Sebelius’ education committee starts work

? A group of former educators, politicians and business leaders agreed Wednesday that Kansas has a good education system but that there was cause to worry that it was slipping in quality.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius appointed the 28-member group to make recommendations for improving the state’s education system. She told the group she wanted it to review student achievement, study cost-efficiency issues and propose ways to groom leaders among teachers and students.

Sebelius said she wanted Kansas to be a national leader in education within five years. Kansas routinely ranks high among other states in student scores on standarized tests.

“The good news about this challenge is, we have an enormously positive platform to work from,” Sebelius said.

But, she added: “We’re in a precarious position. Without looking at gaps and continuing the excellence, the platform will become one full of holes.”

The 28 advisers conducted their first meeting since being appointed by Sebelius, fulfilling a post-election promise to conduct a comprehensive review of education in Kansas from early childhood programs through post-secondary education.

Sebelius said the group would not replace or duplicate the efforts of the Kansas State Board of Education or Board of Regents but would offer policy recommendations for improving the entire educational system. Consolidation of school districts is expected to get serious discussion.

Part of Wednesday’s meeting was devoted to introductions and philosophies of group members, most of whom professed a devotion to children and the state’s future.

The group expects to meet at least twice a month, with some public hearings held statewide.