KNEA, members host second annual Lucky to Have Kansas Public Schools Rally
Nearly 200 educators, students and public education supporters join forces at Statehouse to demand fully funded special education, say no to vouchers
By Ann Marie Bush
Director of Communications
“When you go to work, you prove that another world is possible. Because every day, you serve each child who walks through your school’s doors,” Ross Allison-Natale told educators, students and public education supporters gathered at the Kansas Statehouse on Tuesday, March 17, for the Lucky to Have Kansas Public Schools Rally.
“Whether they grew up on a farm or in a city. Whether they receive special education services or not. Whether they speak Spanish or English or another language. Whether their parents vote for Republicans or Democrats. No matter how they dress, how they pray or how they love – you serve every single child,” Ross-Allison-Natale said. “And together, you and your coworkers can build a union that fights for a world where every one of those children has what they need to thrive. You can build that union by uniting across your differences with everyone who relies on public schools.”
Those words sparked chants, clapping and cheering from nearly 180 people, their voices echoing through the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol.
“Last year was great, but this year was even better,” said Timothy R. Graham, Director of Government Relations for the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA).
From the Emerald Educator Breakfast hosted by NEA-Topeka to the legislative luncheon and the rally itself, the day offered multiple opportunities for advocacy and connection, said KNEA President Sherri Schwanz.
Attendees boarded a bus at KNEA headquarters - just a few blocks from the Statehouse - to ease parking challenges in downtown Topeka. Once inside the Capitol, participants took self-guided tours, interacted with legislators, created posters and completed a scavenger hunt. Lunch was provided to members, and the rally began at noon.
The event was emceed by Lawrence Education Association’s Emerson Hoffzales and Tom Barker. Speakers included Schwanz; KNEA Secretary-Treasurer Jonathan Eshnaur; Allison-Natale; Edgar Ruiz and Nathan Stigers, Shawnee Mission North High School students; Averie Jackson, NEA-KCK; Clarissa Worley; and Riley Alphonse.
Ruiz and Stigers were able to share a student perspective on public education.
“Being a student in the Kansas public education system means having access to a quality education in a nurturing environment – and this is because of our teachers” Stigers said. “The teachers in all of our schools create a positive environment that creates a strong backbone for future generations. Without them, we wouldn’t be anywhere.”
Educators, community members and KNEA members from across the state, including those active in KNEA-Retired, attended the rally.
WIBW Channel 13 interviewed Schwanz for a segment called “Kansas educators rally at Statehouse for fully funded public schools.”
KSNT Channel 27 interviewed Graham and Olathe NEA President Angie Powers for “Kansas NEA hosts second annual ‘Lucky to Have Kansas Public Schools Rally’ at the Capitol on Tuesday.”
Allison-Natale’s speech concluded the rally, but it didn’t end efforts to fully fund special education, fix the school funding formula, or fight for a living wage for ESPs and educators.
“So, I’m here today to ask each of you, everyone in this room, to take on a historic task,” Allison-Natale said. “Together, you and your coworkers can build the most powerful public school workers’ union Kansas has ever seen. A union strong enough to win bargaining rights, a seat at the table, and a living wage for every ESP in the state … And strong enough to build a statewide movement that fixes our school funding formula, fully funds special education, and unites parents, students, and communities to defend and transform our public schools.”
Ann Marie Bush can be reached at ann.bush@knea.org.