SHAWNEE COUNTY—There were no serious injuries after a fire at a Kansas home on Monday in Topeka.

Just after 9a.m. fire crews responded to report of a fire in a home at 509 SW 5th Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the two story wood frame multi-family home. Firefighters found no residents in the home but located two dogs including one of which was semi-conscious. Firefighters removed both dogs and began administering oxygen to one.

A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, more likely than not associated with a dog turning a stove burner on.

The estimated dollar loss – $1,000.00; of which $500.00 is associated with structure loss and $500.00 in contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located in the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645484485434.png" alt="One of the dogs rescued -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>One of the dogs rescued -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—There were no serious injuries after a fire at a Kansas home on Monday in Topeka.Just after 9a.m. fire crews responded to report of a fire in a home at 509 SW 5th Street, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke coming from the two story wood frame multi-family home. Firefighters found no residents in the home but located two dogs including one of which was semi-conscious. Firefighters removed both dogs and began administering oxygen to one.A preliminary investigation indicates the fire cause to be accidental, more likely than not associated with a dog turning a stove burner on.The estimated dollar loss – $1,000.00; of which $500.00 is associated with structure loss and $500.00 in contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located in the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Dog accidentally started fire at Kansas home

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for&nbsp;trafficking large quantities of marijuana into Kansas.

On Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2013 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the construction zone on U.S. Highway 75 near Netawaka, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Further investigation into the traffic stop led deputies to discover a large quantity of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. 

 The driver, Kristian Renea Shepherd, 36, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for felony distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645385042821.png" alt="Shepherd-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Shepherd-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for&nbsp;trafficking large quantities of marijuana into Kansas.On Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2013 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the construction zone on U.S. Highway 75 near Netawaka, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. Further investigation into the traffic stop led deputies to discover a large quantity of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. The driver, Kristian Renea Shepherd, 36, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was arrested and is being held in the Jackson County Jail for felony distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Woman brought large quantity of marijuana to Kansas

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/21/senate-panel-signs-off-on-kansas-income-tax-deduction-increase-credit-for-teachers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas Senate panel 
backed two bills Monday providing tax relief for everyday Kansans and 
teachers using their own money to fund classroom needs.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb519/">Senate Bill 519</a>&nbsp;increases
 the standard deduction by 25% in Kansas from $3,500 to $4,375 for an 
individual filing as single, $8,000 to $10,000 for married couples 
filing together and $6,000 to $7,500 for those filing as a head of 
household beginning in 2023. The Department of Revenue estimated the 
bill would decrease state revenue by $23.4 million in 2024, $78.4 
million in 2025 and $79.1 million in 2026.

Still, some legislators echoed hesitancy expressed in opponent 
testimony that the committee’s time would be better spent on other, more
 pressing tax policies. The Legislature passed a bill last year 
increasing the standard deduction.

Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, said he likes the policy but not its prioritization.

“What are the priorities for Kansas households for tax policy at this
 point?” said Holland, who passed on the vote. “I think there’s some 
debate as to how much room we have for tax policy. I want to see a food 
tax done, and I also want to be sure that we consider a one-time income 
tax rebate versus an ongoing standard deduction.”

Testimony from Kansas Action for Children argued the tax deduction 
was already generous to those who need it and recommended the panel 
focus on amending the tax bracket structure instead. Supporters of the 
measure countered there was more than enough room for the increased 
standard deduction and other tax measures.

The approved measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

“It would generate savings for a majority of families in the state of
 Kansas, much more than what they pay in a food sales tax,” said Sen. 
Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Assessment
 and Taxation Committee. “I would support increasing it, but 25% is a 
good start in the right direction.”

A second measure receiving the panel’s stamp of approval would 
provide an income tax credit to any Kansas resident employed as a public
 or private school teacher for any expenses made for school and 
classroom supplies beginning in 2022. KDOR estimated that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb520/">Senate Bill 520</a>&nbsp;would reduce state revenue by $20.4 million in 2023, $10.4 million in 2024 and $10.5 million in 2025.

The credit may not exceed $250, although the committee discussed the possibility of a higher cap.

Tim Graham, director of legislative and political advocacy at the 
Kansas National Education Association, said teachers were grateful for 
the bill, but he also suggested making the credit available to 
paraprofessionals. The amendment was not added.

“We feel like this dynamic of teachers shelling out money out of 
their own pockets, has been something that has gone on for far too 
long.” Graham said. “It’s almost become a dynamic that is expected.”

An amendment by Sen. Virgil Peck removed the refundability of the tax credit, despite objections from Democrat legislators.

“This is so minimal,” Peck said. “It’s $250, which we might have – 
before it gets out of the Capitol — (to) change that amount, but it 
seems like the refundable part is more administrative headache and 
heartache than what I am willing to do at this time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645471796551.png" alt="Sen. Tom Holland declined to vote on a measure increasing the standard tax deduction in Kansas by 25% because he felt there are more pressing tax policy needs for the state. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tom Holland declined to vote on a measure increasing the standard tax deduction in Kansas by 25% because he felt there are more pressing tax policy needs for the state. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/21/senate-panel-signs-off-on-kansas-income-tax-deduction-increase-credit-for-teachers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas Senate panel 
backed two bills Monday providing tax relief for everyday Kansans and 
teachers using their own money to fund classroom needs.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb519/">Senate Bill 519</a>&nbsp;increases
 the standard deduction by 25% in Kansas from $3,500 to $4,375 for an 
individual filing as single, $8,000 to $10,000 for married couples 
filing together and $6,000 to $7,500 for those filing as a head of 
household beginning in 2023. The Department of Revenue estimated the 
bill would decrease state revenue by $23.4 million in 2024, $78.4 
million in 2025 and $79.1 million in 2026.Still, some legislators echoed hesitancy expressed in opponent 
testimony that the committee’s time would be better spent on other, more
 pressing tax policies. The Legislature passed a bill last year 
increasing the standard deduction.Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, said he likes the policy but not its prioritization.“What are the priorities for Kansas households for tax policy at this
 point?” said Holland, who passed on the vote. “I think there’s some 
debate as to how much room we have for tax policy. I want to see a food 
tax done, and I also want to be sure that we consider a one-time income 
tax rebate versus an ongoing standard deduction.”Testimony from Kansas Action for Children argued the tax deduction 
was already generous to those who need it and recommended the panel 
focus on amending the tax bracket structure instead. Supporters of the 
measure countered there was more than enough room for the increased 
standard deduction and other tax measures.The approved measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.“It would generate savings for a majority of families in the state of
 Kansas, much more than what they pay in a food sales tax,” said Sen. 
Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Assessment
 and Taxation Committee. “I would support increasing it, but 25% is a 
good start in the right direction.”A second measure receiving the panel’s stamp of approval would 
provide an income tax credit to any Kansas resident employed as a public
 or private school teacher for any expenses made for school and 
classroom supplies beginning in 2022. KDOR estimated that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb520/">Senate Bill 520</a>&nbsp;would reduce state revenue by $20.4 million in 2023, $10.4 million in 2024 and $10.5 million in 2025.The credit may not exceed $250, although the committee discussed the possibility of a higher cap.Tim Graham, director of legislative and political advocacy at the 
Kansas National Education Association, said teachers were grateful for 
the bill, but he also suggested making the credit available to 
paraprofessionals. The amendment was not added.“We feel like this dynamic of teachers shelling out money out of 
their own pockets, has been something that has gone on for far too 
long.” Graham said. “It’s almost become a dynamic that is expected.”An amendment by Sen. Virgil Peck removed the refundability of the tax credit, despite objections from Democrat legislators.“This is so minimal,” Peck said. “It’s $250, which we might have – 
before it gets out of the Capitol — (to) change that amount, but it 
seems like the refundable part is more administrative headache and 
heartache than what I am willing to do at this time.”

Kan. panel signs off on income tax deduction increase, teacher credit

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program office announced today that its 2022 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List</a>&nbsp;PDF, is now available.

IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, provides 
information about LITCs by geographic area, including contact 
information and details about the languages, in addition to English, in 
which each LITC offers services.

