School funding is difficult and complex, and different communities face different challenges. Be conscious of districts that can’t pass bond issues when you hear about rising “unencumbered” balances. Sometimes districts are saving for capital projects.

“Although most states help pay for some construction costs, almost half, including Kansas, pay less than 10 percent.

“That means that, for the most part, districts in those states are at the mercy of voters to finance capital projects, such as building new schools and making major renovations to existing ones.

“Affluent communities with a strong tax base can borrow money and pass bond measures, while low-wealth districts — particularly in rural areas — struggle to do so.”
https://www.kcur.org/…/school-building-upkeep-left-local-ta…

Originally posted to Facebook on 04/22/2019.