Those looking for straight answers on how Gov. Kathleen Sebelius plans to fund public education were likely disappointed Thursday.

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Kansas’ Democratic governor was short on detail at a public lecture at Kansas University, and her vagueness drew criticism.

“I wish she would bite the bullet and say how she is going get it done,” said Carol Worth, a former Kansas University and Baker University professor. “I like politicians who will stand up for what they believe in.”

Sebelius touted recent public forums sponsored by her Education Task Force, and she briefly discussed $75 million in “redundant services” in the budget that she plans on shifting to fund education and health care. While she acknowledged that the shift would not close the funding gap, she didn’t specify from where the rest of the money would come.

“We have the pieces of the puzzle in place,” she said, “and it’s my job to create the pattern that can get us from where we are to make sure that the puzzle works for every child in Kansas.”

Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, defended Sebelius. Ballard is also a KU associate vice provost.

“Just the fact she is sending people out there shows that she cares,” Ballard said of Sebelius’ task force. “She’s giving people the opportunity to respond, and it also gives the governor the opportunity to really know what the people are looking for. The rest will come later.”

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius takes the stage at the Kansas Union Ballroom before delivering a speech in the Emily Taylor and Marilyn Stokstad Women's Leadership Lecture Series. The speech Thursday was sponsored by the Hall Center for Humanities and Kansas Public Radio.

Sebelius’ appearance was part of the Emily Taylor and Marilyn Stokstad Women’s Leadership Lecture Series, sponsored by the Hall Center for Humanities and Kansas Public Radio.

The lecture drew several hundred students, university faculty and community members to the Kansas Union Ballroom.

She touched on her topic, “The Leader as a Person,” by talking about the accomplishments of female politicians in Kansas, which at one time led the nation in the number of women in office.

Sebelius pointed to the small community of Gaylord, which in 1896 became the first town in the United States to elect a woman to every position in the city government.

“We still don’t have enough (women in office), but it’s better than corporate America,” she said.