Betty Arnold

Wichita schools seek to rebrand
12
Jan
By Bob Weeks

Wichita schools seek to rebrand

While poormouthing and suing taxpayers for more money, the Wichita school district wants to spend on a rebranding and marketing campaign. The idea that a government agency needs to market itself illustrates a few inconsistencies, as shown below. But spending any money on this effort shows that the district leadership is a little out of touch with the taxpayers. First, taxpayers are being sued for more money by a collection of Kansas school districts, including the Wichita district. So the district is using taxpayer money to extract more taxpayer money, and now it wants to spend more taxpayer money to…
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04
Jun
By Bob Weeks

In Wichita, the attitude of some elected officials needs adjustment

In this excerpt from WichitaLiberty.TV: Attitudes of Wichita government leaders towards capitalism reveal a lack of understanding. Is only a government-owned hotel able to make capital improvements? Then, two examples of the disdain elected officials express towards their constituents who don't agree with them. View below, or click here to view at YouTube.
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09
May
By Bob Weeks

More parents unhappy with treatment by the Wichita school board

KAKE Television reports on Wichita parents who are not happy with treatment by the school board, writing "Parents associated with Hyde tell KAKE News it's not the decision that's leaving a bad taste in their mouth. They're unhappy with how the Wichita Board of Education treated them during the process." Wichita Eagle reporting on this matter is at Wichita school board votes to transfer two teachers from Hyde Elementary. A contributor to the newspaper's Opinion Line wrote: "While I’m disappointed in the decision by the Wichita school board, I am simply stunned at the lack of respect Lynn Rogers afforded…
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20
Jun
By Bob Weeks

Wichita school board reacts to criticism

In the following video, USD 259 (Wichita public school district) board member Betty Arnold reacts to concerns that citizens expressed at a recent meeting. It's common that citizens who disagree with governmental agencies -- especially the Wichita school board -- are told that they have the wrong information, or that they simply don't understand the complexities of running government. A few years ago when board members dismissed the input of an elected official because he disagreed with the board, I wrote in my coverage: "Certainly these three board members were dismissive of Chappell and his input. This is characteristic of…
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Do not criticize the Wichita school board. It’s disrespectful.
13
Feb
By Bob Weeks

Do not criticize the Wichita school board. It’s disrespectful.

When she was president of the board of USD 259, the Wichita public school district, Betty Arnold let citizens know the real purpose of board meetings, and how citizens should behave. At the meeting, citizens had criticized the board for large and important issues, but also for such mundane things as the amount of the superintendent's monthly car allowance. Arnold admonished citizens for speaking about things like this in public. It's not respectful, she said. Finally, after directing a uniformed security guard to station himself near a citizen speaker, Arnold told the audience: "If we need to clear the room,…
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09
Oct
By Bob Weeks

Kansas and Wichita quick takes: Saturday October 9, 2010

This Week in Kansas: Tomorrow on KAKE Television's "This Week in Kansas" Kansas Policy Institute President Dave Trabert will be a guest speaking about economic development in Kansas. This is an important topic as Kansas is in "whack-a-mole" mode as we -- case by case -- defend our industry from poaching by other states. This Week in Kansas airs at 9:00 am on KAKE channel 10. The Winfield Daily Courier has other notes on this upcoming episode. Sue Schlapp: Wichita Eagle Opinion Line Extra today: "At a past Wichita City Council meeting, council member Sue Schlapp got on her soapbox…
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27
Sep
By Bob Weeks

Betty Arnold’s Sedgwick County Commission race: running uphill

Last week Betty Arnold, a member of the board of USD 259, the Wichita public school district, declared her intent to be a candidate for the Sedgwick County Commission. She'll be running for the spot currently held by Republican Dave Unruh, who has already filed for re-election. Arnold, a Democrat, faces an uphill battle, based on registration figures. In this district, my analysis of a recent voter file shows voter registration runs 29% Democratic, 45% Republican, and 26% unaffiliated. (The remainder are Libertarian and Reform party registrants.) Considering recent voters -- I defined this as those who voted in an…
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08
Apr
By Bob Weeks

Wichita election results equal status quo, worse

The result of yesterday's elections in Wichita is an endorsement for the status quo. For those interested in liberty, free markets, and education in Wichita, the election was a total disaster. On the Wichita city council, the two incumbents running for re-election won. For the open seat, Janet Miller won. While her website talks of fiscal responsibility, it's a safe bet that Miller is on the side of increasing the size, scope, and intrusiveness of city government. The election of Miller doesn't signal a huge shift on the council, as Sharon Fearey, her predecessor, favored an expansionary city government. For…
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