Betty Arnold Archives - Page 2 of 2 Voice For Liberty

Apr

Dr. Chappell asks the Wichita school board to NOT sell bonds

After seeing the way several members of the board of USD 259, the Wichita public school district, treated Kansas State Board of Education member Walt Chappell at last Monday's meeting, I contacted him. I was curious as to what his rebuttal would be to the scolding he received from board members Connie Dietz and Betty Arnold. Board president Lynn Rogers was gentler, but no less contemptuous. See the post Wichita school board video shows why members should not be re-elected for more coverage of this, including video. You can read the agenda for this meeting by clicking on Board of…

Apr

By Bob Weeks

Wichita school board video shows why members should not be re-elected

On Monday March 30, 2009, Walt Chappell, who was recently elected to the Kansas State Board of Education and whose district overlaps some of USD 259, the Wichita public school district, spoke before that district's board. The hostile reaction by board members, which you may view on video that I captured, is remarkable for the insight it gives us into the board and its members. Wichitans should have no confidence in the governing ability of this board, whether they have children in Wichita schools or not. Chappell has a lot of experience and understanding of education issues in Kansas. His…

Apr

By Bob Weeks

Wichita school board members should not be re-elected

Next Tuesday, four members of the board of USD 259, the Wichita public school district, seek to be elected again to their current posts. These members -- Lanora Nolan, Lynn Rogers, Connie Dietz and Betty Arnold -- are part of a board and school district that is increasingly out-of-step with education reforms that are working in other parts of the country. Their policies and actions are harmful to both Wichita schoolchildren and Wichita taxpayers. At the time when most of the country is starting to realize that quality teachers, not the number of teachers, is what makes the biggest difference…

Jun

By Bob Weeks

Kansas Blog Roundup for June 20, 2008

When reporting on Kansas bloggers, a trip to The Kansas Meadowlark is just about the best place to start. This week the Meadowlark reports on SamSphere Kansas, an event hosted by the Sam Adams Alliance. I myself had the pleasure of attending this event and even spoke for a moment to the group. Thank you to Sam for hosting this event. Internet sources say Gov. Kathleen Sebelius attended Bilderberg 2008 Conference reports on the governor's trip to this event. What is this group? The Wikipedia article for it has section headings "Mainstream Criticism" and "Conspiracy Theories." You be the judge…

Jun

By Bob Weeks

Wichita Public School District’s Taxation Without Information

Taxation without information. I wish I could take credit for inventing this phrase that I recently heard someone use. It captures very well the key characteristic of USD 259, the Wichita public school district, and its campaign for the proposed 2008 bond issue. As highlighted by Wichita Eagle columnist Mark McCormick in his column District's public files ought not cost $1,000, the Wichita public school district doesn't like to release information. Mr. McCormick accuses some bond issue opponents of using Kansas Open Records Act information requests simply to "make hay for another 'No' campaign straw man." I'll explain another day…

Mar

By Bob Weeks

Distaste for tax increases faded quickly on Wichita school board

In a candidate questionnaire from the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce before the recent USD 259, the Wichita public school district board member election, Kevass Harding answered "No" when asked if he would support a tax increase for Wichita schools. The other successful candidates -- Betty Arnold, Jeff Davis, and Barb Fuller -- were more artful in their responses, promising "financial responsibility" and the usual empty pledges to spend wisely and efficiently. Ms. Fuller did say "I would not want to raise these taxes," referring to local property taxes. The election took place in April 2007. In August 2007, just…