Topeka ? In its final report, a Kansas advisory council on education recommends that the state have a permanent council like itself.

In fact, the Kansas P-20 Council says the state should consider setting up regional councils. It also says the state should monitor the entire education system and find ways to measure progress.

The 22-member P-20 Council was formed in 2008 by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and continued by Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson, who recently left office.

The name reflects a belief in promoting an integrated education system from pre-kindergarten through higher education.

One key council finding was that the state’s education system needs to be robust and flexible to meet evolving student needs.

The council said the state needs a formal process for such important discussions to continue.