A <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/low-income-taxpayer-clinics-litc/">Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)</a>
 represents individuals whose incomes are generally at or below 250% of 
the federal poverty guideline, and who are seeking to resolve tax 
problems with the IRS, such as audits, appeals and tax collection 
disputes. LITCs can represent taxpayers in court as well as before the 
IRS. They also can provide information about taxpayer rights and 
responsibilities in different languages for English as a Second Language
 (ESL) taxpayers.

The LITC program is a federal grant program administered by the 
Taxpayer Advocate Service, led by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. 
Collins. Through the LITC program, the IRS awards matching grants of up 
to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations. LITCs provide services
 for free or a small fee. They receive IRS grants but work independently
 to assist and advocate for taxpayers.

Organizations interested in representing, educating and advocating for low-income and ESL taxpayers can check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAHNRTCi7MI">video</a> about applying for an LITC grant and review the most recent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf">application package</a>&nbsp;PDF.

There are presently no LITCs in the states of Montana and North 
Dakota, the territory of Puerto Rico, as well as unserved counties in 
the states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina and 
Pennsylvania. Qualifying organizations that will serve taxpayers in 
these states, territories and unserved counties are strongly encouraged 
to apply.

A complete list of organizations that are currently funded and where they are located can be found by looking at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134.</a>&nbsp;PDF
 Individuals who have questions or need additional information about the
 LITC program or application process, can contact Karen Tober with the 
LITC program office via email at <a href="mailto:LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov">litcprogramoffice@irs.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) program office announced today that its 2022 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List</a>&nbsp;PDF, is now available.IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, provides 
information about LITCs by geographic area, including contact 
information and details about the languages, in addition to English, in 
which each LITC offers services.<h2>How an LITC can help</h2>A <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/about-us/low-income-taxpayer-clinics-litc/">Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)</a>
 represents individuals whose incomes are generally at or below 250% of 
the federal poverty guideline, and who are seeking to resolve tax 
problems with the IRS, such as audits, appeals and tax collection 
disputes. LITCs can represent taxpayers in court as well as before the 
IRS. They also can provide information about taxpayer rights and 
responsibilities in different languages for English as a Second Language
 (ESL) taxpayers.<h2>LITC program information</h2>The LITC program is a federal grant program administered by the 
Taxpayer Advocate Service, led by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. 
Collins. Through the LITC program, the IRS awards matching grants of up 
to $100,000 per year to qualifying organizations. LITCs provide services
 for free or a small fee. They receive IRS grants but work independently
 to assist and advocate for taxpayers.<h2>Interested in becoming an LITC?</h2>Organizations interested in representing, educating and advocating for low-income and ESL taxpayers can check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAHNRTCi7MI">video</a> about applying for an LITC grant and review the most recent <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3319.pdf">application package</a>&nbsp;PDF.There are presently no LITCs in the states of Montana and North 
Dakota, the territory of Puerto Rico, as well as unserved counties in 
the states of Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina and 
Pennsylvania. Qualifying organizations that will serve taxpayers in 
these states, territories and unserved counties are strongly encouraged 
to apply.A complete list of organizations that are currently funded and where they are located can be found by looking at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4134.pdf">Publication 4134.</a>&nbsp;PDF
 Individuals who have questions or need additional information about the
 LITC program or application process, can contact Karen Tober with the 
LITC program office via email at <a href="mailto:LITCProgramOffice@irs.gov">litcprogramoffice@irs.gov</a>.

2022 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List now available

Reported fraud losses increase more than 70 percent over 2020 to more than $5.8B    

Newly released <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021">Federal Trade Commission data</a>&nbsp;shows
 that consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021,
 an increase of more than 70 percent over the previous year.

The FTC received fraud reports from more than 2.8 million consumers 
last year, with the most commonly reported category once again being 
imposter scams, followed by online shopping scams.

Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; internet services; and business 
and job opportunities rounded out the top five fraud categories.

Of the losses reported by consumers, more than $2.3 billion of losses
 reported last year were due to imposter scams—up from $1.2 billion in 
2020, while online shopping accounted for about $392 million in reported
 losses from consumers—up from $246 million in 2020.

The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network (Sentinel) is a database that 
receives reports directly from consumers, as well as from federal, 
state, and local law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, 
industry members, and non-profit organizations. Twenty-five states now 
contribute to Sentinel. Reports from around the country about consumer 
protection issues are a key resource for FTC investigations that stop 
illegal activities and, when possible, provide refunds to consumers.

Sentinel received more than 5.7 million reports in 2021; these 
include the fraud reports detailed above, as well as identity theft 
reports and complaints related to other consumer issues, such as 
problems with credit bureaus and banks and lenders. In 2021, there were 
nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft received by the FTC.

The FTC uses the reports it receives through Sentinel as the starting
 point for many of its law enforcement investigations, and the agency 
also shares these reports with approximately 2,800 federal, state, 
local, and international law enforcement professionals. While the FTC 
does not intervene in individual complaints, Sentinel reports are a 
vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission.

A full breakdown of reports received in 2021 is now available on the FTC’s data analysis site at <a href="https://ftc.gov/exploredata">ftc.gov/exploredata</a>.
 The data dashboards there break down the reports across a numbers of 
categories, including by state and metropolitan area, as well as 
exploring a number of subcategories of fraud reports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reported fraud losses increase more than 70 percent over 2020 to more than $5.8B </h2>FTCNewly released <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/consumer-sentinel-network-data-book-2021">Federal Trade Commission data</a>&nbsp;shows
 that consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021,
 an increase of more than 70 percent over the previous year.The FTC received fraud reports from more than 2.8 million consumers 
last year, with the most commonly reported category once again being 
imposter scams, followed by online shopping scams.Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; internet services; and business 
and job opportunities rounded out the top five fraud categories.Of the losses reported by consumers, more than $2.3 billion of losses
 reported last year were due to imposter scams—up from $1.2 billion in 
2020, while online shopping accounted for about $392 million in reported
 losses from consumers—up from $246 million in 2020.The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network (Sentinel) is a database that 
receives reports directly from consumers, as well as from federal, 
state, and local law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, 
industry members, and non-profit organizations. Twenty-five states now 
contribute to Sentinel. Reports from around the country about consumer 
protection issues are a key resource for FTC investigations that stop 
illegal activities and, when possible, provide refunds to consumers.Sentinel received more than 5.7 million reports in 2021; these 
include the fraud reports detailed above, as well as identity theft 
reports and complaints related to other consumer issues, such as 
problems with credit bureaus and banks and lenders. In 2021, there were 
nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft received by the FTC.The FTC uses the reports it receives through Sentinel as the starting
 point for many of its law enforcement investigations, and the agency 
also shares these reports with approximately 2,800 federal, state, 
local, and international law enforcement professionals. While the FTC 
does not intervene in individual complaints, Sentinel reports are a 
vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission.A full breakdown of reports received in 2021 is now available on the FTC’s data analysis site at <a href="https://ftc.gov/exploredata">ftc.gov/exploredata</a>.
 The data dashboards there break down the reports across a numbers of 
categories, including by state and metropolitan area, as well as 
exploring a number of subcategories of fraud reports.

Report: FTC received 2.8M fraud reports from consumers in 2021

Buying a home can be one of the most important financial investments you will ever make. But
 how do you know if the house is everything it appears to be? If your 
new home has hidden structural issues and needs major repairs, you may 
be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights. A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property before you buy.&nbsp;

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical structure 
and mechanical condition of a home - from roof to foundation. The 
inspection is designed to identify problems, advise of repairs needed 
and, in some cases, provide preventive maintenance advice. A home 
inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the 
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. A 
home inspector may be a residential architect, structural engineer, or 
building contractor. Currently, home inspectors are not regulated on a 
federal level in either the United State or Canada. But many states and 
provinces have their own licensing requirments. To find out what your 
region requires, check out <a href="https://www.homeinspector.org/StateRegulations" target="_blank">this list from American Society of Home Inspectors</a> or <a href="https://www.homeinspectioninstitute.com/cregulations.php" target="_blank">Professional Home Inspection Institute in Canada</a>. For structural engineer licensing requirements in the U.S., see the <a href="http://www.ncsea.com/resources/licensure/" target="_blank">National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA)</a> website.

