(OVERLAND PARK, KAN.) – Several area superintendents and educators joined Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) today to announce legislation to delay implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA) until it is fully funded.

“When Congress passed NCLBA, they made a promise to our schools that they would provide resources and support to help them meet a new standard of excellence,” Moore said. “The federal government’s refusal to fully fund NCLBA threatens to break this promise. It’s time to fulfill this commitment.”

Moore met with public school superintendents in the Third District last January about how NCLBA would affect local schools. In April, he held public meetings on NCLBA in each county in his district to hear concerns from parents, teachers and educators on the impact of our children’s education. After listening to constituents, Moore responded by introducing The Keeping Our Promises to America’s Children Act [K-PAC].

“Over and over again, I heard pleas that NCLBA not become another unfunded mandate like IDEA legislation for special education,” Moore said. “I want to make this law work. Our schools can succeed if provided with the resources promised. I am dedicated to doing everything I can to ensure that all children in Kansas receive a quality education.”

The bill would allow a state education agency or school district to suspend implementation of NCLBA provisions until it is fully funded. The Secretary of Education would be prohibited from penalizing the state or school district for this action.

“While the goals are positive and we support what the No Child Left Behind Act is trying to achieve, we are concerned about the details of the plan and the cost of implementation,” said Dr. Marjorie Kaplan, superintendent of the Shawnee Mission School District.

Kaplan and Dr. Blake West, Blue Valley North math and computer science teacher on leave to serve as KNEA vice president, spoke at the news conference.

Several education leaders attended to voice support for the legislation including, Dr. Ron Wimmer, Olathe Superintendent; Dr. Gary George, Olathe Assistant Superintendent; Dr. Marilyn Layman, De Soto Superintendent; Dr. John Hetlinger, Gardner-Edgerton School District Superintendent; Dr. Ray Daniels, KCK Superintendent; Sue Gamble, KS State Board of Education; Dr. Alexa Pochowski, KS Department of Education Assistant Commissioner; Melinda Lewis, El Centro, Inc; John Rios, Argentine Middle School principal. Moore’s legislation is supported by the National Education Association.