPS superintendent speaking out about possible school shutdown
------
Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