Pick a home inspector who has experience, positive references, and is
 known for being very comprehensive. While this may cost more upfront, 
hiring a great inspector will save you money in the long run. If you 
don’t get a complete, accurate inspection, you may miss major problems 
and your chance to negotiate repairs with the seller.&nbsp;

Ultimately, no inspection can guarantee that something won’t go wrong
 with a home, but getting a thorough inspection job can really help 
prevent expensive, nasty surprises.

For more help buying a home, check out our tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/19906-bbb-tip-how-to-shop-for-financial-services" target="_blank">shopping for financial services</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20147-bbb-tip-how-to-choose-a-real-estate-agent" target="_blank">hiring a real estate agent.</a> Find <a href="https://bbb.org/near-me/home-inspection" target="_blank">home inspectors near you</a>.

See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-home-hq" target="_blank">BBB's Home HQ</a>&nbsp;for information on buying, selling, building and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-metropolitan-new-york" target="_blank">BBB serving Metropolitan New York</a> contributed to this article.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBBuying a home can be one of the most important financial investments you will ever make. But
 how do you know if the house is everything it appears to be? If your 
new home has hidden structural issues and needs major repairs, you may 
be buying into a money pit and sleepless nights. A home inspection is one of the smartest ways to educate yourself about the physical condition of a property before you buy.&nbsp;<h2>What's a home inspection?&nbsp;</h2>A home inspection is a visual inspection of the physical structure 
and mechanical condition of a home - from roof to foundation. The 
inspection is designed to identify problems, advise of repairs needed 
and, in some cases, provide preventive maintenance advice. A home 
inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the 
maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. A 
home inspector may be a residential architect, structural engineer, or 
building contractor. Currently, home inspectors are not regulated on a 
federal level in either the United State or Canada. But many states and 
provinces have their own licensing requirments. To find out what your 
region requires, check out <a href="https://www.homeinspector.org/StateRegulations" target="_blank">this list from American Society of Home Inspectors</a> or <a href="https://www.homeinspectioninstitute.com/cregulations.php" target="_blank">Professional Home Inspection Institute in Canada</a>. For structural engineer licensing requirements in the U.S., see the <a href="http://www.ncsea.com/resources/licensure/" target="_blank">National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA)</a> website.<h2>Tips for hiring a home inspector</h2>Pick a home inspector who has experience, positive references, and is
 known for being very comprehensive. While this may cost more upfront, 
hiring a great inspector will save you money in the long run. If you 
don’t get a complete, accurate inspection, you may miss major problems 
and your chance to negotiate repairs with the seller.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Ask for and experienced home inspector who is known for being very thorough. </li><li>Find someone familiar with your type of home and the issues you need to inspect.
 Be sure your inspector specializes in homes, not commercial properties,
 and any issues you anticipate finding. For example, if you’re concerned
 about a home’s structure, consider hiring a professional engineer or 
architect who also does general home inspections. Also, be sure your 
agreement with the inspector covers the systems you most need to have 
examined.&nbsp; </li><li>Ask prospective inspectors questions about their 
professional training, relevant experience and/or length of time in 
business. Find out if the inspector belongs to a professional 
association, such as the <a href="https://www.homeinspector.org/" target="_blank">American Society of Home Inspectors</a>, the <a href="https://www.nspe.org/" target="_blank">National Society of Professional Engineers</a>, or the <a href="https://www.cahpi.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors</a>. Membership in professional associations may offer added assurance of an inspector's qualifications and training. </li><li>Make sure your home inspector is working in your best interests.
 For example, many home inpectors rely on referrals from real estate 
agents for their business. This means that the inspector may be more 
interested in maintaining that relationship than providing you a 
thorough inspection. They may be less inclined to identify major repair 
issues that hold up the sale of your home. Also, be cautious about 
hiring a home inspector who is looking to get contracting work from you. </li><li>Be present during the inspection. The majority of 
inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions 
during or after the inspection. The inspection can last anywhere from 
two to five hours, depending on the size of the house. </li><li>Ask how soon after the inspection will you receive a copy of the home inspection final written report.
 Carefully read your home inspection report and make a list of items 
that need correction. Understand that the home inspection report records
 the condition of the home, both positives and negatives. This will help
 you to determine your future expenditures for repairs and maintenance. 
The report will contain useful information that serves as a reference 
for you in the future. &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">Check BBB.org</a>
 to see if the home inspector is a BBB Accredited Business and read 
reviews. Ensure that the business responds to complaints in a timely 
fashion.&nbsp; Find <a href="https://bbb.org/near-me/home-inspection" target="_blank">home inspectors near you</a>.</li>
 </ul>Ultimately, no inspection can guarantee that something won’t go wrong
 with a home, but getting a thorough inspection job can really help 
prevent expensive, nasty surprises.<h2>For More Information</h2>For more help buying a home, check out our tips on <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/19906-bbb-tip-how-to-shop-for-financial-services" target="_blank">shopping for financial services</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20147-bbb-tip-how-to-choose-a-real-estate-agent" target="_blank">hiring a real estate agent.</a> Find <a href="https://bbb.org/near-me/home-inspection" target="_blank">home inspectors near you</a>.See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/your-home-hq" target="_blank">BBB's Home HQ</a>&nbsp;for information on buying, selling, building and where to find help for improving the inside and outside of your home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-metropolitan-new-york" target="_blank">BBB serving Metropolitan New York</a> contributed to this article.&nbsp;

BBB Tip: Hiring a home inspector

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning April 1,
 2022. The rates will be:

Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus 3 percentage points.

Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment 
rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate 
for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 
percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of
 tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term 
rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.

The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during January 2022 to take effect February 
1, 2022, based on daily compounding.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-05.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-05</a>&nbsp;PDF announcing the rates of interest, will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-10, dated March 7, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that 
interest rates will increase for the calendar quarter beginning April 1,
 2022. The rates will be:<ul>
 <li>4% for overpayments (3% in the case of a corporation);</li><li>1.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000;</li><li>4% for underpayments; and</li><li>6% for large corporate underpayments.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is 
determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, 
the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate 
plus 3 percentage points.Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the
 federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment 
rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate 
for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 
percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of
 tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term 
rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal 
short-term rate determined during January 2022 to take effect February 
1, 2022, based on daily compounding.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-22-05.pdf">Revenue Ruling 2022-05</a>&nbsp;PDF announcing the rates of interest, will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2022-10, dated March 7, 2022.

IRS announces interest rate increase for second quarter of 2022

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an unusual traffic stop.

Just before 11a.m. Friday, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy received a call from a citizen who reported a subject who appeared to be using narcotics while driving, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Shortly later, the deputy contacted the driver identified as 31-year-old Levi N. Ludwick near Overbrook. 

During the encounter, the deputy located narcotics and arrested Ludwick of Auburn and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"This was a great example of “if you see something, say something," according to Wells.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645287664443.png" alt="Ludwick-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Ludwick-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an unusual traffic stop.Just before 11a.m. Friday, an Osage County Sheriff’s Deputy received a call from a citizen who reported a subject who appeared to be using narcotics while driving, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.Shortly later, the deputy contacted the driver identified as 31-year-old Levi N. Ludwick near Overbrook. During the encounter, the deputy located narcotics and arrested Ludwick of Auburn and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia."This was a great example of “if you see something, say something," according to Wells.

Sheriff: Kansas man observed using meth while driving

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old man was convicted of killing a man he was trying to remove from his home. 

Steven Drake was convicted Friday of killing 26-year-old Bryce Holladay in September 2017. 

Drake was charged with first-degree murder but the jury convicted him on the lesser charge. Drake testified during the trial that he shot Holladay in self-defense as he was trying to get Holladay to leave his duplex. 

