KASB has provided an analysis of the block grant bill, including tables and charts for individual districts and a fact sheet. This information is helpful for countering “information from some quarters that schools are receiving significant funding increases.”

KASB explains, “But remember this important caveat: Even the tight funding envisioned by SB 7 has yet to be approved and is dependent upon the Legislature approving some kind of tax increase when the wrap up session starts April 29.

“The new data shows that state operating aid per pupil, adjusted for inflation, will increase less than 2 percent over a five-year period…Even adding local option and pension dollars, the per pupil increase during that time period would be 3.3 percent.

“Total dollars available to schools when local sources are figured will increase 8.6 percent from 2011 to 2017 under SB 7. That figures out to about a 1.7 percent annual increase.

“And it should be noted, the increases within SB 7 fall behind the needs of Kansas’ changing student population.

“As of last year, 50.3 percent of Kansas students qualified for free or reduced-price lunches.That is up from 45.6 percent in 2010 and 32.2 percent in 2000.

“And the percentage of students requiring English Language Learner programs has doubled since 2005.

“In addition, in the last seven years, the number of homeless students in Kansas schools has nearly tripled, from approximately 3,500 students to more than 10,300 students,

“Studies have shown that students in these circumstances require additional instruction and assistance in order to meet standards for success.”

Read more and find the links here: http://www.kasb.org/wcm/_NB/15/NB0414a.aspx