The future of school funding is once again in the hands of the Kansas Supreme Court.
State attorneys tried to persuade justices Tuesday that a new school funding formula lawmakers passed and the governor signed into law last month is adequate. However, they were met with skepticism by some justices.
“This just looks like deja vu all over again,” Justice Dan Biles said.
The new funding formula, SB 19, adds about $488 million to education funding over the next two years.
King arguing new school funding formula makes sure school districts use at-risk money for at-risk students. Again, justices seem skeptical
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) July 18, 2017
“There’s a lot of new money going into the system,” Stephen McAllister, state solicited general, told the justices, adding that the new plan is “vastly improved” and better targets at-risk students.
“The education process is always a work in progress,” he said.
Alan Rupe, representative for four school districts who sued Kansas in 2010, disagreed.
He argued, using a recommendation from the state Board of Education, that lawmakers need to add $893 million more over the next two years in order for the formula to be adequate.
Rupe: with new formula, state funded about $600 million less than what state board suggested @41actionnews
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) July 18, 2017
“If you give a headscarf to some districts, other districts don’t catch up,” Rupe said.
The new school funding formula is set to go into effect while the justices deliberate so schools can start on time.