He testified that Holladay was stealing from the home and was violent. Prosecutors said Drake shot Holladay with premeditation, citing texts he sent to other people saying he was going to shoot Holladay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645310066439.png" alt="Drake-photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Drake-photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old man was convicted of killing a man he was trying to remove from his home. Steven Drake was convicted Friday of killing 26-year-old Bryce Holladay in September 2017. Drake was charged with first-degree murder but the jury convicted him on the lesser charge. Drake testified during the trial that he shot Holladay in self-defense as he was trying to get Holladay to leave his duplex. He testified that Holladay was stealing from the home and was violent. Prosecutors said Drake shot Holladay with premeditation, citing texts he sent to other people saying he was going to shoot Holladay.

Man guilty in killing of man he tried to remove from his Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday morning accident have identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, both of Wichita, as the victims, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Just after 1:30 a.m. Monday, 911 dispatch received several check shot calls between Harry and Lincoln along George Washington Boulevard, according to Macy.

 When officers checked the area, they located a tan Ford Fusion crash at Lincoln and George Washington Blvd. A 22-year-old woman had been ejected from the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but she is expected to survive. 

The two additional occupants, Williams and Montgomery, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers located evidence of a shooting in the area. The investigation revealed that the three occupants of of the Ford Fusion were being followed by an unknown vehicle. 

The occupants of the unknown vehicle began firing shots at them. None of the victims appear to have been struck by the gunfire. It is believed at this time that drugs are involved, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645465620879.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday morning accident have identified 21-year-old Amill Williams and 20-year-old Alonzo Montgomery, both of Wichita, as the victims, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Just after 1:30 a.m. Monday, 911 dispatch received several check shot calls between Harry and Lincoln along George Washington Boulevard, according to Macy. When officers checked the area, they located a tan Ford Fusion crash at Lincoln and George Washington Blvd. A 22-year-old woman had been ejected from the vehicle and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries, but she is expected to survive. The two additional occupants, Williams and Montgomery, were pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers located evidence of a shooting in the area. The investigation revealed that the three occupants of of the Ford Fusion were being followed by an unknown vehicle. The occupants of the unknown vehicle began firing shots at them. None of the victims appear to have been struck by the gunfire. It is believed at this time that drugs are involved, according to Macy.

Police: Suspect fired shots at vehicle ahead of fatal Kan. crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public for help to locate a&nbsp; silver 2012-2018 Ford Focus, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. 

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the driver of the silver Ford Focus.&nbsp;The vehicle is missing the passenger side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785-251-2200)

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public for help to locate a&nbsp; silver 2012-2018 Ford Focus, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 2p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle versus a bicycle accident in the 5500 block of SW Burlingame Road. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene southbound after striking the bicyclist.&nbsp;The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response with non-life-threatening injuries.The Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the driver of the silver Ford Focus.&nbsp;The vehicle is missing the passenger side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (785-251-2200)

Sheriff asks for help to locate car that struck Kan. bicyclist 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to killing his 3-year-old daughter, whose body was found in a wooded area of Kansas City, Kansas, in July 2020.

Howard Jansen III, 30, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder, three counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, one count of abuse of a child and one count of interference with law enforcement, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/father-pleads-guilty-in-murder-of-his-3-year-old-daughter" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Police found the body of Olivia Jansen on July 10, 2020, hours after Jansen had reported her missing. An autopsy found she had signs of physical abuse and had died of a brain bleed.

Jansen’s girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/45499291/woman-sentenced-to-31-years-for-murder-of-3yearold-kansas-girl">serving a 31-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;after pleading guilty in November 2021 to second-degree murder and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.

Howard Jansen III is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25 in Wyandotte County Court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594403105823.png" alt="Olivia Jansen-photo from the KBI Amber Alert" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen-photo from the KBI Amber Alert</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to killing his 3-year-old daughter, whose body was found in a wooded area of Kansas City, Kansas, in July 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard Jansen III, 30, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree murder, three counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, one count of abuse of a child and one count of interference with law enforcement, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/father-pleads-guilty-in-murder-of-his-3-year-old-daughter" target="_blank">reported</a>.Police found the body of Olivia Jansen on July 10, 2020, hours after Jansen had reported her missing. An autopsy found she had signs of physical abuse and had died of a brain bleed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594490776368.png" alt="Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirkpatrick-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jansen’s girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kake.com/story/45499291/woman-sentenced-to-31-years-for-murder-of-3yearold-kansas-girl">serving a 31-year prison sentence</a>&nbsp;after pleading guilty in November 2021 to second-degree murder and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.Howard Jansen III is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25 in Wyandotte County Court.

Kansas man pleads guilty in death of 3-year-old daughter

By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-20/fallout-from-video-about-white-privilege-roils-derby-school-district">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— A video about racial profiling and 
discrimination was “not appropriate” for students or teachers at Derby 
High School, according to a Derby school board member who requested an 
apology from the principal who showed the video.

Emails obtained 
through a Kansas Open Records Act request show that Derby school board 
member Andy Watkins requested the apology, which principal <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize" target="_blank">Tim Hamblin issued in an email to staff</a> earlier this month.

“I don’t think the community would support that video and the terminology used,” Watkins wrote in an email to Hamblin.

“I
 think Derby is a unique place that can look past the color/race of an 
individual and not discount those people by their race, but rather, 
encourage integrity, academic achievement, community and treating others
 as they want to be treated.”

In the email, Watkins writes, “My request was only a request of one board member, and not a requirement.”

Watkins, who was first elected to the Derby board in 2017, did not return emails or phone calls asking for comment.

Last
 week, before releasing the records, Derby school board members met in 
closed session for three hours with their attorney, Calvin Rider.

In
 an email that accompanied the records, Rider said: “At no time did the 
Derby Board of Education, any member of the board, Superintendent of 
Schools or other school district leadership require Mr. Hamblin … to 
apologize for the showing of the video in question.”

Hamblin, the 
Derby High principal, emailed his staff on Feb. 7, apologizing for 
showing a video during an employee meeting in January.

The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">four-minute video</a>
 features Black author Joy DeGruy relating a story about being treated 
differently at a grocery store because of her race. A lighter-skinned 
family member “used her white privilege and … pointed out the 
injustice,” DeGruy says in the video.

Late last year, some members
 of the Derby High girls  basketball team were the target of hurtful 
race-based comments on social media. Coach Dan Harrison shared the same 
video during a meeting with team members in an effort “to help his team 
heal and move on,” Hamblin said in an email.

The principal played the video for employees in January so they would know what the students had seen, he said.

School board member Jennifer Neel was the first to raise concerns about the video, according to the records obtained by KMUW.

In
 a Jan. 26 email to Hamblin and Superintendent Heather Bohaty — subject 
line “White Privilege -DHS” — Neel said she “heard from a couple 
teachers” about the video and wanted more information.

“The staff 
that I spoke with explained to me that they felt like it was harassment 
in the workplace, &amp; a push of biased propaganda,” Neel wrote. 
“Ultimately, I think we need to investigate what actually occurred &amp;
 I would like to know where this information is coming from.

“Are 
we trying to push this divisive information into our schools? I am 
afraid this is negatively affecting our culture, both staff &amp; 
students.”

Reached by phone, Neel declined comment and said all questions should go through the district’s communications department.

In
 her initial email to Hamblin, Neel writes, “Side note: I actually had a
 DMS (Derby Middle School) teacher tell me a story about a black teen 
who was acting VERY inappropriate so she corrected him &amp; he told her
 ‘but I am black,’ they went back and forth 2 more times, she asked him 
‘does this normally work for you’ then he giggled &amp; said ‘well most 
of the times it works.’ We have to be careful with the kind of standards
 we are setting.”

In subsequent emails to Neel, Hamblin wrote, 
“Every human being is entitled to their opinion and how they choose to 
take things. … I know that what I presented to my staff was completely 
appropriate and justified given what some within the DHS family have 
been dealing with over the last few months.

“The claim of biased 
propaganda is nothing more than a deliberate orchestrated attempt to 
create controversy within our school, district, and potentially the 
community at a very difficult time.”

