See this infographic and explanation from Kansas Center for Economic Growth. “Wichita’s Superintendent, John Allison, wrote over the weekend that successful public schools are vital to the economic future of our state. “While proponents of reduced K12 funding through block grants argue that more money needs to go to the classroom, Superintendent Allison points out that 88% of Wichita’s dollars go to direct support of students and schools. In fact, as our chart illustrates, 87% of K12 funding in Kansas goes toward instruction and support services.”...
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Kansas Constitution public education provisions
As we talk about Kansas public education and whether current funding levels are constitutional, it’s helpful to look at the actual Kansas Constitution. Here are the relevant portions dealing with public education. We note particularly the reason for schools in §1 being “intellectual, educational, vocational, and scientific improvement” and the requirement in §6 that the legislature make suitable provision for the finance of public education. Article 6.–EDUCATION § 1: Schools and related institutions and activities. The legislature shall provide for intellectual, educational, vocational and scientific improvement by establishing and maintaining public schools, educational institutions and related activities which...
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Leave a Comment KCUR podcast on Gannon case and school finance
This is a very informative podcast about school finance in Kansas. As we listened to the broadcast, we thought there was a question raised about whether anything could harm the big 3 districts in Johnson County. We would like to offer that while districts throughout the state are feeling budget constraints differently, JOCO districts are also feeling the pressures of insufficient funding to fully meet the educational needs of northeast Kansans. JOCO districts have made difficult budget decisions while facing increasing numbers of students, increasing percentages of English Language Learners and students receiving free and reduced lunch and...
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Leave a Comment Rep. Ryckman, Jr. questions district funding needs
Rep. Ryckman, Jr. doesn’t seem to think the funding our school districts seek is necessary. “Rep. Ron Ryckman Jr., head of the House’s budget panel, said Kansans should ask questions of their local school boards to understand whether tax increases are justified. “’I think that’s where a lot of the scrutiny needs to come — at the local level and how the school boards are spending the money,’ said Ryckman, R-Olathe. “We can’t control that. We allocate money to a school board, and they decide how much goes to administration, how much goes to the teacher, how much...
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