With the future of Kansas schools now under review by the state Supreme Court for a second time, concerns about schools closing and district funds running out are high.
Now, hundreds of Kansas teachers are choosing to get paid up front in case of a shutdown.
41 Action News contacted the largest school districts in the Metro area to determine how many teachers have requested to opt for lump sum payments.
Blue Valley was still sorting through their numbers.
Olathe received 190 requests. In years past, the district averaged 160 requests.
Shawnee Mission received 658 requests. In years past, the district averaged 200 requests.
KCK received 798 requests. Last year the district received five requests.
“I think that fear comes from those broken promises, on the part of the governor and legislator. It just keeps happening again and again, so naturally people are trying to do what's best for their families,” said Marcus Baltzell, a spokesman for the Kansas National Education Association.
The KNEA represents 25,000 educators in Kansas.
"We recommend teachers make their own personal decisions," Baltzell said.
School districts in Kansas have already set aside money to cover the salaries of teachers and employees for the end of this contract year, according to Baltzell.
"As far as this year is concerned, there should be no concern," he said.
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Ariel Rothfield can be reached at Ariel.Rothfield@KSHB.com.