Hamblin issued his apology to employees about two weeks after that exchange.

“I
 was informed this afternoon that another BOE member wants there to be 
an apology to both staff and students for my actions,” Hamblin said in 
the email to staff.

“I apologize to anyone that felt the video or 
its content which referenced white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”

In an email to Neel, Hamblin said he took “extreme 
unbelievable exception” to claims that the video caused a hostile work 
environment or that he would retaliate against a staff member who 
complained.

“I am more upset at this moment than I have ever been 
in my entire career and quite possibly in my entire life in this 
community,” Hamblin said.

It’s unusual for an individual board member to issue directives or requests about classroom or staff development materials.

<a href="https://derbyschools.com/district/board_of_education/board_policies" target="_blank">Derby district policies</a>
 say the superintendent has “general supervision of all the schools” and
 is “responsible for managing the schools in compliance with board 
policies.”

District policy also requires any employee with a 
grievance to file a written complaint to their supervisor within 20 
days. If the employee disagrees with the supervisor’s decision, he or 
she can appeal to the superintendent, whose “decision shall be final.”

Superintendent Heather Bohaty has not commented publicly about the video or subsequent apology.

Hamblin’s apology to staff came on the day school board members were slated to consider the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LquYeN0_WcUae9m7_kI0dCRB0ZhEcsX/view" target="_blank">annual renewal of Bohaty’s contract</a>,
 along with those of two assistant superintendents. The board voted 
unanimously Feb. 7 to renew Bohaty’s contract through the 2023-24 school
 year.

Controversy about the video 
centers on its mention of white privilege, a phrase that refers to 
inherent advantages that white people have over people of color on the 
basis of their race.

Concepts such as white privilege and systemic racism have become targets in the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-15/kansas-lawmakers-want-schools-to-post-class-lessons-online-as-a-tool-against-critical-race-theory" target="_blank">battle over critical race theory</a>, which opponents increasingly link to diversity initiatives in schools and workplaces.

In
 the video shared with Derby teachers, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about
 being in a grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks 
white. The sister-in-law writes a check without incident. Immediately 
afterward, DeGruy writes a check and is asked for identification. The 
cashier then checks DeGruy’s license against a list of people who have 
written bad checks.

DeGruy’s sister-in-law speaks up on her behalf, first to the cashier and then the store manager.

“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”

But some critics say conversations about white privilege can make people feel uncomfortable and accelerate racial conflict.

Last fall, Kansas Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, a top Republican on education issues, told a committee she feared that <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2021/10/28/kansas-legislator-argues-critical-race-theory-leads-depression/8582384002/" target="_blank">students “internalizing shame”</a> about racial guilt could lead to more depression among youth.

Watkins, the Derby board member, did not offer specifics about why he thought the video was not appropriate.

“I
 do believe that racial issues exist, not only at DHS but in our 
community. However, I think we have to be very careful how (we) address 
those issues,” Watkins said in an email.

“I do realize some face greater challenges than others on a daily basis, but everyone faces challenges.”

Included among the board emails were several from Derby High School employees voicing support for the principal.

“The
 topic of racism makes people uncomfortable; it should; it is a terrible
 truth in our society, again proven quite clearly on social media,” 
wrote Adam DeVault, director of bands at Derby High School.

“As a 
society if we fail to discuss difficult problems in an educated, civil 
way, we will never find solutions. … Most of the staff viewed the 
training as helpful and necessary.”

Christy Higginbotham, Derby 
High’s school nurse, called Hamblin “the strongest, fairest, most 
conscientious and inclusive leader I’ve ever worked with.”

Another letter was signed by 75 teachers and staff members.

“The
 majority of DHS staff is white and the entire school board is white. If
 we truly believe in the power of education, we must believe in the 
ability to learn empathy and compassion even if we personally have no 
idea what it is like to worry about walking down a street after dark,” 
it says.

“The fact that members of this board felt the need to demand an apology is frankly despicable.”

Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645452417446.png" alt="Suzanne Perez / KMUW " />
 <figcaption>Suzanne Perez / KMUW </figcaption>
 </figure>By SUZANNE PEREZ <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2022-02-20/fallout-from-video-about-white-privilege-roils-derby-school-district">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— A video about racial profiling and 
discrimination was “not appropriate” for students or teachers at Derby 
High School, according to a Derby school board member who requested an 
apology from the principal who showed the video.Emails obtained 
through a Kansas Open Records Act request show that Derby school board 
member Andy Watkins requested the apology, which principal <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-09/a-kansas-principal-shared-a-video-about-speaking-up-against-racism-he-was-ordered-to-apologize" target="_blank">Tim Hamblin issued in an email to staff</a> earlier this month.“I don’t think the community would support that video and the terminology used,” Watkins wrote in an email to Hamblin.“I
 think Derby is a unique place that can look past the color/race of an 
individual and not discount those people by their race, but rather, 
encourage integrity, academic achievement, community and treating others
 as they want to be treated.”In the email, Watkins writes, “My request was only a request of one board member, and not a requirement.”Watkins, who was first elected to the Derby board in 2017, did not return emails or phone calls asking for comment.Last
 week, before releasing the records, Derby school board members met in 
closed session for three hours with their attorney, Calvin Rider.In
 an email that accompanied the records, Rider said: “At no time did the 
Derby Board of Education, any member of the board, Superintendent of 
Schools or other school district leadership require Mr. Hamblin … to 
apologize for the showing of the video in question.”Hamblin, the 
Derby High principal, emailed his staff on Feb. 7, apologizing for 
showing a video during an employee meeting in January.The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf9QBnPK6Yg" target="_blank">four-minute video</a>
 features Black author Joy DeGruy relating a story about being treated 
differently at a grocery store because of her race. A lighter-skinned 
family member “used her white privilege and … pointed out the 
injustice,” DeGruy says in the video.Late last year, some members
 of the Derby High girls basketball team were the target of hurtful 
race-based comments on social media. Coach Dan Harrison shared the same 
video during a meeting with team members in an effort “to help his team 
heal and move on,” Hamblin said in an email.The principal played the video for employees in January so they would know what the students had seen, he said.<h2>‘Biased propaganda’</h2>School board member Jennifer Neel was the first to raise concerns about the video, according to the records obtained by KMUW.In
 a Jan. 26 email to Hamblin and Superintendent Heather Bohaty — subject 
line “White Privilege -DHS” — Neel said she “heard from a couple 
teachers” about the video and wanted more information.“The staff 
that I spoke with explained to me that they felt like it was harassment 
in the workplace, &amp; a push of biased propaganda,” Neel wrote. 
“Ultimately, I think we need to investigate what actually occurred &amp;
 I would like to know where this information is coming from.“Are 
we trying to push this divisive information into our schools? I am 
afraid this is negatively affecting our culture, both staff &amp; 
students.”Reached by phone, Neel declined comment and said all questions should go through the district’s communications department.In
 her initial email to Hamblin, Neel writes, “Side note: I actually had a
 DMS (Derby Middle School) teacher tell me a story about a black teen 
who was acting VERY inappropriate so she corrected him &amp; he told her
 ‘but I am black,’ they went back and forth 2 more times, she asked him 
‘does this normally work for you’ then he giggled &amp; said ‘well most 
of the times it works.’ We have to be careful with the kind of standards
 we are setting.”In subsequent emails to Neel, Hamblin wrote, 
“Every human being is entitled to their opinion and how they choose to 
take things. … I know that what I presented to my staff was completely 
appropriate and justified given what some within the DHS family have 
been dealing with over the last few months.“The claim of biased 
propaganda is nothing more than a deliberate orchestrated attempt to 
create controversy within our school, district, and potentially the 
community at a very difficult time.”Hamblin issued his apology to employees about two weeks after that exchange.“I
 was informed this afternoon that another BOE member wants there to be 
an apology to both staff and students for my actions,” Hamblin said in 
the email to staff.“I apologize to anyone that felt the video or 
its content which referenced white privilege made them feel 
uncomfortable, awkward, harassed, or that it created a hostile work 
environment.”In an email to Neel, Hamblin said he took “extreme 
unbelievable exception” to claims that the video caused a hostile work 
environment or that he would retaliate against a staff member who 
complained.“I am more upset at this moment than I have ever been 
in my entire career and quite possibly in my entire life in this 
community,” Hamblin said.<h2>District protocol</h2>It’s unusual for an individual board member to issue directives or requests about classroom or staff development materials.<a href="https://derbyschools.com/district/board_of_education/board_policies" target="_blank">Derby district policies</a>
 say the superintendent has “general supervision of all the schools” and
 is “responsible for managing the schools in compliance with board 
policies.”District policy also requires any employee with a 
grievance to file a written complaint to their supervisor within 20 
days. If the employee disagrees with the supervisor’s decision, he or 
she can appeal to the superintendent, whose “decision shall be final.”Superintendent Heather Bohaty has not commented publicly about the video or subsequent apology.Hamblin’s apology to staff came on the day school board members were slated to consider the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/12LquYeN0_WcUae9m7_kI0dCRB0ZhEcsX/view" target="_blank">annual renewal of Bohaty’s contract</a>,
 along with those of two assistant superintendents. The board voted 
unanimously Feb. 7 to renew Bohaty’s contract through the 2023-24 school
 year.<h2>White privilege</h2>Controversy about the video 
centers on its mention of white privilege, a phrase that refers to 
inherent advantages that white people have over people of color on the 
basis of their race.Concepts such as white privilege and systemic racism have become targets in the <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-02-15/kansas-lawmakers-want-schools-to-post-class-lessons-online-as-a-tool-against-critical-race-theory" target="_blank">battle over critical race theory</a>, which opponents increasingly link to diversity initiatives in schools and workplaces.In
 the video shared with Derby teachers, DeGruy, who is Black, talks about
 being in a grocery store with her biracial sister-in-law, who looks 
white. The sister-in-law writes a check without incident. Immediately 
afterward, DeGruy writes a check and is asked for identification. The 
cashier then checks DeGruy’s license against a list of people who have 
written bad checks.DeGruy’s sister-in-law speaks up on her behalf, first to the cashier and then the store manager.“So
 you see, she used her white privilege,” DeGruy says. “And even though 
Kathleen is half black and half white, she recognizes what that means, 
and she made the statement. She pointed out the injustice and she, as a 
result of that one act, influenced everyone in that space.”But some critics say conversations about white privilege can make people feel uncomfortable and accelerate racial conflict.Last fall, Kansas Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, a top Republican on education issues, told a committee she feared that <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/education/2021/10/28/kansas-legislator-argues-critical-race-theory-leads-depression/8582384002/" target="_blank">students “internalizing shame”</a> about racial guilt could lead to more depression among youth.Watkins, the Derby board member, did not offer specifics about why he thought the video was not appropriate.“I
 do believe that racial issues exist, not only at DHS but in our 
community. However, I think we have to be very careful how (we) address 
those issues,” Watkins said in an email.“I do realize some face greater challenges than others on a daily basis, but everyone faces challenges.”<h2>Support for Hamblin</h2>Included among the board emails were several from Derby High School employees voicing support for the principal.“The
 topic of racism makes people uncomfortable; it should; it is a terrible
 truth in our society, again proven quite clearly on social media,” 
wrote Adam DeVault, director of bands at Derby High School.“As a 
society if we fail to discuss difficult problems in an educated, civil 
way, we will never find solutions. … Most of the staff viewed the 
training as helpful and necessary.”Christy Higginbotham, Derby 
High’s school nurse, called Hamblin “the strongest, fairest, most 
conscientious and inclusive leader I’ve ever worked with.”Another letter was signed by 75 teachers and staff members.“The
 majority of DHS staff is white and the entire school board is white. If
 we truly believe in the power of education, we must believe in the 
ability to learn empathy and compassion even if we personally have no 
idea what it is like to worry about walking down a street after dark,” 
it says.“The fact that members of this board felt the need to demand an apology is frankly despicable.”Suzanne Perez reports on education for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @SuzPerezICT.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645452514996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Fallout from video about 'white privilege' roils Kan. school district 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A civil lawsuit has been filed over the jail suicide of a Wichita man charged with killing an elderly Army veteran.

KAKE-TV&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that the suit, which was filed Friday, alleges that Sedgwick County commissioners and the sheriff are at fault in the death of 36-year-old Austin Stewart. He was found dead in his cell in&nbsp;May 2019&nbsp;of self-inflicted asphyxiation.

Stewart was&nbsp;charged&nbsp;with first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and theft in the November 2018 beating and asphyxiation death of 88-year-old Floyd Gilbert.

Court records say Gilbert died during an attempted robbery. Stewart and another man apparently targeted Gilbert because they thought he kept cash and guns in a safe in his home.

The suit alleged that Stewart was already on suicide watch following a prior attempt months prior and ended his life “a very short distance from where deputies were stationed. The suit says Stewart’s body was not discovered for over an hour and a half.

A spokesman for the county didn’t immediately respond to an email message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

A release from David Miller, the attorney for Stewart’s estate, does specify damages sought. Stewart previously served time in prison for convictions that include burglary and eluding law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645469890922.png" alt="Stewart-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Stewart-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A civil lawsuit has been filed over the jail suicide of a Wichita man charged with killing an elderly Army veteran.KAKE-TV&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that the suit, which was filed Friday, alleges that Sedgwick County commissioners and the sheriff are at fault in the death of 36-year-old Austin Stewart. He was found dead in his cell in&nbsp;May 2019&nbsp;of self-inflicted asphyxiation.Stewart was&nbsp;charged&nbsp;with first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and theft in the November 2018 beating and asphyxiation death of 88-year-old Floyd Gilbert.Court records say Gilbert died during an attempted robbery. Stewart and another man apparently targeted Gilbert because they thought he kept cash and guns in a safe in his home.The suit alleged that Stewart was already on suicide watch following a prior attempt months prior and ended his life “a very short distance from where deputies were stationed. The suit says Stewart’s body was not discovered for over an hour and a half.A spokesman for the county didn’t immediately respond to an email message from The Associated Press seeking comment.A release from David Miller, the attorney for Stewart’s estate, does specify damages sought. Stewart previously served time in prison for convictions that include burglary and eluding law enforcement.

Lawsuit filed over jailhouse suicide of Kan. man charged with murder

By JANICE ELLIS <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/21/if-you-think-you-are-living-in-a-divided-america-its-nothing-new-opinion/">Courtesy the Missouri Independent</a>

We are the United States of America. At least, that is who we have always claimed to be.

Considering where we are today, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/06/19/public-highly-critical-of-state-of-political-discourse-in-the-u-s/">the state of our public discourse</a>, it begs the questions.

The brazen and hateful divisions playing out in almost every aspect of American life did not just suddenly come about.

Despite our fractured and factious states, we have always managed to 
rise above them, and preserve the things we hold in common and, 
therefore, keep America.

But why do we seem so far apart today, and will our pulling in opposite directions ultimately sink us?

No doubt we have been treading turbulent waters in major areas of American life.

Many of us <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzz.ch/english/the-pandemic-fragmented-society-we-need-to-pull-together-ld.1666408">have become pandemic weary</a>
 during the last two years, having to endure social restrictions, 
unwelcome mandates, vaccine confusion, all levels of illness, loss of 
jobs and businesses, and, of course, more than 900,000 COVID deaths.

We could add that we are battered, tired and worn down by what seems to be entrenched <a target="_blank" href="https://time.com/6109579/state-capital-dysfunction-ohio/">partisan dysfunction in government</a> at nearly every level in a way we have not seen in recent history, with no apparent end in sight.

Then there is the age-old and endemic malady of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/30/fbi-says-hate-crimes-against-asian-and-black-people-rise-in-the-us.html">racial intolerance and racial violence</a>, occurring in the most unsuspecting places for reasons that remind us that we still have not found a lasting cure.

These health, political and social headwinds are further compounded 
by an economy that seems to defy stability and predictability, straining
 our ability to budget and meet today’s needs let alone plan for the 
future — fueling the separation and dog-eat-dog behavior among us.

