We are very disappointed that the governor and legislative leaders keep using the “in the classroom” argument, though it has been rejected by the two efficiency commissions that looked at it. It is being used to cast doubt on the need for school funding and is irresponsible.

“Brownback has previously complained that districts aren’t spending 65 percent of their operating budgets in the classroom, a goal once championed by the founder of Overstock.com.

“But there is no research showing a relationship between the 65 percent threshold and improved student outcomes. Even a school efficiency task force that Brownback created concluded the goal was arbitrary and had ‘no science’ behind it.

“But Brownback’s complaints aren’t really about improving outcomes. They are about raising doubts about district spending so the state has an excuse to keep shortchanging schools.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article52538035.html