But these conditions and forces weighing on us as Americans are not 
new. So, why does it seem the nation is in a more vulnerable state than 
ever?

While many of us may be experiencing some of these forces for the 
first time, we would do well to remember that many of our family 
members, and generations before us have gone through similar storms in 
this country, and some would argue even worse.

Previous generations suffered, died, but lived through a very virulent and deadly pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2022/02/02/john-m-barry-what-we-can/">which we could learn from</a>.

Previous generations weathered the Great Depression, two World Wars, 
other foreign wars in Korea, Vietnam, Dessert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, the 
2008 economic collapse and now the still ongoing war against terrorism.

The nation survived the greatest divisive threat to its very existence of all, the Civil War.

No doubt, all Americans were not on one accord in how those 
challenges were handled. But there were enough Americans willing to put 
aside personal beliefs and differences, become united and pull together 
in the same direction. The nation prevailed.

Some disunity has always been with us and always will be. But we can 
continue to coexist amid our differences, and not only survive but 
thrive.

But where is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vox.com/2016/2/17/11030876/political-will-definition">our collective will</a> to continue to move America forward in the same direction as a nation?

Is our collective will just sick and tired, or is it drowning in a sea of self-destruction?

In today’s environment, it certainly seems hard to diagnose the state
 and condition of our collective will to work together to preserve and 
build upon what is good about America and the way of life it affords.

It certainly isn’t readily evident when we survey the discord occurring in most aspects of our public lives.

Even the things we seem to agree on, organize around and work 
together for are those things that further divide us into hard camps, 
pulling us in opposing directions. We are either pro or anti vaccine; 
pro or anti-immigration; pro reasonable gun control measures or anti-gun
 control; pro voter rights or pro voter suppression.

We don’t seem interested in finding common ground.

We cannot even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/07/22/americans-struggles-with-truth-accuracy-and-accountability/">agree upon what is truth and what is a lie</a>,
 and we have organized around one or the other. The greatest example 
today, of course, is the two camps that seem to be intransigent about 
the 2020 Presidential election, one believing it was fair, and the other
 believing it was fraudulent.

The discordant list goes on and in critical area that undermine the 
unity that is needed to help this nation survive many of its current 
challenges and achieve stability.

What <a target="_blank" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/201910/can-polarized-american-politics-find-the-middle-way">will it take</a> for us to realize that we are in this boat together and we need to rally around our collective wellbeing?

Certainly, not another foreign attack on our own soil like 9/11 or 
something worse to make us realize that we have come too far as a nation
 — through good times, bad times, terrible times, terrific times — to 
allow superficial, prideful, selfish, self-serving priorities to 
undermine the greater good.

Whether in marriage, friendship, or work, it is often difficult to 
remember the good when difficulties arise. We become too willing to 
disavow, dismantle, walk away, destroy something that is inherently 
good, worth saving and ultimately in our best interest.

This seems to be where we are as we have hit some strong gale winds blowing against the American way of life.

Are we going to do what we can to navigate the storms and not wade or
 sail in directions that could ultimately sink this great nation?

We seem to be rowing in opposite directions as we struggle to chart 
the future course for America. But at our core, we forget that we are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/supersurvivors/201804/are-there-really-two-americas">more together</a> than apart.

And when tested, as we are today — and as we have been in the past — 
it was our core and collective will that enabled us to rise from the 
muck and mire, and it kept us from drowning.

Will there be enough of us willing to get our bearing and row in the 
same direction, once again, to make sure America remains a safe harbor?

Janice Ellis has lived and worked in Missouri for more than three decades, analyzing educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status. Her commentary has appeared in The Kansas City Star, community newspapers, on radio and now online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645472554759.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JANICE ELLIS <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/21/if-you-think-you-are-living-in-a-divided-america-its-nothing-new-opinion/">Courtesy the Missouri Independent</a>We are the United States of America. At least, that is who we have always claimed to be.But are we? Have we ever been?Considering where we are today, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/06/19/public-highly-critical-of-state-of-political-discourse-in-the-u-s/">the state of our public discourse</a>, it begs the questions.The brazen and hateful divisions playing out in almost every aspect of American life did not just suddenly come about.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Despite our fractured and factious states, we have always managed to 
rise above them, and preserve the things we hold in common and, 
therefore, keep America.But why do we seem so far apart today, and will our pulling in opposite directions ultimately sink us?No doubt we have been treading turbulent waters in major areas of American life.Many of us <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzz.ch/english/the-pandemic-fragmented-society-we-need-to-pull-together-ld.1666408">have become pandemic weary</a>
 during the last two years, having to endure social restrictions, 
unwelcome mandates, vaccine confusion, all levels of illness, loss of 
jobs and businesses, and, of course, more than 900,000 COVID deaths.We could add that we are battered, tired and worn down by what seems to be entrenched <a target="_blank" href="https://time.com/6109579/state-capital-dysfunction-ohio/">partisan dysfunction in government</a> at nearly every level in a way we have not seen in recent history, with no apparent end in sight.Then there is the age-old and endemic malady of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/30/fbi-says-hate-crimes-against-asian-and-black-people-rise-in-the-us.html">racial intolerance and racial violence</a>, occurring in the most unsuspecting places for reasons that remind us that we still have not found a lasting cure.These health, political and social headwinds are further compounded 
by an economy that seems to defy stability and predictability, straining
 our ability to budget and meet today’s needs let alone plan for the 
future — fueling the separation and dog-eat-dog behavior among us.But these conditions and forces weighing on us as Americans are not 
new. So, why does it seem the nation is in a more vulnerable state than 
ever?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645472616401.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While many of us may be experiencing some of these forces for the 
first time, we would do well to remember that many of our family 
members, and generations before us have gone through similar storms in 
this country, and some would argue even worse.Previous generations suffered, died, but lived through a very virulent and deadly pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2022/02/02/john-m-barry-what-we-can/">which we could learn from</a>.Previous generations weathered the Great Depression, two World Wars, 
other foreign wars in Korea, Vietnam, Dessert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, the 
2008 economic collapse and now the still ongoing war against terrorism.The nation survived the greatest divisive threat to its very existence of all, the Civil War.No doubt, all Americans were not on one accord in how those 
challenges were handled. But there were enough Americans willing to put 
aside personal beliefs and differences, become united and pull together 
in the same direction. The nation prevailed.Some disunity has always been with us and always will be. But we can 
continue to coexist amid our differences, and not only survive but 
thrive.But where is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vox.com/2016/2/17/11030876/political-will-definition">our collective will</a> to continue to move America forward in the same direction as a nation?Is our collective will just sick and tired, or is it drowning in a sea of self-destruction?In today’s environment, it certainly seems hard to diagnose the state
 and condition of our collective will to work together to preserve and 
build upon what is good about America and the way of life it affords.It certainly isn’t readily evident when we survey the discord occurring in most aspects of our public lives.Even the things we seem to agree on, organize around and work 
together for are those things that further divide us into hard camps, 
pulling us in opposing directions. We are either pro or anti vaccine; 
pro or anti-immigration; pro reasonable gun control measures or anti-gun
 control; pro voter rights or pro voter suppression.We don’t seem interested in finding common ground.We cannot even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/07/22/americans-struggles-with-truth-accuracy-and-accountability/">agree upon what is truth and what is a lie</a>,
 and we have organized around one or the other. The greatest example 
today, of course, is the two camps that seem to be intransigent about 
the 2020 Presidential election, one believing it was fair, and the other
 believing it was fraudulent.The discordant list goes on and in critical area that undermine the 
unity that is needed to help this nation survive many of its current 
challenges and achieve stability.What <a target="_blank" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/201910/can-polarized-american-politics-find-the-middle-way">will it take</a> for us to realize that we are in this boat together and we need to rally around our collective wellbeing?Certainly, not another foreign attack on our own soil like 9/11 or 
something worse to make us realize that we have come too far as a nation
 — through good times, bad times, terrible times, terrific times — to 
allow superficial, prideful, selfish, self-serving priorities to 
undermine the greater good.Whether in marriage, friendship, or work, it is often difficult to 
remember the good when difficulties arise. We become too willing to 
disavow, dismantle, walk away, destroy something that is inherently 
good, worth saving and ultimately in our best interest.This seems to be where we are as we have hit some strong gale winds blowing against the American way of life.Are we going to do what we can to navigate the storms and not wade or
 sail in directions that could ultimately sink this great nation?We seem to be rowing in opposite directions as we struggle to chart 
the future course for America. But at our core, we forget that we are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/supersurvivors/201804/are-there-really-two-americas">more together</a> than apart.And when tested, as we are today — and as we have been in the past — 
it was our core and collective will that enabled us to rise from the 
muck and mire, and it kept us from drowning.Will there be enough of us willing to get our bearing and row in the 
same direction, once again, to make sure America remains a safe harbor?Janice Ellis has lived and worked in Missouri for more than three decades, analyzing educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status. Her commentary has appeared in The Kansas City Star, community newspapers, on radio and now online.&nbsp;

OPINION: If you think you are living in a divided America, it’s nothing new

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/21/two-teachers-school-board-member-wary-of-proposed-k-12-legislation-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Classroom teacher Michael Rebne has a sense of foreboding 
about a series of bills percolating in the Kansas Legislature to reform 
of the K-12 public education system.

He’s taken note of Kansas and Senate bills that restrain teachers 
from nimbly adjusting a student’s approach to learning, funnel tax 
dollars to private schools, abandon child vaccination programs, dive 
into critical race theory, incentivize teachers to boost student test 
scores, label library books for violent or sexual content, and allow 
virtual or homeschool students participate in public school sports and 
extracurricular activities.

“I feel like it’s targeted against public schools and educators to 
make us feel marginalized, to make us feel vulnerable, to make us feel 
distrusted,” said Rebne, a teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas, district.
 “And, ultimately, to I think that the end goal there for the right is 
to dismantle public schools.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645456692352.png" alt="Michael Rebne, a teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas, public school district, appears at a Feb. 15, 2022, rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Rebne joined a school board member from Topeka and a classroom teacher from Tonganoxie on the Kansas Reflector podcast to talk about sweeping K-12 education reform proposed by lawmakers. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Rebne, a teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas, public school district, appears at a Feb. 15, 2022, rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Rebne joined a school board member from Topeka and a classroom teacher from Tonganoxie on the Kansas Reflector podcast to talk about sweeping K-12 education reform proposed by lawmakers. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/02/21/two-teachers-school-board-member-wary-of-proposed-k-12-legislation-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Classroom teacher Michael Rebne has a sense of foreboding 
about a series of bills percolating in the Kansas Legislature to reform 
of the K-12 public education system.He’s taken note of Kansas and Senate bills that restrain teachers 
from nimbly adjusting a student’s approach to learning, funnel tax 
dollars to private schools, abandon child vaccination programs, dive 
into critical race theory, incentivize teachers to boost student test 
scores, label library books for violent or sexual content, and allow 
virtual or homeschool students participate in public school sports and 
extracurricular activities.“I feel like it’s targeted against public schools and educators to 
make us feel marginalized, to make us feel vulnerable, to make us feel 
distrusted,” said Rebne, a teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas, district.
 “And, ultimately, to I think that the end goal there for the right is 
to dismantle public schools.”Rebne said there were bills introduced in the Legislature that 
appeared to be attempts to pick on poor students and students of color. 
That kind of politics is reason enough for educators to be politically 
active, he said.He joined Tonganoxie middle school teacher Kathy Harrell and Shawnee 
Heights school board member Lauren Tice Miller on the Kansas Reflector 
podcast to offer their perspective on education issues one month in to 
the 2022 session.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1219662631&color=%232b7fb4&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/the-state-of-education-in-kansas" title="The state of public education in Kansas" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">The state of public education in Kansas</a></div></div><h2>Uneasy with vilification</h2>Harrell said tone of the discussion on education policy at the 
Capitol indicated the point was to indict teachers devoting themselves 
to educating more than 400,000 public school students in Kansas. Some 
bills and some rhetoric reads like attempts to vilify public school 
educators, she said.“The vast majority of us are people that truly care about our 
communities, that care about our students,” she said. “We really do have
 the best interests of our students at heart. You know, ask us directly 
what’s going on. We would appreciate that courtesy.”Harrell said there was no groundswell of parent or community demands 
for an overhaul of Kansas’ public education system. She said she’d never
 been personally approached by a parent questioning her approach to 
teaching history.Tice Miller, who also works as a lobbyist with the Kansas National 
Education Association, said lawmakers won’t get a clear picture of 
what’s going on in the state’s public schools without hearing from a 
range of teachers and administrators. Legislative work typically occurs 
Monday through Friday, days when classes are in session in schools. It’s
 difficult for educators, students and parents to participate in the 
process, she said.“If you truly want an opportunity to hear from teachers and parents have a hearing on a Saturday,” she said.Tice Miller said an example of inhibiting parent and teacher 
involvement in the legislation process was borne out at hearings on a 
proposed parental bill of rights covering access to information about a 
school or a child’s educational curriculum, examinations and reading 
materials and a teacher’s professional development initiatives. Pending 
legislation shreds emphasis on getting children vaccinated, but impose 
new costly requirements for school district websites that catalog 
information about all instructional materials potentially shared with 
students.She said a House committee allowed supporters of the reform bill to 
divide 30 minutes of testimony among three supporters of the bill. 
However, opponents of the legislation had 2 minutes each. Ironically, 
she said, the bill would require school boards accommodate a member of 
the public who wanted to speak during meetings. School boards have open 
comment periods at meetings, she said, but a House chairwoman opted to 
silence critics.“There’s a belief that there’s secrecy and that things are being 
taught in the classroom that aren’t actually being taught,” Tice Miller 
said.<h2>Test score bonuses</h2>Legislation pending in Topeka would require teachers to publish 
online references to books and other materials used to teach students.“It would require teachers to publish all of their items before the 
beginning of school and not deviate from it because of the fear of 
litigation or penalty of having their funding stripped,” Tice Miller 
said. We think there would be a severe chilling effect, because teachers
 wouldn’t be able to be spontaneous in the classroom.”Harrell said questions were justifiably raised about a bill that 
would covert about $50 million targeted at at-risk students to teacher 
bonuses based on student improvement on academic subjects. How could you
 equitably give that money out? How do you assess a kindergartener? And 
it certainly does not reflect why we go into education.”“No one goes into education to get rich,” Harrell said. “That’s such 
an oversimplified view of what teaching is. It certainly does not 
reflect why we go into education. what education is about.”Rebne said compensation research showed teacher bonuses didn’t result
 in higher student achievement. It would, he said,&nbsp; demoralize teachers 
and put them in a position of competition rather than collaboration 
necessary to deliver an education to students.“It would ultimately hurt students of color the most who have the 
most historically to lose and the most bias against them when it comes 
to these standardized tests,” Rebne said.<h2>Pandemic teaching</h2>Rebne said the legislative push against public education in 2022 
followed two years of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted in-person 
instruction, triggered conflict over masks and vaccinations, and led to 
shortages of substitute teachers. It’s required all in public education 
to be flexible and adaptive, he said.“A lot of teachers have been talking seriously about leaving the profession — leaving the profession permanently,” he said.Harrell and her husband both teach school, and they’ve concluded 
working in the education system amid the pandemic has been like learning
 to fly a plane while in the air.“I think we have risen to the occasion,” she said. “And, for the most part, you know, got through the best we could.”Tice Miller said the two years had been full of stress for school 
board members responsible for making district decisions about the 
coronavirus. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for students, staff and 
teachers, she said.“When the when the pandemic first started, teachers were hailed as 
the heroes,” Tice Miller said. “Then there was a period of time when the
 the narrative shifted a little bit and the attitude changed. People 
started, you know, directing their frustrations towards school board 
members and and towards our teachers. And quickly we were seeing our 
teachers becoming the villains.”